A journal foil bearing comprising a retaining member having an inner surface which defines a shaft opening within which a rotatable shaft is receivable for rotation; and a foil assembly affixed to and lining the inner surface and comprising a plurality of foil sub-assemblies each subtending a circumferential segment, of the inner surface. Each of the foil sub-assemblies may comprise an under foil sandwiched between a spring foil disposed radially outwardly of the under foil, and a top foil disposed radially inwardly of the under foil, the under foil, the top foil, and the spring foil each having a leading edge distal from a trailing edge in a direction of rotation of the rotatable shaft, and each of the under foil, the top foil, and the spring foil being affixed to the retaining member along their respective leading edge, their respective trailing edge, or both their respective leading edge and their respective trailing edge, wherein a radius of curvature of the top foil is less than a radius of curvature of the under foil. A method of supporting a rotating shaft is also disclosed.
