What prevents a Babbitt bearing from rotating?

Dovetail grooves are specifically designed to prevent a Babbitt bearing from rotating within its housing. These grooves create a mechanical interlock between the bearing and the housing, ensuring that the bearing remains securely in place despite the forces acting on it during equipment operation. The shape of the dovetail allows for a tight fit that resists lateral movement, effectively anchoring the bearing during operation.

While spacers, set screws, and welds can also serve various purposes in mechanical assemblies, they do not provide the same intrinsic locking mechanism that dovetail grooves offer. For instance, spacers may be used to maintain distance or alignment, but they do not prevent rotation. Set screws can provide resistance to movement but may not be as reliable in high-load situations typically encountered in rotating machinery. Welds can create a permanent bond but are not often suitable for Babbitt bearings due to the need for maintenance and replacement over time. Dovetail grooves are thus the most effective method for ensuring that a Babbitt bearing remains in position and functions correctly within its assembly.