Multifractal analysis of metallic surface structure changes during mechanical treatment

The interrelationship between the mechanical properties of molybdenum wires ann their surface defect statistics is discussed on the basis of an inform ational-theoretical interpretation of multifractal formalism? which enables the introduction of indices relating to the degree of order and uniformity of defect structures. A simple practical algorithm of multifractal paramet erisation of plane structures is described. The indices calculated are rela ted to the mechanical properties measured. A very good linear correlation b etween uniformity index ann mechanical properties is obtained. The deviatio ns of the index corresponding to the degree order from the linear correlati on with mechanical properties is explained by the influence of a step by, s tep surface treatment. The indices of uniformity and degree of order togeth er with the relative maximum surface defect size, provide additional inform ation about the surface roughness and their use gives extra opportunities f or optimisation of the surface treatment.