The flying height analysis of patterned sliders in magnetic hard disk drives

The ultra-low spacing of patterned sliders flying above a rotating disk with smooth surface in a hard disk drive is analyzed for high areal density recording. Three types of pattern (slender, square, and broad) with the same bump area are discussed. The molecular gas film lubrication (MGL) equation and the equations of motion of the patterned slider are solved numerically to obtain the steady flying attitude. The results show that the flying height of the broad patterned slider is the greater than either that of the square patterned slider or the slender patterned slider. In addition, we analyzed the effects of bump height and the bump pitch on the slider attitude, including flying heights, pitch angles, and roll angles, are discussed.