A novel implicit algorithm for the simulation of time domain head/disk dynamics in disk files

A novel implicit algorithm is developed for the numerical solution of the time-dependent head/disk differential equations and the Boltzmann equation. The algorithm is specially developed for the finite element method, and is of second-order time-accuracy, which offers the flexibility of employing time steps compatible with the system dynamics while minimizing the numerical instability presented in most explicit methods. The advantages of fast convergence and timesaving are also confirmed in the simulation of a taper-flat slider flying over a step. Good agreements are obtained between the present calculations and the reported simulation and experiment results.