In this paper, we proposed the design concept of NRRO-free non-contact bearings for a high performance hard disk drive (HDD) spindle. We numerically analyzed three types of hydrodynamic journal air bearings [gas dynamic bearing (GDB)], such as a partial herringbone groove, a sinusoidal wave, and a taper-flat type. And we compared their performances in terms of pressure distribution, load capacity, radial stiffness, unbalance response, and stability threshold. For the design examples, we examined the Case 1 with 2.0 μm bearing clearance and 10000 rpm, and the Case 2 with 1.0 μm clearance and 15000 rpm. As a result of numerical analysis, we found that the taper-flat type was the most promising for high performance HDD spindle compared with the other types. It can have the bearing stiffness of about 3.0 × 106 N/m in Case 1 and of about 2.0 × 107 N/m in Case 2. We also discussed the allowance of parameters for the optimal design of the taper-flat type journal bearing.
[1]
G. Bouchard,et al.
An investigation of non-repeatable spindle runout
,
1987
.
[2]
C.-P.R. Ku.
Effects Of Compliance Of Hydrodynamic Thrust Bearings In Hard Disk Drive On Disc Vibration
,
1997,
1997 IEEE International Magnetics Conference (INTERMAG'97).
[3]
Hiromu Hirai,et al.
Non-symmetrical three-lobe bearing spindle technology: a drive technology to increase aerial density
,
1996
.
[4]
Nobuyuki Inaba,et al.
Investigation of 2 Gb/in/sup 2/ magnetic recording at a track density of 17 kTPI
,
1991
.
[5]
S. X. Chen,et al.
Design Of Fluid Bearing Spindle Motors With Controlled Unbalanced Magnetic Forces
,
1997
.
[6]
Frank E. Talke,et al.
Non-repeatable runout measurement and simulation of fluid lubricated spindles
,
1996
.