Abstract
In order to evaluate the relative quality of hard disks, two testing methods are introduced in this study: a continuous sliding test and an in-situ reversal pin-on-disk test. These two methods enable one to compare the relative quality of a head-disk interface in a short period of time. The process leading to failure of the hard disk is clearly fatigue. Above a certain critical load, damage occurs easily and quickly. The lubricant layer can have an adverse effect on fatigue life at low sliding speed. It also affects the stability of the frictional coefficient.
