This paper studies slider's unload process by simulation. A 9D model is dev
eloped for simulating the movements of slider, local suspension and main su
spension. Details such as dimple separation, gimbal rotation, local suspens
ion bending, limiter effect and slider/dimple impact are simulated and anal
yzed. Simulation results show that an additional torque is generated due to
dimple separation. The torque is related to the gimbal structure, and is p
roportional to the dimple separation. Positive torque increases the slider
pitch angle and makes the negative force release faster, while negative tor
que has an opposite influence. Limiter gap is crucial to the unload process
. Unsuitable limiter gap may cause slider/disk contact. It is suggested tha
t the air bearing surface design and the suspension design should be matche
d mutually instead of designed independently.