Meniscus force modeling and study on the fluctuation of stiction/friction force in CSS test process

This paper presents results of experimental investigations and explanations on the stiction modulation phenomena during the contact start stop (CSS) testing process. A new meniscus model is proposed which well account for the stiction modulation with the variation of lubricant thickness on slider. It is illustrated that the lubricant build-up on slider surface is of a relatively steady level of thickness. The depletion and re-distribution of the lubricant on slider may cause reversible high/low stiction