Dynamic Analysis of Flying Head Sliders with Ultra-Thin Spacing Based on the Boltzmann Equation : Comparison with Two Limiting Approximations

Abstract

This paper investigates the dynamic characteristics of flying head sliders with ultra-thin spacing through a generalized lubrication equation based on the Boltzmann equation, and compares them with two limiting cases: approximations for bearing number ∧ → 0 and ∧ → ∞. These approximations agree well with numerical results in the limiting conditions. In particular, the approximation for ∧ → ∞ is found to quantitatively explain the characteristics of damping coefficients and correponding unstable phenomena.