In this paper, a novel design method, which is different from the traditional and empirical one (i. e., taking p and pv as the basic checking parameters) is presented for the fatigue strength design of dynamically loaded journal bearings. The method makes it possible that dynamically loaded bearings can be desed as same as other machine elements by stress-strength criterion. The practical design results show that the method has high accuracy and reliability, and may open a new visa in bearing fatigue designs. In this paper, a novel design method, which is different from the traditional and empirical one (ie, taking p and pv as the basic checking parameters) is presented for the fatigue strength design of dynamically loaded journal bearings. The method makes it possible that that dynamically loaded bearings can be desed as same as other machine elements by stress-strength criterion. The practical design results show that the method has high accuracy and reliability, and may open a new visa in bearing fatigue designs.