Suspension modeling and optimization using finite element analysis

A finite element based optimization software Altair OptiStruct is used to optimize the design of suspensions in hard disk drives. Topology optimization, topography optimization and combinations of both techniques are used to optimize a contact start-stop suspension with respect to torsion, bending and sway mode frequencies. The suspension, gimbal, slider and airbearing are modeled. The airbearing is modeled with linear springs to represent stiffness in the z-direction, pitch and roll. Modal analysis is compared to experimental resonance data to verify the model. The results show that improvements of more than 50% can be achieved with respect to increasing sway or torsional modes.