Wear mechanisms at the metal evaporated magnetic tape-head interface

The wear mechanisms of Metal-Evaporated magnetic tape-head interfaces have been investigated. A new apparatus was designed for the continuous observat ion of the tape surface when run in the still frame mode. The mild wear mec hanism of the bumps on the ME tapes was proven using SEM and AFM. Four diff erent types of wear debris were observed. Depending on wear debris formatio n, two types of spalling were emphasized. The effect of humidity in the ran ge of 30-70 percent was also investigated. The wear mechanisms are discusse d in terms of contact mechanics theory, coating failure modes, and humidity induced stiction theory.