Finite element based head-tape interface simulation including head-tape surface asperity contacts

The finite-element method with a non-uniform mesh is used to analyze the two-dimensional (2D) linear head-tape interface including head-tape contacts. Numerical results for the head-tape spacing, the air-bearing pressure and the contact pressure for a 2D cylindrical head-tape interface are obtained and compared to the 1D calculation results. The effect of the tape edge on the head-tape spacing and pressure is investigated.