Attenuation of lateral tape motion due to frictional interaction with a cylindrical guide

Lateral tape motion (LTM) is a function of tape path and tape properties, design parameters such as speed, tension, and friction between tape and tape path components. This investigation deals with the LTM of a tape moving over the surface of a cylindrical guide. Starting from the equation of motion for a moving tape on a cylindrical guide surface, the effects of friction, tape properties and design parameters are examined by calculating the ratio of LTM before and after a cylindrical guide. Attenuation of LTM is found to be mainly dependent on the guide radius and the wrap angle.