This paper describes an experiment performed to verify the one-dimensional model of elastic foil behavior developed by Stahl, White, and Deckert [ 11. In the experiment, a loop of tape one-inch wide passes over a stationary recording head, and the air-film thickness between the head and the foil is determined using white light interferometry. Measured data for various experimental conditions ar...

A new approach to the analysis of wide foil bearings is investigated. The equation of motion for a finite length of tape is coupled to the transient lubrication equation for the air film between the tape and the recording head. Compressibility and slip flow are retained in the fluid mechanics equation; flexural rigidity and high-speed dynamic effects are retained in the tape equation. The stead...