The intermediate shaft plays a role in connecting the transmission and is installed between the stern shaft and the thrust shaft or gearbox. The number of intermediate shafts is determined by the total length of the shaft system and the length of the intermediate shaft section. The newly built "Yuanwang" space survey ship has as many as five intermediate shafts.

The structure of the intermediate shaft is simple, and there are three common structural forms, as shown in Figures 1-26. In the figure (a), the concentricity requirement for the entire flange processing is that the axes overlap, so the concentricity requirement for flange processing is relatively high, and there should be installation and alignment measures in the construction. The connecting bolts of the flange should be precisely matched with the screw holes. Most intermediate shafts adopt a solid structure. Each intermediate shaft is generally installed on an intermediate bearing. The contact part between the shaft and the bearing is called the journal. For the convenience of manufacturing, repair, and installation, the diameter of the shaft neck should be larger than the basic shaft diameter. Therefore, the size of the basic shaft diameter should be calculated according to the provisions of the ship construction regulations for the force situation of the shaft system, and determined based on long-term practice.

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