Simulation of wear of tape head contours

A procedure whereby head wear can be numerically simulated is described. Wear is assumed to be proportional to a material constant times the contact pressure. Based on this assumption, the change in head contour due to wear is calculated in incremental steps starting from any initial contour. Simulation data are compared to an experimental measurement of head contour change due to wear. It is noted that the simulation of mechanical wear allows the evaluation of head geometries for their performance after wear. Wear of composites can be modeled with the simulation as well as preferential wear of thin-film head elements. Additionally, the model gives insight into the final lapping process for head manufacture