Abstract: The bearing shell of a multiple-face hydrodynamic radial plain bearing has an internal surface which is composed of several identical arcuate sections whose radii of curvature slightly exceed the radius of curvature of the rotary component within the shell. The central portion of each section is nearer to the external surface of the rotary component than the other portions, and each such central portion has a hydrostatic pressure chamber receiving the liquid which is conveyed by a fluid flow machine wherein the bearing shell is used or a different liquid, such as a lubricant. The axial length of each chamber is between 40 and 80 percent of the length of the bearing shell, and the width of each chamber is between 20 and 80 percent of the length of the respective section, as considered in the circumferential direction of the shell.