Numerical and Experimental Evaluation of Discrete Track Recording Technology

Feasibility of discrete track recording (DTR) was evaluated in this paper. Flying height loss due to DTR structure was predicted by an averaged flow model, and it was verified by the touchdown pressure measurement. Based on the spacing analysis, it was concluded that dynamic flying control would be necessary for DTR. The magnetic model showed that the DTR's main advantage is in off-track performance while maintaining similar on-track SNR. Magnetic performance of DTR samples was also measured on the spin-stand, and the results were compared to the model