Usually, while modelling rotor-bearing systems the bearings are treated as point supports. In the present work using the finite element technique, the eigenvalue and stability analysis of rotors are studied by considering the distributed bearing stiffness and damping. Two models are considered: (i) uniform distribution model and (ii) parabolic distribution model. The results are compared with that of a rotor on point supports. Stability limits of a rotor supported on different types of bearings, viz. cylindrical journal bearings, tilting pad journal bearings, offset and three lobe journal bearings have been presented. Copyright © 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd.