Analysis of Tracking Characteristics and Optimum Design of Tripad Slider to Micro-Waviness

We numerically investigated the effect of slider design parameters on the tracking ability of a tripad slider to micro-waviness using the concentrated air bearing model and the distributed air bearing model. We found that the spacing variation due to micro-waviness is affected not only by the slider dynamics but also the distance of the head-gap position from the rear air bearing center, so that the distance between the head-gap and the rear air bearing center should be made as small as possible. The amplitude of the lower resonance of spacing variation can be reduced if the positions of front and rear air bearing centers are located at the center of percussion. The length of the front air bearing should be made short enough so as not to generate moment stiffness. The amplitude of the higher order resonance of spacing variation can be reduced if the length of the rear air bearing should be made 1.3∼1.35 times the length of the frequency component of the higher resonance.