The effect of head/disk design parameters on the transition from sliding to flying of Winchester-type sliders

The contact behavior and stability of a typical Winchester-type slider are investigated during its transition from sliding to flying using numerical simulation. Regions of stable and unstable flying behavior are determined as functions of the initial disturbance velocities of the slider and head/disk design parameters, such as surface roughness, coefficient of friction, and slider rail width. Factors that produce large negative pitch motions tend to increase the region for which unstable contact behavior occurs. Configurations that tend to decrease the possibility of contact tend to decrease the region of instability. The results can be used to establish qualitative criteria to guide the design of improved slider bearings with less vulnerability to a head crash during in-contact start/stop.< >