🔍 Key Concepts

• Firing force path in a slow-speed crosshead diesel: from piston, through piston rod and crosshead, down to the crankshaft and engine structure • Role of tie rods versus columns/entablature in holding the engine structure together under combustion loads • Difference between guiding/locating components (like crosshead guide rails) and load‑carrying components

💭 Think About

• Trace where the gas pressure on the piston ultimately has to be reacted by the engine structure—what part is designed to hold the whole frame in compression/tension when the cylinder fires? • Look at the illustration labels: which element connects the top structure (entablature) to the bottom (bedplate) specifically to handle these vertical forces? • Ask yourself which option’s primary purpose is guidance and alignment, and which is specifically designed to carry heavy tensile/compressive loads from firing.

✅ Before You Answer

• Identify the continuous members that run from the entablature down toward the bedplate in the illustration. • Determine which listed component is specifically pre‑loaded or stressed to handle combustion (firing) forces rather than side‑thrust or simple support. • Confirm that the part you choose is a main load‑carrying structural member, not just a guide, housing, or casing.