The dynamics of the load/unload process are studied using a so-called 'peri
scope approach' which allows us to follow the slider motion during load/unl
oad (L/UL) with the beam of a Laser Doppler Vibrometer (LDV). LDV signals a
nd acoustic emission signals are obtained for three different slider airbea
ring designs and for load/unload conditions with different vertical velocit
ies and spindle speeds. The load process is investigated statistically usin
g the acoustic emission signal in order to determine the effect of vertical
load speed and spindle speed on the probability of contacts between slider
and disk.
The results indicate that small vertical load speeds decrease the number of
head/disk contacts, and that slider designs with a cavity centered close t
o the trailing edge enable a smooth unloading process. (C) 2000 Elsevier Sc
ience Ltd. All rights reserved.