MAGNETIC MEDIA TRIBOLOGY - STATE-OF-THE-ART AND FUTURE CHALLENGES

This plenary paper presents the state of the art of our current understanding of the tribology of head-medium interfaces in magnetic storage devices. Theories of conventional friction, stiction, interface temperatures, wear, solid/liquid lubrication, and hydrodynamic air lubrication relevant to magnetic media are presented. The very smooth surfaces and ultra-low flying heights required present challenges and opportunities to tribologists and materials scientists unparalleled in any other industry. The paper ends with a discussion on directions for future research. © 1990.