Nanoscale air bearing modeling via lattice Boltzmann method

As spacing between the two solid surfaces in operating condition becomes much smaller than the mean free path of the air, continuum-based Navier-Stokes equation is no longer valid and one has to use a modified Reynolds equation (MRE) in simulating high Knudsen number air bearing. This MIZE, which stems from the linearized Boltzmann transport equation with Bhatnagar-Gross-Krook approximation via the appropriate choice of the boundary condition, has the advantages of calculating the pressure distribution in a nanoscale confined gaseous system. In this paper, we provide a methodology based on the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM), which could enhance the computational capability of nanoscale confined gaseous system by calculating both velocity and pressure fields simultaneously. The advantage of transient and parallel nature makes this LBM an attractive tool for the next generation air bearing design. Furthermore, LBM is suitable for hybridization with lubricant morphology as well as multiscale modeling including entire disk flow analysis. We demonstrate the feasibility of this LBM by using first-order slip model as a case study. Hybridization with database established by Kang et al. [S.-C. Kang, R. M. Crone, and M. S. Jhon, J. Appl. Phys. 85, 5594 (1999)] can be performed via the similar procedure reported here to develop the state-of-the-art slider design software. (c) 2005 American Institute of Physics.