Simulation of the head disk interface for discrete track media

This paper investigates the effect of discrete tracks on the steady state flying behavior of sub ambient proximity sliders. A finite element based air bearing simulator is used to simulate the flying characteristics of sliders over a grooved disk surface. Sliders flying over discrete track disks “see” a disk surface that consists of ridges and grooves. The air bearing pressure build-up for sliders flying over discrete track disks is different from that for sliders flying over plane disks. Low air bearing pressure can be expected for those regions of the slider that are positioned over grooves, while high air bearing pressure exists over ridges. The air bearing characteristics are determined for several pico and femto-type air bearing sliders flying over discrete track disks. An empirical equation is obtained describing the loss of flying height of a slider flying over discrete track disks.