New class of sliders numerically designed for maximum stiffness

The following inverse problem is addressed: given a class of slider geometry for which the gap can only have two values and given its global footprint, where should one distribute the etching (or deposition) of the air bearing surface such that the corresponding stiffness is maximum? First, this optimization problem is mathematically setup and formulated. Then, a simple numerical algorithm is proposed which will generate the desired gap profile, the method is based on an iterative approach on the unknown gap distribution coupled with a finite element solution of the pressure solution. Finally, the canonical example of a simple square slider is treated for various stiffnesses (normal, pitch, roll and mixed modes), and the results illustrate the proposed technique. © 1995 by ASME.