Numerical Simulation of a “Spherical Pad” Slider Flying Over Bit Patterned Media

Bit patterned media are being studied as a promising approach for achieving storage densities beyond 1 Tb/in² in magnetic recording disk drives. In this investigation we study the flying characteristics of a so-called ldquospherical pad sliderrdquo where a spherical pad is implemented on the top of the trailing pad of a traditional slider. We numerically simulate the flying characteristics and slider attitude of the spherical pad slider and compare this design with a traditional slider flying over the same bit patterned media. The effect of the design parameters of the bit pattern and the spherical pad on the flying characteristics is investigated.