Friction — Its Influence in Rotary Magnetic Tape Recorders

The density of information recorded on magnetic tape has increased remarkably within the last decade. Smaller tracks and shorter recorded wavelength have made it possible to use smaller tapes or to convert to digital recording. In further development the limits will be set not least by mechanical issues, that is, friction. The phenomena of friction are to a large extent related to the molecular resonance frequency of the materials in contact. Resulting cognition will be underlined by analysis of experiments with tapes of different formulas. Surface structure of tape and drum and its interface is an important parameter. Results of friction analysis lead to appropriate tolerance considerations in the design of rotary recorders as well as in the standardization of footprints of recorded signals that can be realized in daily operation.

Print ISSN

0036-1682

Published

1989-07

Content type

Original Research

DOI

10.5594/J02718