The rotary ultrasonic machining (RUM) is a superior method for the high-efficiency

precise and lowdamage machining of advanced aviation materials. In the conventional RUM

an ultrasonic-frequency longitudinal vibration is utilized on the high-speed rotational tools. However

in the rotary ultrasonic elliptical machining (RUEM)

a 2-D elliptical vibration is utilized instead of the conventional 1-D longitudinal vibration to further improve the performance of RUM. Since the invention of the RUEM

many relevant researches on RUEM have been carried out. The basic principles of RUEM and vibration types including longitudinal-torsional

longitudinal-bending and double bending are briefly summarized. The research advances of RUEM from equipment to process

and including both abrasive machining and cutting are presented. Furthermore

the development trends of RUEM including machining mechanism

applications on new materials

and tools with multiple degree of freedoms are prospected.