🔍 Key Concepts

• Difference between radial loads (perpendicular to shaft) and thrust/axial loads (along the shaft axis) • What a thrust bearing is designed to do on a propulsion shaft • How self-aligning or spherical seats affect the type of load a bearing can carry

💭 Think About

• First, decide whether the question is asking about radial load or axial (thrust) load. Which one matches ‘same direction as the shaft axis’? • Look at each option and ask: is this mainly supporting the shaft radially (holding it up/centered) or axially (taking propeller push or pull)? • Consider which choice is commonly placed near the thrust block on a propulsion shaft to take the propeller’s push and transfer it to the hull.

✅ Before You Answer

• Confirm which type of load is described as along the shaft axis (axial/thrust vs radial). • Verify which listed bearing type has ‘thrust’ as a key part of its name or function. • Eliminate bearings whose primary role is to support the shaft radially or allow self-alignment, rather than to limit end movement.