The 2-D(two-dimensional) thick plate finite element model for top foil was developed.By using coupled finite element mothod and finite difference method

the compressible gas lubricated Reynolds equation and the film thickness equation were solved coupling together.Predictions of minimum gas film thickness for increasing static loads at two speeds were obtained for bearing mid-plane and edge of bump-type gas foil bearing.The numerical results of this finite element model were compared with 1-D(one-dimensional) beam model model

2-D shin shell model and test data.The results indicate that the minimum film thickness of three models agree well with test data at bearing min-plane

but at bearing edge

the accuracy of 2-D thick plate model is the highest due to its shear effect.1-D beam model can not reflect film thickness variation along the bearing length direction because it only considers the circumferential direction.The study in this paper established the theoretical foundation of dynamic characteristics research of bump-type gas foil bearing.