A HISTORY OF RESEARCH ON SURFACE TEXTURE EFFECTS

A historical survey of surface texture effects ranging from pipe flow roughness factors to molecular roughness concepts is presented. Both metallic and elastomeric contact problems have been discussed and reviewed, with perhaps more emphasis on the elastomer-rigid surface interaction. Techniques for measuring surface features are classified according to whether the scale of roughness lies in the macro- or micro-roughness ranges, and the methods are tabulated. Evaluation of the profile which results from these techniques may be statistical or mathematical or both. One-parameter modeling of surface features is reviewed and its deficiencies noted, and a summary of improved three-parameter representation is given in tabular form. It is suggested that at least five parameters are required to uniquely and completely specify surface features in the general case. The effects of texture design on adhesion, hysteresis, lubrication and squeeze films are given, and the subject of macro-elastohydrodynamics has received special emphasis. Finally, the inherent requirements for randomness in surfaces is discussed briefly. © 1969.