How does radial load differ from axial load in bearings?

Radial load is defined as a load that acts perpendicular to the axis of the shaft, which means it pushes towards or pulls away from the center of the bearing while the shaft is rotating. This type of load occurs largely due to forces such as the weight of rotating components or external forces exerted at right angles to the shaft.

In contrast, axial load acts parallel to the shaft axis, which involves forces that either push or pull along the length of the shaft. Axial loads can occur during operations like thrust in a screw or the action of different components within machinery that exert linear forces along the direction of the shaft.

Understanding this distinction is critical when selecting bearings, as they are designed to handle specific types of loads. Bearings may have specialized features to accommodate either radial or axial loads and knowing their differences helps ensure the appropriate bearing is chosen for the application, thereby prolonging the life of the machinery and enhancing operational performance.