A comparison of the genetic algorithm and the subregion approach in the optimization of slider air bearings for sub-7-nm flying height

The genetic algorithm (GA) and the subregion approach are implemented with a finite element based air bearing simulator. Starting from an old pico slider design, three test cases were carried out for target flying heights of 7, 5, and 3.5 nm. Both the GA and the subregion approach yield promising results. A hybrid scheme combining the two methods appears to be a potential direction for future optimization of air bearings.