What type of load is referred to as "thrust load" in bearings?

A thrust load is defined as a force that acts along the axis of the shaft. This type of load is critical to understand in the context of bearing applications because bearings must be designed to accommodate these forces in addition to any radial loads they may also experience. Thrust loads can arise in various scenarios, such as in axial fans or in machinery where components are pushed or pulled along the shaft's length.

Understanding thrust loads is essential for ensuring the reliability and longevity of bearing systems since they can lead to issues such as increased wear, overheating, or even catastrophic failures if not properly managed. Bearings that are designed to handle thrust loads typically include features that allow them to maintain stability and function effectively under these conditions.