Comparison of numerical and experimental flying characteristics of tri-pad sliders

The flying characteristics of a tri-pad slider are calculated numerically and compared with measurements using a commercially available, interferometry based flying height tester. The effect of crown, camber and edge blends on both rails and rear pad is investigated. The simulations indicate that the flying characteristics depend strongly on the edge blend of the rear pad. A sensitivity analysis using a Monte Carlo technique in conjunction with a finite element based air bearing solver is performed to determine the variation in flying height due to manufacturing tolerances.