A Finite Element Scheme for Determining the Shaped Rail Slider Flying Characteristics With Experimental Confirmation

Abstract

A rapidly convergent finite element approach to determining the air bearing slider flying attitude is developed in the present investigation. The air flow between the slider and the disk is modeled by the generalized Reynolds equation. The equilibrium equation for the slider flying attitude includes both the suspension stiffness and the preload. These coupled, nonlinear equations are linearized by the Newton-Raphson method. Solutions are obtained by applying the Galerkin finite element method to the governing equations. The flying characteristics of a sub-ambient pressure shaped rail slider are studied using this proposed approach. The accuracy of the numerical solution is confirmed by comparison with experimental measurements.