Surface metrology is the science of measuring small-scale features on surfaces, and is related to Metrology. Surface roughness is the parameter most commonly associated with the field. Surface metrology is important to many disciplines including: In classical physics and engineering, measurement is the the result of comparing physical quantities of objects, relations (e. ... Metrology is the science and process of ensuring that a measurement meets specified degrees of both accuracy and precision. ... Roughness or rugosity is a measurement (see surface metrology) of the small-scale variations in the height of a physical surface. ...

• Tribology
• Fluid Mechanics, especially Boundary layer theory.
• Machining, Rolling and other Manufacturing
• Optics

An instrument known as a profilometer often is used to measure a small-scale profile of the surface. These traditionally used a stylus and worked much like a phonograph. Newer versions often employ optical interferometry. Tribology is the science and technology of friction, lubrication, and wear, derived from the Greek tribo meaning I rub. Formally defined, it is the science and technology of interacting surfaces in relative motion and all practices related thereto. ... Fluid mechanics or fluid dynamics is the study of the macroscopic physical behaviour of fluids . ... In physics and fluid mechanics, the boundary layer is that layer of fluid in the immediate vicinity of a bounding surface. ... A lathe is a common tool used in machining. ... Rolling is a fabricating process in which the metal, plastic, paper, glass, etc. ... This article needs to be cleaned up to conform to a higher standard of quality. ... See also list of optical topics. ... Styli used in writing in the Fourteenth Century. ... It has been suggested that Direct-drive_turntable be merged into this article or section. ... Interferometry is the applied science of combining two or more input points of a particular data type, such as optical measurements, to form a greater picture based on the combination of the two sources. ...

Parameters used to describe surfaces include:

• Ra, Roughness Average (Absolue value of the surface height averaged over the surface)
• Rq, Root Mean Square (RMS) Roughness
• Rv, Maximum Profile Valley Depth
• Rp, Maximum Profile Peak Height
• Rt, Maximum Height of the Profile (Rv+Rt)
• Sm, Mean Peak Spacing
• la, Average Wavelength
• lq, RMS Average Wavelength
• Da, Average Slope
• Dq, RMS Average Slope
• lr, Profile Length Ratio
• Rsk, Skewness
• Rku, Kurtosis

External Link

PDI Surface Metrology Guide