Further studies of unload process with a 9D model

This paper studies slider´s unload process by simulation. A 9D model is developed for simulating the movements of slider, local suspension and main suspension. Details such as dimple separation, gimbal rotation, local suspension bending, limiter effect and slider/dimple impact are simulated and analyzed. Simulation results show that an additional torque is generated due to dimple separation. The torque is related to the gimbal structure, and is proportional to the dimple separation. Positive torque increases the slider pitch angle and makes the negative force release faster, while negative torque has an opposite influence. Limiter gap is crucial to the unload process. Unsuitable limiter gap may cause slider/disk contact. It is suggested that the air bearing surface design and the suspension design should be matched mutually instead of designed independently