Bearings: Types, Selection, and Design Principles for Mechanical Engineers

Question 1

Which type of bearing features the ability to carry elevated loads while maintaining a consistent film thickness between its surfaces?

Accepted Answer

Hydrostatic bearing

Answer

Rolling element bearing

Answer

Plain bearing

Answer

Gas bearing

Question 2

What is the intended purpose of a thrust bearing?

Accepted Answer

Supporting axial loads

Answer

Supporting radial loads

Answer

Supporting both radial and axial loads

Answer

Reducing friction between rotating surfaces

Question 3

Among hydrostatic bearings, which type utilizes a porous material for lubricant distribution?

Accepted Answer

Porous metal bearing

Answer

Journal bearing

Answer

Thrust bearing

Answer

Gas bearing

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a type of rolling element bearing?

Accepted Answer

Plain bearing

Answer

Ball bearing

Answer

Roller bearing

Answer

Needle bearing

Question 5

What is the primary function of a hydrostatic bearing?

Accepted Answer

Provide frictionless support

Answer

Transmit torque

Answer

Reduce wear

Answer

Absorb shock

Question 6

What is the purpose of a cage in a rolling element bearing?

Accepted Answer

To keep the rolling elements evenly spaced

Answer

To reduce friction

Answer

To provide lubrication

Answer

To support the axial load

Question 7

What is the difference between a journal bearing and a thrust bearing?

Accepted Answer

Journal bearings support radial loads, while thrust bearings support axial loads.

Answer

Journal bearings are used in rotating applications, while thrust bearings are used in sliding applications.

Answer

Journal bearings are typically self-aligning, while thrust bearings are not.

Answer

Journal bearings have a higher load capacity than thrust bearings.

Question 8

Which type of bearing is self-lubricating due to its porous structure?

Accepted Answer

Bronze bearing

Answer

Needle bearing

Answer

Roller bearing

Answer

Ball bearing

Question 9

Select the factor that is NOT a consideration when choosing an appropriate bearing for an application:

Accepted Answer

Aesthetics

Answer

Load capacity

Answer

Speed

Answer

Environmental conditions

Question 10

Explain the primary operating principle of hydrostatic bearings:

Accepted Answer

Utilizing fluid pressure to separate moving surfaces

Answer

Employing rolling elements in direct contact

Answer

Relying on friction between sliding surfaces

Answer

Exploiting centrifugal force

Question 11

Describe the specific purpose of a thrust bearing:

Accepted Answer

Accommodating axial loads

Answer

Handling radial loads

Answer

Preventing misalignment

Answer

Facilitating lubrication

Question 12

In hydrostatic bearings, the lubricant is utilized to:

Accepted Answer

Create a pressurized film between the bearing surfaces

Answer

Enable periodic recirculation

Answer

Provide boundary layer lubrication

Answer

Exclude lubricant entirely

Question 13

The primary purpose of a bearing is to:

Accepted Answer

Support and carry loads

Answer

Minimize friction

Answer

Transmit motion

Answer

Lubricate surfaces

Question 14

Rolling element bearings are commonly manufactured using which material?

Accepted Answer

High-grade steel

Answer

Bronze alloys

Answer

Polymer composites

Answer

Advanced ceramics

Question 15

Utilizing a bearing with a high contact ratio results in:

Accepted Answer

Enhanced load capacity

Answer

Reduced load capacity

Answer

Lower friction

Answer

Increased noise levels

Question 16

The life of a rolling element bearing is primarily limited by:

Accepted Answer

Rolling contact fatigue

Answer

Wear and abrasion

Answer

Corrosion and contamination

Answer

Excessive heat

Question 17

The main difference between a deep-groove ball bearing and a self-aligning ball bearing is its:

Accepted Answer

Ability to accommodate misalignment

Answer

Number of rows of rolling elements

Answer

Type of rolling elements

Answer

Load capacity

Question 18

Which type of bearing utilizes rolling elements between its inner and outer rings?

Accepted Answer

Rolling element bearing

Answer

Plain bearing

Answer

Hydrostatic bearing

Question 19

What is the primary function of plain bearings?

Accepted Answer

Minimize friction between two surfaces

Answer

Transmit torque

Answer

Support radial loads

Question 20

What type of bearing is commonly employed in high-speed applications?

Accepted Answer

Radial ball bearing

Answer

Thrust roller bearing

Answer

Journal bearing

Question 21

What is the primary purpose of a cage in a rolling element bearing?

Accepted Answer

Separate rolling elements

Answer

Reduce friction

Answer

Lubricate the bearing

Question 22

What is the **distinctive characteristic** that differentiates a radial bearing from an axial bearing?

Accepted Answer

Radial bearings manage radial loads, while axial bearings manage axial loads

Answer

Radial bearings are found in rotating applications, while axial bearings are found in linear applications

Answer

Radial bearings are smaller than axial bearings

Answer

Radial bearings require lubrication, but axial bearings do not

Question 23

Within a rolling element bearing, what is the **main function** of a cage?

Accepted Answer

Separating rolling elements

Answer

Preventing rolling elements from skidding

Answer

Reducing noise and vibration

Answer

Retaining lubricant

Question 24

Hydrostatic bearings offer several advantages. Which of the following is a **key benefit**?

Accepted Answer

Extremely low friction

Answer

High load capacity

Answer

Compact design

Answer

Simple construction

Question 25

What is the **fundamental difference** between plain bearings and rolling element bearings?

Accepted Answer

Plain bearings use sliding contact, while rolling element bearings use rolling contact

Answer

Plain bearings are typically more economical than rolling element bearings

Answer

Plain bearings are better suited for high-speed applications

Answer

Plain bearings require more maintenance than rolling element bearings