An improved finite difference method （FDM）is described to solve existing problems such as low efficiency and poor convergence performance in the traditional method adopted to derive the pressure distribution of aerostatic bearings. A detailed theoretical analysis of the pressure distribution of the orifice-compensated aerostatic journal bearing is presented. The nonlinear dimensionless Reynolds equation of the aerostatic journal bearing is solved by the finite difference method. Based on the principle of flow equilibrium, a new iterative algorithm named the variable step size successive approximation method is presented to adjust the pressure at the orifice in the iterative process and enhance the efficiency and convergence performance of the algorithm. A general program is developed to analyze the pressure distribution of the aerostatic journal bearing by Matlab tool. The results show that the improved finite difference method is highly effective, reliable, stable, and convergent. Even when very thin gas film thicknesses （less than 2 Win）are considered, the improved calculation method still yields a result and converges fast.
