A Model for the Effect of Humidity on Stiction of the Head/Disk Interface

Abstract

A model has been developed for the effect of humidity on stiction of the head/disk interface. The model combines the meniscus force of the adsorbed water film at the interface with the Greenwood-Williamson surface model, and takes into account the effects of suspension load as well as surface roughness and material properties of both the head and the disk. It correctly predicts the trend for stiction vs. relative humidity as obtained from experimental data.