Optimal design of slider shape for satisfying load demands under specified operation conditions

Optimal designs of sliders are performed in this study in order to meet the desired load demands under specified operation conditions. An optimization method is developed based on conjugate gradient method in conjunction with a direct problem solver which is built to provide numerical solutions for pressure distributions within the fluid film between the slider and the moving surfaces for various geometric conditions. The desired load demands considered in this study are categorized into two kinds: (1) pressure distribution within the fluid film and (2) resultant forces plus centers of load. In this report, compressible-flow model is employed in construction of the direct problem solver. For validation, the direct problem solver is verified by the existing solutions for some special cases. Effects of the bearing numbers on the shape design are evaluated for these two kinds of load demands. Results show that the surface shape of a slider can be designed to meet the load demands under different specified operation conditions accurately by using the present optimization method.