Reduction of friction between a tape and a smooth surface by acoustic excitation

Abstract

The frictional force acting on a tape moving in contact with a smooth surface leads to wear of the latter. An important example exists where the magnetic tape is wrapped around or supported on surfaces that do not have hydrostatic air bearings or hydrodynamic air bearings during start/stop in a tape-drive system; the abrasion of the bearing surface by the tape results in the generation of debris and wear. This communication describes our observation that the friction between a magnetic tape and a smooth glass surface can be significantly reduced by acoustic excitation of the tape or of the glass surface. Possible explanation of the observation in terms of a squeeze film theory is discussed.