Fractal or fiction

Fractal properties of surfaces have been explored by many investigators. Most have concluded that fractal characterisation is useful. This note questions the philosophy of using fractals to describe and control engineering surfaces. It concludes that the benefits are more virtual than real. The functional significance of fractal parameters is also examined and the overall question arises as to whether scale invariant parameters are appropriate. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.