A short piece of material used to take up the space of the shaft when pouring Babbitt is called?

The term that best fits the description of a short piece of material used to take up the space of the shaft when pouring Babbitt is a mandrel. A mandrel serves as a temporary support or form that maintains the correct shape and alignment necessary for the Babbitt alloy to solidify properly around the shaft. It helps ensure that the Babbitt filling adheres to the desired dimensions and maintains the integrity of the bearing surface.

In the context of Babbitt pouring, other options do not fulfill this specific function. Spacers are typically used for different purposes, such as adjusting distances between components. Liners usually refer to a lining material that enhances wear resistance or provides a surface for better fitment, while dividers are used to create separate sections or spaces and are not involved in the pouring process for Babbitt. Thus, a mandrel is the correct choice, as it directly relates to the process of forming and maintaining the shape during Babbitt applications.