Which type of bearing is best suited for loads that are perpendicular to the axis of the shaft?

The best choice for loads that are perpendicular to the axis of the shaft is radial bearings. These bearings are specifically designed to support radial loads, which act at right angles to the rotational axis of the shaft. This type of load is common in many applications, such as in electric motors and machinery where the weight of rotating elements creates a force acting radially outward from the shaft.

In the context of bearing operation, radial bearings can effectively handle both the sliding motion and the rolling motion of components, making them versatile and often preferred for applications requiring support against vertical or lateral loads. They are foundational in mechanical engineering because they allow for smooth rotation while accommodating the forces exerted on them.

Other types of bearings, while also essential in various applications, have different operational focuses. Thrust bearings are optimized for loads that are parallel to the axis of the shaft, making them unsuitable for primarily radial applications. Ball bearings can handle both radial and axial loads but are not solely focused on radial loads. Plain bearings can support radial loads, but they may not perform as efficiently as dedicated radial bearings under high-speed or heavy load conditions. Thus, radial bearings are the most appropriate choice for this specific loading scenario.