Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid film bearing and to a process for its production.The invention relates to a hydrodynamic fluid film bearing formed between a plurality of sheets (3) fixed to a casing (5) and a shaft (6) in rotation with respect to said casing. The invention has as an object to completely dissociate the control of the radial rigidity of the bearing in the startup phase and that in the rotational phase at working speed.A low rigidity, negligible or zero of the sheets (3) permits limiting the application forces of the sheets against the shaft and thus to reduce the wear upon startup of the bearing. After startup, the rotation of the shaft (6) at the interior of the sheet (3) causes a displacement of the sheets (3) which separate from the shaft (6) by the interposition of a hydrodynamic film of air. The new position occupied by the sheets (3) causes a return of the force of the sheets (3) by the restraining elements (4), as for example of leaf springs (40, 41, 42 or 43).

Abstract: A hydrodynamic bearing to support and guide a rotating machine shaft is disclosed. This bearing comprises, in the bore of a bearing body, an independent cartridge, designed to form the internal functional set of the bearing, said cartridge consisting of thin, curved foils fixed with respect to one another with overlapping parts, so as to make an independent unit having, firstly, an internal floating surface adapted to being placed around the shaft and to conditioning, during the rotation of the shaft, the formation of a fluid film between the shaft and the internal surface and, secondly, a peripheral external surface with a diameter corresponding to that of the bore of the bearing body. It further has means to immobilize the cartridge inside the bore in rotation and in internal translation. Furthermore, the external surface of the cartridge is surrounded with a flexible foil, fixed by one of its ends on an external generatrix of the cartridge, the other end being free.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for producing hydrodynamic bearings for supporting and guiding rotary machine shafts. The process consists in previously manufacturing a self-contained cartridge formed of thin foils fixed with respect to each other and partially overlapping so as to form an internal floating surface adapted to generate the formation of a fluid film between said surface and the shaft mounted therein; the cartridge comprises an external peripheral surface of a diameter corresponding to that of the bore of the bearing shell and is inserted in this bore then secured against rotation and axial translation with respect thereto, more especially by abutment means situated in the edge region.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for producing hydrodynamic bearings for supporting and guiding rotary machine shafts. The process consists of pre-manufacturing a self-contained cartridge formed of thin foils, each fixed to its two next adjacent foils at locations staggered along said foils at overlapping parts thereof, so as to form an internal floating surface adapted to generate the formation of a fluid film between this surface and a shaft mounted therein. The cartridge has an external peripheral surface with a diameter corresponding to that of the bore of the bearing shell, and is inserted in this bore and then secured against rotation and axial translation with respect thereto by an abutment situated in the end region.