Which bearing is designed to carry a combination of radial and thrust load?

The correct answer is anti-friction bearing, which is specifically engineered to accommodate both radial and thrust loads. This type of bearing features rolling elements, such as balls or rollers, that reduce friction between moving parts, allowing it to handle not only the weight of the rotating shaft (radial load) but also any axial forces (thrust loads) acting along the shaft.

When it comes to the design and functionality of bearings, each type has specific capabilities. Journal bearings, for instance, typically support radial loads but are not as effective in handling substantial thrust loads without additional design considerations. Plain bearings also generally focus on radial loads and rely on a lubricant film to function properly, but like journal bearings, they don't cater well to significant thrust conditions. Ball bearings can handle both radial and axial loads but do so within certain limits and are often categorized under anti-friction bearings. However, it's the broader classification of anti-friction bearings that emphasizes their design for combined load situations, incorporating various types and configurations to ensure reliable performance under mixed load scenarios.