STERN TUBE
The stern tube is normally made of spheroidal cast iron or bronze and is supported at the after end by the stern frame boss and at the forward end by the aft peak bulkhead. A steel nut at the outboard end retains the tube in position, with its collar hard against the stern frame and the bearing section firm within the stern frame boss. Welded studs hold the forward flange against the aft peak bulkhead. Due to the overhanging weight of the propeller, to protect the stern tube bearing against the bending moment at the aft end only, the stern tube is usually fitted in a stern frame that is bored on a slope (1:80).
INDEX ADV ENG NEXT