A MENISCUS MODEL FOR OPTIMIZATION OF TEXTURING AND LIQUID LUBRICATION OF MAGNETIC THIN-FILM RIGID DISKS

A meniscus model to predict the effect of disk texture and liquid films on stiction at a head-disk interface is developed using a newly derived equation for meniscus force in the presence of a liquid film. Meniscus contribution to the stiction in the presence of liquid films is calculated for multiple asperity contacts. The meniscus force and the resulting stiction force are calculated as a function of mean peak radius (R(p)), standard deviation of peak heights (sigma(p)), total number of peaks (N-0), and liquid film thickness (h). In addition, critical ranges for sigma(p), R(p), N-0 and h, outside which severe and/or plastic deformation may result, are obtained. A limiting case of N identical asperities with a constant spherical radius R and a constant height is also considered. Based on the analysis, the design curves are presented which can be used in selecting the optimum parameters, such as sigma(p), R(p), and N-0 as a function of h, to prevent severe stiction and plastic deformation.