The increasing demand for high-density highly reliable magnetic recording requires a fundamental understanding of the tribology and mechanics of the interface between the magnetic head and the recording medium. This book offers a systematic compilation of current knowledge of tribology and mechanics as applied to magnetic storage devices. It treats all important practical aspects, including surface roughness, friction, interface temperatures, wear, lubrication, lubricants, and surface finishing. It incorporates ample experimental data and relevant properties of materials and surfaces, making the book invaluable for engineers and scientists working in the field. Intended for practicing engineers who need to solve reliability or tribology problems quickly, the book will also be useful for research workers, academic engineers, and graduate students in tribology and mechanics. Most of the theoretical results presented are broadly applicable in many areas of mechanical engineering. A chapter on microtribology of magnetic storage devices has been added in this second edition of the book.