Stiffness, damping and rigid rotor stability curves are presented for 13, finite-step (pressure dam), journal bearings of different geometries. Step inertia effects are neglected, but the axial and circumferential effects of turbulence over the entire bearing surface are included. Experimental results are compared to a theoretical stability analysis for a single-mass, flexible rotor. Good correlation is obtained between the predicted theoretical stability threshold speed and the experimental threshold speed for three test cases.Presented at the 34th Annual Meeting in St. Louis, Missouri, April 30-May 3, 1979