A new numerical method to solve modified Reynolds equation for magnetic head/disk working in ultra-thin gas films

The modified Reynolds equation for ultra-thin gas films between magnetic head and disk assembly is difficult to solve with conventional numerical methods, since the bearing number is very large and there exist boundary layers where pressure changes rapidly. An iterative finite difference algorithm is introduced to solve the nonlinear modified Reynolds equation, with special treatment for the abrupt change in the thickness of the gas film. The numerical results for two types of magnetic heads demonstrate that the scheme is effective. Supported by the Project of the State Key Basic Research and Development of China (Grant No. 2003CB716205)