For a two-dimensional gas flow in a thin film of variable thickness, hydrostatic pressure can be calculated using finite element methods. The load variations related to the bearing configurations and the operating conditions are investigated. Spherical and conical hydrostatic bearings with gas pockets are analysed with constant pressure in the pocket inlet as the boundary condition. The variation of load-carrying capacity with various eccentricities is investigated. The valid regimes that produce normal bearing performance are obtained through the necessary restrictions on the related parameters.
