The United States now spends approximately $115 billion annually to perform its metal removal tasks using conventional machining technology. Of this total amount, about $14 billion is invested in the aerospace and associated industries. It becomes clear that metal removal technology is a very important candidate for rigorous investigation looking toward improvement of produc- tivity within the manufacturing system. To aid in this endeavor, work has begun to establish a new scientific and technical base that will provide prin- ciples upon which manufacturing decisions may be based. One of the...