Abstract
This research proposes a finite element method to determine the natural vibration characteristics of the spinning disk-spindle system in a HDD including the flexibility of supporting structure. Finite element equations of each substructure are derived with the introduction of consistent variables to satisfy the geometric compatibility at the internal boundaries. The natural frequencies and modes from the global asymmetric matrix equations of motion are determined by using the implicit restarted Arnoldi iteration method. The validity of the proposed method is verified by the experimental modal testing. It also shows that the flexibility of base plate plays an important role to determine the natural frequencies of the spinning disk-spindle system in a HDD.
