Areal 3D analysis of surface texture gives more opportunities than a study of 2D profiles. Surface topography evaluation, considered as 3D dimensional analysis in micro or nanoscales, plays an important role in many fields of science and life. Among many texture parameters, those connected with height are the most often used. However, there are many other parameters and functions that can provide additional important information regarding functional behaviour of surfaces in different applications. The knowledge about the functional importance of various surface properties is low. This review tries to fill this gap. Surface texture parameters are presented in various groups: height, spatial, hybrid, functional, feature, and others. Based on experiences of the present authors and literature review, the relationships among various surface parameters and functional properties are described. A proposal of a selection of parameters on the basis of their functional significations is provided. Considerations for future challenges are addressed.

This work is focused on the issue of non-measured points – one of the most important problems in surface texture measurements using optical methods. The fundamental aim of this research is to analyse errors of surface texture measurements caused by the presence of non-measured points. This study is divided into two parts. In the first part, circles with non-measured points were artificially created on peak portions of measured surfaces. In the second part – the results of measurement by a Talysurf CCI Lite interferometer were analysed. A measurement area of 3.3 × 3.3 mm contained 1024 × 1024 points. The measurements were performed with different intensity of light. Changes of parameters regarding the analysed errors depended on a surface type. The following parameters are susceptible to errors: skewnessSsk, areal material ratioSmr, as well as the following feature parameters:Spd, Sda, Sdv, ShaandShv. Inaccuracies of measurement in valley parts of two-process textures led usually to larger errors of parameter computations compared with deviations in peak portions.

Wear tests were conducted using a ball-on-disc tester. In the experiment, 42CrMo4 steel disc of hardness 40 HRC was put in contact with 100Cr6 steel ball of 6.35 mm diameter. Hardness of ball was 60 HRC. Disc samples were created using vapor blasting and/or lapping techniques in order to obtain one-process and two-process isotropic surfaces. Dry and lubricated tests were carried out. During tests, the friction force was monitored as a function of time. Wear of discs and balls was measured after the test using white light interferometer. Under dry friction conditions, two batches of tests were performed. In order to decrease variation of the experimental results, during tests the wear debris was continuously removed from the disc surface. Tests under starved lubrication conditions were carried out using L-AN 46 oil. One drop of oil was supplied into the inlet side of the contact zone. It was shown that beneficial effects of two-process surfaces on tribological behavior of sliding pairs depended on the operating conditions.

The effect of cylinder liners on engine performance is substantial. Typically, the cylinder surfaces were plateau honed. However, recently additional dimples or grooves were created on them. This work discusses the tribological impacts of textured cylinder liner surfaces based on a review of the literature. The results of the experimental research obtained using test rigs and fired engines were critically reviewed. In addition, the results of the modeling are shown. Circular oil pockets and grooves perpendicular to the sliding direction of piston rings of small depths were typically used. Surface texturing of the cylinder liners governs lubrication between the cylinder liner and the piston ring by an increase in oil film thickness near the reversal points leading to reductions in friction force and wear and in the fired engine to a decrease in fuel consumption and to an increase in power or torque. The correct texturing pattern ensures a decrease in the oil consumption, blow-by, and emissions of the internal combustion engine compared to plateau-honed surfaces. Considerations of future challenges are also addressed. The volume of lubricant reservoir in surface topography, called oil capacity, should be a substantial parameter characterizing textured surfaces.