The use of vectors for defining the three-dimensional texture and asymmetric directionality of turned specimens

Abstract The authors consider that existing two-dimensional surface parameters (calculated using stylus profilometry techniques) are inadequate for describing engineering surfaces when the three-dimensional nature of an engineering surface also affects the functional performance. This paper proposes a definition of three-dimensional surface texture in terms of lay, directionality and anisotropy. The authors propose a novel technique developed from image processing technology, which uses vectors, to describe these three-dimensional surface properties. The proposed technique is validated via analysis of a series of turned surfaces.