Which component is designed to support the weight of the shaft at the ends of the rotor?

The component that is specifically designed to support the weight of the shaft at the ends of the rotor is the journal bearing. Journal bearings accommodate the radial load of the rotating shaft and provide a low-friction surface for the shaft to rotate against. They are critical in maintaining the alignment and stability of the shaft by distributing the load over a larger area, which helps to reduce wear and prolong the life of the rotating machinery.

In contrast, the thrust bearing is primarily tasked with handling axial loads rather than radial loads, which is significant for the directional forces acting on the shaft during operation. The Kingsbury bearing is a type of thrust bearing that is designed to manage thrust loads, but it does not primarily support the shaft's weight. A hydraulic governor, on the other hand, is not concerned with supporting the shaft but is used for automatic control of the engine’s speed by varying the fuel supply.

Understanding the roles of these various components in mechanical systems is essential for effective operation and maintenance of machinery, particularly when dealing with bearings that support rotating shafts.