🔍 Key Concepts

• Axial thrust vs. radial (or tangential) forces in a propulsion shaft • Purpose of a thrust bearing in a marine propulsion train • How the propeller’s push or pull on the water is reacted by the ship’s structure

💭 Think About

• When a propeller pushes water backward, what direction does the reaction force act along the shaft, and what must the ship’s structure absorb? • Does a thrust bearing mainly deal with loads along the shaft’s length, around the shaft, or just supporting its weight? • Which answer choice best matches the idea of transmitting the propeller’s push to the ship’s hull without overloading the engine or gears?

✅ Before You Answer

• Identify which option refers to axial (in-line) thrust rather than radial or weight support. • Eliminate any choice that talks about thrust from only one turbine or component, instead of the whole propulsion line. • Confirm that the correct function involves transmitting force from the propeller, through the shaft, into the ship’s hull.