Abstract
An analytical method of contact status between magnetic heads and magnetic tapes as well as the results of such an analysis are explained. Tape deflection is obtained in the form of the influence coefficient "Aij" created as a point "i" when a unit load is applied to a point "j". The contact status is clarified by adopting a theory of increments in which calculations are successively made while causing a head and tape to gradually make contact with each other. The contact length upon the head differs depending on the values of the head radius, tape tension, tape rigidity and degree of protrusion of the head. The actual measurements were achieved by utilizing the interference fringe pattern created between the head and the transparent tape. The experimental results are in close accord with the numerical results.
