Effect of mechanical anisotropy of flexible media on reproduced output

Abstract The realization of excellent head-to-tape interface is important to achieve high recording density in VCRs. Especially, the anisotropy of mechanical characteristics of the magnetic tape influences the head-to-tape contact. In the present study, we have measured the anisotropy of Young's modulus of magnetic tapes by measuring the ultrasonic propagation velocity. The anisotropy of the particulate medium differed from that of evaporated medium. We have made a computational calculation, by the Finite Element Method, of the deformation of the tapes having anisotropy of mechanical characteristics and sliding over a head fixed on a rotating drum. The flexible tape is modelled as a thin anisotropic shell and the air film is treated by the modified Reynolds equation. The lateral tape deformation affects the reproduced output.