The linear head-tape interface with surface asperity contacts

Abstract

The linear head-tape interface is investigated using experimental and numerical analysis. Monochromatic interferometry is applied to measure the head-tape spacing and tape asperity compliance. Experimental results for the head-tape spacing using various linear head contours are presented together with results of tape asperity compliance for various magnetic tapes. Furthermore, finite-element formulations for both the one-dimensional and two-dimensional linear head-tape interface with asperity contacts are developed. Numerical results are presented for both one-dimensional and two-dimensional tape heads with single and multiple arc-elements, with and without bleed slots.