🔍 Key Concepts

• Main reduction gear bearings function and loading in propulsion systems • Difference between axial (thrust) loads and radial loads on bearings • What bearing splits (parting lines) are designed to prevent, such as wiping or misalignment damage

💭 Think About

• Think about which direction the main forces act on the reduction gear bearings during operation and how an angled split would help handle that force. • Consider which of the choices refers to a mechanical load or stress direction rather than a fluid (oil/steam) issue. • Ask yourself: if the split were horizontal, what kind of force might tend to open, distort, or damage the bearing halves?

✅ Before You Answer

• Check which option refers to a directional mechanical force on the shaft and bearings, not a fluid loss or surface condition alone. • Verify your understanding of axial vs radial forces: which one acts along the shaft’s axis, and which one acts outward from the center? • Confirm which of the choices is most directly related to the purpose of tilting or angling the parting line of a bearing shell.