A journal foil bearing includes a bearing retainer having one slot configured to receive a top foil leading edge tab and another slot configured to receive a top foil trailing edge tab. A backup support structure, integral to the bearing retainer, extends between and is at least partially defined by the slots. The retainer is configured so that, during operation, the trailing edge tab further contacts, at an increased contact pressure, the support structure at a position close to the friction force, thereby minimizing top foil bending stress and improving bearing strength.

A gas pressure bearing element including a housing element with recesses, wherein the housing element is closed by a cover, wherein the recesses are defined by rib shaped intermediary walls and/or other island shaped protrusions and define first intermediary spaces between the intermediary walls and/or the island shaped protrusions, wherein the cover is formed in sections by a cured encasement compound provided with an open pore reinforcement mat, wherein the encasement compound has a flat surface that is processed after curing and forms a bearing surface for the gas pressure bearing element, wherein the bearing surface includes a plurality of gas outlet nozzles which are formed by micro holes penetrating the cover, and wherein the micro holes are provided at locations under which the first intermediary spaces are arranged below the cover, which first intermediary spaces form channels for a pressurized gas supply for the gas outlet nozzles.

A journal foil bearing includes a bearing retainer having one slot configured to receive a top foil leading edge tab and another slot configured to receive a top foil trailing edge tab. A backup support structure, integral to the bearing retainer, extends between and is at least partially defined by the slots. The retainer is configured so that, during operation, the trailing edge tab further contacts, at an increased contact pressure, the support structure at a position close to the friction force, thereby minimizing top foil bending stress and improving bearing strength.

A journal foil bearing includes a bearing retainer having one slot configured to receive a top foil leading edge tab and another slot configured to receive a top foil trailing edge tab. A backup support structure, integral to the bearing retainer, extends between and is at least partially defined by the slots. The retainer is configured so that, during operation, the trailing edge tab further contacts, at an increased contact pressure, the support structure at a position close to the friction force, thereby minimizing top foil bending stress and improving bearing strength.

A trailing edge cooled bearing provides an illustrative embodiment of an apparatus for increasing heat transfer in various bearings, including but not limited to radial and axial tilting pad bearings. In the illustrative embodiment, the trailing edge cooled bearing may comprise at least one journal pad having a leading and trailing edge. The trailing edge may include a trailing edge face having one or more grooves formed therein. A spray bar may having one or more apertures formed therein may be positioned adjacent the trailing edge face to deliver fluid thereto.