Question 82Steam Plants - QMED

The correct answer is B) transmit the force produced by the propeller to the structure of the ship. Thrust bearings in a reduction gear drive system are responsible for transmitting the thrust force generated by the propeller to the ship's structure. This is necessary to prevent the shaft from moving axially (lengthwise) due to the propeller's thrust. By transferring this force to the ship's frame, the thrust bearings help maintain the proper alignment of the shaft and prevent damage to the other components of the drive system. The other answer choices are incorrect. Option A refers to radial bearings, which are responsible for limiting the radial movement of the shaft, not the axial thrust. Option C is incorrect as the main engine is typically mounted on mounts, not held in place by thrust bearings. Option D is incorrect as thrust bearings do not increase the shaft speed, but rather transmit the thrust force.