Tribology of High Density Tape Storage Systems

Abstract

Abstract Decreasing track width and tape thickness to increase the volumetric recording density of tape drive systems will result in the failure of tracking. The decrease in the tape thickness causes the vertical displacement of the tape forwarding position, which is controlled by pressing the lower tape edge against the lead of a stationary drum. The position of the upper tape edge is controlled by the height of the flanges of the roller guides beside the drum. The displacement of tape forwarding position causes the failure of tracking, especially with narrow track. The reduction of the static friction coefficient between the tape and the roller guides in a drive was found to be effective to reduce the excessive force with which the tape edges are pressed to the flanges or the lead, which will cause the displacement of the tape forwarding position.