RUNNING-IN EFFECTS ON THIN-FILM MAGNETIC DISKS

We analyzed head wear on thin-film magnetic disks in detail using sing le-track (no-seeking) and multi-track seeking pin-on-disk wear tests. The single-track wear tests showed that pin wear increased in proporti on to the square root of sliding distance. The pin wear also increased in direct proportion to the applied load. From these results, we deri ved a new experimental wear epuation for single-track sliding with run ning-in effects. Next, we extended the new equatdon to include the eff ects of seek operations. The results of the multi-track-seeking wear t ests showed that pin wear also increased in proportion to the square r oot of the seek-stroke length and was well accounted for by the extend ed wear equation. We also measured a decrease in the roughness of the disk surface after the seek test. We consider this to be a likely caus e of the running-in effect.