A finite element simulation of the two-dimensional head/tape interface for head contours with longitudinal bleed slots

The two-dimensional (2D) steady-state linear head/tape interface with surface asperity contacts and tape shear deformations is analyzed using the finite-element method. A non-uniform mesh is utilized to improve the computational efficiency and to simulate cylindrical heads with longitudinal slots. Numerical results for the head/tape spacing and contact pressure are obtained for 2D head/tape interfaces using cylindrical heads with longitudinal slots. In addition, numerical examples are presented for the head/tape spacing and the pressure distribution using heads consisting of triple arc elements with and without longitudinal slots.