How do bearings support a steam-turbine rotor and absorb end thrust?

In a steam turbine, the rotor is supported by a system of bearings that ensure smooth rotation within the casing. These bearings are maintained by a lubrication system, which is essential for managing the mechanical stresses placed on the shaft.12

Regarding end thrust, the need for specialized support depends on the turbine's design. In reaction blading arrangements, the pressure drop across the rotor passages creates a net force in the axial direction, which pushes the rotor toward the ends of the casing. To counteract this, a thrust bearing is utilized to absorb the axial load. In larger turbine units, engineers may also reduce this axial load by admitting steam in the middle of the turbine and allowing it to expand in both axial directions simultaneously.31