Abstract
One of the remarkable achievements of nanotechnology is the ability to achieve nanometre surface finishes in ultra-precision machining of high-precision components for complex optical surfaces. However, the achievement of a super mirror finish in many current industrial applications still relies on the experience and skills of a machine operator through expensive trial and error approach when new materials and new machine tools are used. A better understanding of the surface generation mechanisms is of prime importance for the development of deterministic surface topography model for the prediction of the surface roughness. This paper presents a review of mechanisms of nano-surface generation in ultra-precision machining for various types of materials. Hence, the modelling and simulation of nano-surface generation in ultra-precision machining are discussed.
