Modeling and Simulation of the Interaction Between Lubricant Droplets on the Slider Surface and Air Flow Within the Head/Disk Interface of Disk Drives

The dynamic interaction phenomenon between three-dimensional (3-D) lubricant droplets located on the air bearing surface and air flow within the head-disk interface is modeled and numerically simulated. A strong interaction is observed for ultra low flying slider design. The droplet motion and deformation are able to induce non-negligible air bearing force and moment change, which in turn may impose a non-negligible disturbance on the slider's flying attitude