Question 666General Subjects - Assistant Engineer

The correct answer is B) relief valves. In an electro-hydraulic steering system, relief valves are used to prevent damage due to rudder shock. Relief valves are designed to open and release hydraulic fluid when the pressure in the system exceeds a predetermined limit, protecting the system components from the high pressures that can occur during sudden changes in rudder position or direction. This helps absorb the shock and prevent damage to the hydraulic pumps, lines, and other critical components. The other options are incorrect because buffer springs are not specifically used for this purpose, oil flowing through the pumps does not directly prevent rudder shock damage, and dashpots are more commonly used in mechanical steering systems, not electro-hydraulic ones.