Fly/stiction: mechanical instability of a head-disc interface

The fly/stiction phenomenon is described in detail. Unlike the normal stiction values, fly/stiction values exhibit a unique bi-/tri-modal distribution. Fundamentally, the fly/stiction phenomenon is related to the mechanical instability of a head-disc interface, triggered by the excessive accumulation of liquids at the interface. An energy barrier model is presented to explain various observed aspects of the fly/stiction phenomenon, and to provide directions to reduce the risk of fly/stiction failure.