TRIBOLOGY OF TRI-PAD SLIDERS

The tribology of tri-pad sliders is investigated for hydrogenated and nitrogenated carbon overcoated disks. Friction and stiction during con tact-start-stop testing are measured for both types of disks and the a coustic emission signal is studied to investigate the nodes of slider vibrations during steady-state flying. Finite element simulations of t he steady-state slider vibrations are performed and the results are co mpared with experimental observations. The optical fluorescence spectr a are studied for the aluminum oxide and aluminum oxide-titanium-carbi de (Al2O3-TiC) portions of the slider. In addition, wear of the rear p ad of a tri-pad slider is determined for fixed-track testing using nan oindentations.