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Radial vs. Axial — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on January 14, 2024
Radial refers to a direction or design radiating from the center, like spokes on a wheel, while axial pertains to a direction or design along an axis, like a spinning rod.
Radial vs. Axial — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Radial and Axial

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Key Differences

Radial designs or movements occur in a direction extending from a common center. This term is often used in engineering and physics to describe components or forces that spread outwards from a central point, like the radii of a circle. For instance, radial tires have reinforcing structures radiating from the center. In contrast, axial refers to something related to or around an axis, a straight line around which an object rotates or is symmetrically arranged. An example is an axial fan, where the flow moves along the axis of the fan.
In the context of machinery, a radial bearing is a type of rolling-element bearing that carries loads perpendicular to the axis of rotation, whereas an axial bearing, also known as a thrust bearing, carries loads parallel to the axis. Radial bearings are used where radial loads are predominant, but axial bearings are preferred for handling axial loads.
In anatomy, radial often describes structures related to the radius bone or radiating from a specific point. For example, the radial artery runs along the radius bone in the forearm. Axial in anatomy refers to structures along the central axis of the body, like the axial skeleton, which includes the skull, spine, and rib cage.
Radial symmetry is a form seen in many organisms, like starfish, where body parts are arranged around a central axis. Axial symmetry, on the other hand, refers to symmetry around a single axis, as seen in the human body.
Radial and axial also describe directions of movement or force application. Radial movement moves outward from the center, while axial movement occurs along an axis. For instance, radial expansion in a pipe occurs outward from the center, while axial expansion occurs along the pipe’s length.
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Comparison Chart

Direction/Design

Radiating from the center
Along an axis

Application in Machinery

Radial bearings for perpendicular loads
Axial bearings for parallel loads

Example in Anatomy

Radial artery in the forearm
Axial skeleton including spine

Symmetry Type

Radial symmetry (e.g., starfish)
Axial symmetry (e.g., human body)

Movement/Force

Outward from the center
Along the axis

Compare with Definitions

Radial

Radial pertains to radiating from a center.
The radial pattern of the wheel spokes is symmetrical.

Axial

Axial symmetry involves symmetry around an axis.
The human body demonstrates axial symmetry.

Radial

Radial applies to components extending from a central point.
The radial arms of the wind turbine distribute weight evenly.

Axial

Axial forces act along the line of an axis.
The axial load on the column was calculated for structural integrity.

Radial

(Anatomy) Of, relating to, or near the radius or forearm.

Axial

Axial bearings are designed for parallel loads.
Axial fans rely on axial bearings for their rotation.

Radial

Radial movements spread outwards from a point.
The radial expansion of the ring was due to heat.

Axial

Axial pertains to the main structural elements of the body.
The spine is a part of the axial skeleton.

Radial

Of or arranged like rays or the radii of a circle; diverging in lines from a common centre
Four mosaics have a radial arrangement

Axial

Relating to or forming an axis
The main axial road

Radial

Relating to the radius.

Axial

Relating to, characterized by, or forming an axis.

Radial

A radial tyre.

Axial

Located on, around, or in the direction of an axis.

Radial

A radial road.

Axial

Relating to, resembling, or situated on an axis

Radial

A supporting ray in a fish's fin.

Axial

(anatomy) Belonging to the axis of the body, or to the axis of any appendage or organ
The axial skeleton
The axial bones

Radial

A radial engine.

Axial

(botany) In the same direction as the axis, parallel to the axis.
The secondary xylem usually consists of axial and radial elements.

Radial

Of, relating to, or arranged like rays or radii.

Axial

(chemistry) oriented close to the axis running through the centre of a cyclohexane ring, as opposed to equatorial. See w:Axial bond.

Radial

Radiating from or converging to a common center.

Axial

(ornithology) A flight feather that appears between the primaries and secondaries on some birds.

Radial

Having or characterized by parts so arranged or so radiating.

Axial

(dentistry) A plane parallel to the surface of a tooth.

Radial

Moving or directed along a radius.

Axial

Of or pertaining to an axis; of the nature of, or resembling, an axis; around an axis.
To take on an axial, and not an equatorial, direction.

Radial

Developing symmetrically about a central point.

Axial

Belonging to the axis of the body; as, the axial skeleton; or to the axis of any appendage or organ; as, the axial bones.

Radial

A radial part, such as a ray, spoke, or radius.

Axial

Of or relating to or resembling an axis of rotation

Radial

A radial tire.

Axial

Relating to or attached to the axis;
Axial angle

Radial

Arranged like rays that radiate from, or converge to a common centre.

Axial

Situated on or along or in the direction of an axis

Radial

Moving along a radius.

Axial

Axial refers to being situated around an axis.
The axial rotation of the Earth causes day and night.

Radial

(anatomy) Of, or relating to the radius bone.

Radial

(entomology) Of, or relating to the radius vein, and/or the wing areas next to it.

Radial

(botany) Developing uniformly on all sides.

Radial

A radial tire / radial tyre.

Radial

Of or pertaining to a radius or ray; consisting of, or like, radii or rays; radiated; as, (Bot.) radial projections; (Zool.) radial vessels or canals; (Anat.) the radial artery.

Radial

Pneumatic tire that has radial-ply casing

Radial

Relating to or near the radius;
The radial aspect of the forearm

Radial

Relating to or moving along or having the direction of a radius;
Radial velocity

Radial

Issuing in rays from a common centerXs; relating to rays of light;
Radial heat

Radial

Arranged like rays or radii; radiating from a common center;
Radial symmetry
A starlike or stellate arrangement of petals
Many cities show a radial pattern of main highways

Radial

Radial bearings support loads perpendicular to the axis.
The motor uses radial bearings for stability.

Radial

Radial symmetry is common in many invertebrates.
Jellyfish exhibit radial symmetry.

Common Curiosities

What are radial tires?

Radial tires have reinforcing structures radiating outwards from the center of the tire.

Are radial engines still used today?

Radial engines are less common today but are still used in some vintage or specialized aircraft.

How do radial bearings differ from axial bearings?

Radial bearings support loads perpendicular to the axis, while axial bearings support parallel loads.

What is an example of axial symmetry in nature?

Human bodies exhibit axial symmetry, with symmetry around the central spine.

Can you give an example of radial movement?

Expansion of a balloon when air is filled into it is an example of radial movement.

Why is understanding radial and axial important in engineering?

In engineering, understanding radial and axial helps in the design and analysis of machinery and structures.

What is axial flow in a pump?

Axial flow in a pump is when the fluid moves parallel to the pump shaft.

What is a radial design?

A radial design features elements radiating outwards from a central point.

Do all invertebrates exhibit radial symmetry?

Not all, but many invertebrates, like jellyfish and starfish, exhibit radial symmetry.

What is the significance of axial bones in humans?

Axial bones, including the skull and spine, support the central structure of the human body.

Are radial patterns common in architecture?

Yes, radial patterns can be found in various architectural designs, like in the layout of certain buildings.

How do axial muscles differ from other muscles?

Axial muscles are associated with the central skeleton and are involved in posture and movement of the spine.

What is axial load in construction?

Axial load refers to the force acting along the line of an axis, such as the weight carried by a column.

Is a starfish radially symmetrical?

Yes, a starfish is an example of an organism with radial symmetry.

What is the axial age in historical terms?

The Axial Age refers to a period (approximately 800 to 200 BCE) marked by significant cultural and philosophical developments across various civilizations.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Tayyaba Rehman
Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.

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