The Use of DSMC in HAMR Head-Disk Interface to Study Smear
Roshan Mathew Tom, David B. Bogy · 2024
We simulate the gas bearing in the HAMR head-disk interface using the direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method and the consistent Boltzmann algorithm. We report two observed phenomena and comment upon their implications on smear formation on the head surface. First, we observe that in very low spacing, the gas particles are more likely to collide with the head and disk surfaces rather than with each other. Second, we observe the presence of a gas velocity component toward the head in the leading edge and trailing edge. These vertical drifts can carry airborne contaminant particles to the head surface, forming smear.