A finite element simulation of the two-dimensional head/tape interface forhead contours with longitudinal bleed slots

The two-dimensional (2D) steady-state Linear head/tape interface with surfa ce asperity contacts and tape shear deformations is analyzed using the fini te-element method. A non-uniform mesh is utilized to improve the computatio nal efficiency and to simulate cylindrical heads with longitudinal slots. N umerical results for the head/tape spacing and contact pressure are obtaine d for 2D head/tape interfaces using cylindrical heads with longitudinal slo ts. In addition, numerical examples are presented for the head/tape spacing and the pressure distribution using heads consisting of triple are element s with and without longitudinal slots. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All r ights reserved.