A three-dimensional model of electromechanically coupled poroelastic systems is developed, and general two-dimensional solutions are found for the case of an isotropic, homogeneous biphasic layer of finite thickness. All processes are assumed to be governed by a linearized theory. Limitations of the model are discussed both in terms of mathematical considerations and with regard to application of the model to articular cartilage. The solid displacement, fluid velocity, stress, and the electrical current density and potential within the layer are predicted for boundary conditions representing:​

• electrical to mechanical transduction, with potential or current stimulation;​
• mechanical to electrical transduction, with and without fluid flow normal to the tissue surface;​ and,
• an electrically driven mixed boundary value problem with intervals of pre scribed displacements and intervals of prescribed stress.

The general solutions for the case with zero current density are interpreted physically. Numerical solutions for the fields are obtained for all three cases, with a special algorithm presented for the rapid solution of the third case. Asymptotic solutions are found for the first two cases in the short-wave (infinite-depth) and long-wave (one dimensional) limits, and are found to agree with the numerical solutions. Numerical solutions are found in the long-wave limit of the first case with boundary conditions that correspond to those of experiments in the literature. The theoretical predictions are in good agreement with the data when parameter values from the literature are used. Such agreement is also shown in the long-wave limit of the second case. The results of all cases are interpreted in terms of the feasibility of an electrokinetic surface probe for measuring the electromechanical properties of biphasic materials such as articular cartilage. It is found that material properties can be inferred for depths on the order of the imposed wavelength or the diffusion boundary layer thickness (whichever is smaller) when surface stress and potential are measured as a function of frequency, wavelength, and the amplitudes (at the surface) of the vertical current and displacement.