🔍 Key Concepts

• Articulated reduction gear purpose and layout in marine propulsion systems • How misalignment between gears or pinions is usually accommodated in high‑power reduction gears • Differences between components that handle torsional vibration, alignment/misalalignment, and load sharing

💭 Think About

• Which of the listed components is specifically designed to flex or float slightly to take up alignment errors between gear elements? • Look at each option and ask: Is this mainly for carrying static load, sharing torque between pinions, damping torsional vibration, or correcting angular/offset misalignment? • Think about where in a multi‑stage reduction gear train you would most need something that can bend or flex without over‑stressing the teeth.

✅ Before You Answer

• Identify which option is typically a slender, flexible connection between gear elements rather than a rigid support or shim. • Eliminate any options that are primarily used to adjust clearances or tooth contact rather than to allow continuous flexing in service. • Confirm that the remaining choice is commonly used in high‑power articulated reduction gears on marine main propulsion engines.