Finite element analysis of the dynamics of a high bandwidth actuator for a hard disk drive

In this paper a prototype actuator designed for a high bandwidth servo system is modeled and analyzed using finite elements. Natural frequencies and mode shapes of frequencies below 10kHz are extracted using frequency analysis and compared with the results from an experimental model analysis. The effects of key parameters used in the analysis on the natural frequencies are investigated. The frequency response is calculated using the natural frequencies and mode shapes. The calculated frequency response is compared with experimental results. The comparison of results shows that the numerical results are accurate. From the analysis the mechanical dynamics of the actuator can be understood and characterized. The analysis of the actuator shows that dynamic analysis using finite element modeling is accurate and effective and can be applied to other mechatronic systems.