Gas bearing

A load-compensated gas bearing comprises a base body (1) and a deformable bearing membrane (3) having a central opening for gas flow into a bearing interspace (17). The membrane is suspended from the base body via a ring-shaped web (4) which provides compliant tilt action at a tilt-bearing region (22) of connection to the base body (1). The base body (1) and the membrane (3) form an inner bearing chamber which is separated by the tilt bearing (22) into an outer chamber (9) surrounding the inner chamber (10). Under the action of an external force F on the bearing in the direction to reduce the bearing interspace (17), the membrane (3) is bent in concave shape as a result of the gas-pressure distribution within the bearing interspace (17). In reaction to central concave deformation of the membrane (3), and by reason of tilt-bearing support radially short of the outer edge (23) of the membrane (3), the outer edge (23) is displaced, lever-like, in the direction to constrict the exhaust flow of gas from the interspace (17), thereby causing load pressure of gas in the interspace to act in opposition to closure of the interspace.