Evaluation of Head Stack Assembly Pitch Static Attitude by Means of Finite Element Analysis: A Case Study of 2.5-in Hard Disk Drives

Abstract

This paper is aimed at demonstrating the use of finite element analysis for simulating a swagingprocess of a head stack assembly (HSA) in a hard disk drive (HDD). The swaging process is a materialprocessing technique using swage balls to connect a head gimbals assembly (HGA) to an actuator armbecoming the so-called head stack assembly. The finite element model is three-dimensional where solidLagrangian elements and the explicit dynamics simulation are used. The computational results of tip heightand pitch are compared to the experiment. Subsequently, a pitch static attitude (PSA) value is evaluated.The simulation results are compared to those obtained from experimentation. Based on the comparison,the result obtained from performing FE analysis is said to be acceptable.