A kinetic theory analysis on the heat transfer in hard drive air bearing

In this article, a generalized model for viscous heat generation and heat transfer in the air bearing of a hard drive is developed based on the linearized Boltzmann equation. It is found that the heat flux between the slider and the disk can be separated into four parts: heat conduction, viscous dissipation contributed by Couette flow, viscous dissipation from Poiseuille flow, and combined contribution from Couette flow and Poiseuille flow. Universal functions are obtained so that viscous dissipation and heat conduction can be determined accurately. Comparisons with continuum models reveal significant deficiencies existing in current models in use. (C) 2008 American Institute of Physics.