Numerical simulations have revealed several general insights into the flows inside disk drives casings. In close proximity to the actuator arm, especially in the region of the base-plate and suspension, M1 and M2 have the smallest RMS in-plane and out-of-plane velocity fluctuations. M1 and M2 also have the smallest pressure fluctuations in this region while M3 appears to be a bad candidate based on all the RMS data presented. Since pressure-based loading on the actuator accounts for most of the off-track vibrations, both M1 and M2 appear to be suitable candidates for reducing flow induced vibrations. However, we note that velocity fluctuations are also responsible for fluctuation of the forces on the actuator, and their effect may not appear directly in the RMS of the pressure fluctuations, which is a second order statistical moment. Changes in the velocity field near the arm cause changes in circulation around the arm, which is linearly related to the loading on the actuator arm. Taking this into consideration, it appears that M1 is a better candidate than M2 for reducing flow induced vibrations.
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