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.