Head Slider Design Using Approximation Method For Load/Unload Applications

In this study, we present the optimization of a head slider using kriging method in order to reduce lift-off force during unloading process with satisfying reliable flying attitude in steady state. To perform an optimization process efficiently, a simplified lift-off force model, which is a function of air bearing suction force and flying attitudes, is created by kriging method. The EMDIOS, which is the process integration and design optimization software developed by iDOT, is used to automatically wrap the analysis with the optimization and efficiently implements the repetitive works between analyzer and optimizer. An optimization problem is formulated to reduce the lift-off force during unloading process while satisfying the flying attitude in reliable range over the entire recording band and reducing the probability of contact between slider and disk. The simulation result shows that the amplitude of lift-off force of optimized L/UL slider is reduced about 62%, compared with that of initial slider model. It is demonstrated by the dynamics L/UL simulation that the optimum slider incorporated with the suspension is not only smoothly loaded onto disk but also properly unloaded onto the ramp.