Multiphysics models were used to simulate the deformational characteristics experienced by paper under metering blades. Paper is found to slip microscopically at the backing roll interface and subsequently buckle either side of the blade during metering operations. Micro-slippage of the paper at the interface is a linear function of the separation height incurred during buckling. The effects of altering the static coefficient of friction as well as the properties of the backing roll material are studied. Increasing the coefficient of static friction reduces the extent of buckling while a non-linear relationship is found to arise on increasing the elastic modulus of the backing roll material. The mechanisms involved in micro-buckling deformation are explicated herein. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.