Examples of bearings with hydrodynamic wedge are mapped to specific features of the incompressible lubrication (drip liquid) and compressible (gas). Due to the physical nature of the processes occurring in the gas lubricating layer. The main advantages of axial and radial gas dynamic bearing with spiral mikrokanale, which was the most widely and effective used not only as bearings, but also as the best contactless seal.

Keywords: lubrication layer, hydrodynamic wedge, pressure, load capacity, helical grooves, optimal parameters

On the basis of Reynolds's equations for thin layers of viscous Newtonian liquid laws of distribution of pressure are found in the incompressible and compressed bearing layers of a step support. For achievement of physically clearer comparison of lubricant properties and the bearing ability of two different lubricant environments the flat model of a step support is used. The algorithms of calculation of carrying power and rigidity of both lubricant layers allowing to pass to statement and the solution of problems of optimization of dimensionless geometrical parameters and comparative integrated characteristics of hydrodynamic and gasdynamic step support of sliding are received.

Keywords: lubricant layer, viscosity, pressure, density, Reynolds's equations, splines, Petrov's number