Numerical analysis of off-track vibration of head gimbal assembly in hard disk drive caused by the airflow

The problem of flow-induced vibration of head gimbal assembly (HGA) in hard disk drive (HDD) is analyzed by means of numerical models. Flow field is calculated in a fraction of physical domain called extended wedge-like domain. For this purpose, appropriate inlet and outlet boundary conditions are specified. The aerodynamic disturbances generated by the slider are studied by performing flow calculations for the cases of with and without slider. It is observed that the slider blocks the airflow causing a high-pressure region in the proximity of the leading surface of the slider. In addition, significant vortical structures are found being generated by the side surfaces of the slider. A finite element model is developed for calculating the response of HGA to the aerodynamic excitations. It is found that the flow disturbances generated by the slider play a significant role in the off-track vibration of the HGA.