Machine Design MCQ Questions & Answers | Mechanical Engineering

Thrust bearings are designed to carry axial loads.

An axial load is a force that acts parallel to the axis of rotation of the shaft.

Think of a shaft rotating in place: the thrust bearing prevents it from moving up or down along its length. This kind of movement is resisted by handling forces that act parallel to the axis.

Option A: “Along the axis” is close in meaning, but the more precise description is parallel to the axis, since the force does not need to be exactly concentrated on the axis itself.

Option C: Incorrect, because loads perpendicular to the axis are radial loads, handled by radial bearings, not thrust bearings.

Option D: Incorrect, because thrust bearings are specifically for axial loads, not loads in every direction.

Thus, in thrust bearings, the load acts parallel to the axis of rotation.