The inherent self aligning capability and superior resistance to thermal distortion, of the gas-lubricated tilting-pad thrust bearing, can often offset load capacity limitations and make it an attractive compromise for many applications. A numerical treatment for analyzing the tilting-pad thrust bearing is presented along with extensive performance information for a particular pad geometry. An optimum hydrodynamic crown profile and related dimensions are determined. A design procedure and sample problem are also presented.Presented at the 24th ASLE Annual Meeting in Philadelphia, May 5–9, 1969.