Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
mean surface roughness
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "mean surface roughness" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in technical or scientific contexts, particularly in engineering and materials science, to describe the average roughness of a surface. Example: "The mean surface roughness of the machined part was measured to ensure it met the required specifications."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
46 human-written examples
Ra is the arithmetic mean surface roughness in nanometers.
Science
The mean surface roughness was measured to be ~70.00 nm.
Science
The ZnO film thickness is proportional to the mean surface roughness of the film.
Science
Essentially the PSD describes the mean surface roughness at each length scale in a given image.
Science
The mean surface roughness increased for the treated samples in the order of N < He < H.
The number of pores and the mean surface roughness increased along with the annealing temperature.
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
14 human-written examples
Fig. 8 Average surface roughness (Sa) mean values in micrometre across the four groups.
Science
Columns 3 and 4 of Table1 present the changes in average surface roughness and root mean square surface roughness values of several random areas in all samples with change in the angular positions.
Based on the fact that the grain size was reduced by increasing the angles, a decline in amount of the average surface roughness and root mean square surface roughness was also observed in measured values by increasing the angle.
The root mean square average surface roughness (Ra) changed from 5.82 nm (FEP) to 13.60 nm (FEP-PAAc) and 11.74 nm (FEP-PAAc-Hp).
The root mean square surface roughness (R q ), the surface roughness (R a ), the mean ( left overline{Z}right), ) media (Z 1/2), mode (Z mp ) and range (R t ) heights, the maximum valley depth (R mvd ), the maximum peak height (R mph ), skewness (R sk ) and kurtosis (R ku ) are used to quantify surface roughness.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When describing surface characteristics in technical reports, always specify the measurement method used to determine the "mean surface roughness" (e.g., AFM, profilometry) to ensure reproducibility and comparability of results.
Common error
Avoid using "mean surface roughness" (Ra) and root mean square roughness (Rms) interchangeably. Ra represents the arithmetic average of the absolute values of the surface deviations, while Rms is the square root of the mean of the squared values. They provide different, though related, information about surface topography.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "mean surface roughness" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object in a sentence. It quantifies the texture of a surface. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in technical contexts.
Frequent in
Science
100%
Less common in
News & Media
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "mean surface roughness" is a commonly used and grammatically sound term, primarily within scientific and technical fields, to quantify surface texture. Ludwig AI analysis and real-world examples confirm its accurate usage and importance. The analysis highlights the importance of clarifying measurement techniques. Keep in mind that alternatives such as "average surface roughness" and "root mean square roughness" may be considered in different contexts. Remember to distinguish Ra from Rms in technical writing.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
average surface roughness
This is a direct synonym, replacing "mean" with "average".
arithmetic mean roughness
Specifies the type of mean being used, which is often the arithmetic mean.
average roughness
Simplifies the phrase by removing "surface", implying it.
roughness average
Reorders the words slightly while retaining the same meaning.
surface texture
Refers to the overall characteristics of a surface including roughness.
surface finish
Indicates the degree of smoothness or roughness of a surface after processing.
root mean square roughness
Uses a different statistical measure of surface variation.
surface irregularity
Describes the deviations from a perfectly smooth surface.
texture height
Refers to the vertical deviations of a real surface from its ideal form.
surface profile
Describes the two-dimensional representation of the surface roughness.
FAQs
What is the definition of "mean surface roughness"?
"Mean surface roughness" (Ra) is the arithmetic average of the absolute values of the surface height deviations measured from the mean line. It's a common parameter used to characterize surface texture.
How is "mean surface roughness" measured?
The "mean surface roughness" is typically measured using techniques such as stylus profilometry or atomic force microscopy (AFM). These methods quantify the height variations on the surface.
What's the difference between "mean surface roughness" and "root mean square roughness"?
"Mean surface roughness" (Ra) calculates the arithmetic average height deviations, while "root mean square roughness" (Rq or Rms) calculates the square root of the mean of the squared height deviations. Rq is more sensitive to large peaks and valleys.
What are some other terms used to describe the concept of "mean surface roughness"?
Alternatives include "average surface roughness", arithmetic average roughness, or simply surface roughness. The specific choice may depend on the context and the desired level of detail.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested