Theoretical and experimental investigation of the dynamic flying characteristics of 3370-type sliders in 5-1/4 inch disk drives

Theoretical and Experimental results describing the dynamics of the so-called "3370-type" sliders in commercially available 5-1/4 inch disk drives are presented. A previously demonstrated laser Doppler interferometer is used to investigate the response of the R/W head as it encounters a deposited step on the disk surface. Experimental data is then compared with theoretical results from a numerical model based on the solution of the Reynolds lubrication equation. After the validity of the model is verified, it is used to illustrate the effects of applied load and pivot location on the dynamic performance of slider bearings.