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What is a Propeller?

Harriette Halepis
Harriette Halepis

A propeller is a type of fan that rotates by transforming rotation motion into thrust. When a propeller rotates, the force created by that rotation is then converted into pressure that is eventually used to propel the fan-shaped apparatus. While propellers may seem like a modern invention, the theoretical origins of the propeller can be traced back to the mid-20th century with the creation of the Venetian gondola.

The idea behind the modern propeller came from a specific movement that Venetian gondoliers make called the J-stroke. Gondoliers in Venice have been using a J-stroke paddle movement for centuries. This stroke involves paddling a canoe with a regular stroke, and then turning the canoe at the last moment; the movement of the paddle resembles the letter "J." The J-stroke movement allows a gondolier to prevent a gondola from veering to the side. By using the pressure created from a J-stroke, gondolas are able to move swiftly and securely down any canal.

Aircraft propellers are usually long and narrow.
Aircraft propellers are usually long and narrow.

The Greek physicist, mathematician, inventor, and astronomer, Archimedes, is credited with inventing the first type of propeller known as a screw propeller. Reportedly, Archimedes used a large screw in order to lift water while inside of a boat. He used this method of bailing and irrigating so often that the people who surrounded him termed the device the "Archimedes' Screw."

The blades of boat propellers are usually relatively wider and shorter than those used on aircraft.
The blades of boat propellers are usually relatively wider and shorter than those used on aircraft.

Many years later, Leonardo da Vinci created a sketch of a helicopter that included a propeller. Even though da Vinci never built his helicopter, his sketches provided an outline for the first screw propeller that was powered by gasoline. Motor boat propellers can be attributed to Frederick Lanchester who was the first person to attach a propeller to a boat. Later, in 1776, David Bushnell used Lanchester's model to power his submarine. Shortly thereafter, navies around the globe adopted motor boat propellers in lieu of paddles.

Though a type of jet, turboprop engines use propellers to move air into their turbines.
Though a type of jet, turboprop engines use propellers to move air into their turbines.

Aviation-wise, the Wright brothers are frequently credited with invention of the first airplane propellers, though Alberto Santos Dumont had attempted to fly an airplane using propellers prior to the Wright brothers. Dumont's attempt was a failed one, though the Wright brothers were able to take cues from his aviation experiments.

Standard airplane and boat propellers are often taken for granted today, though propellers have come a long way from the original Achimedes' Screw. Engineers around the globe are continuously looking for ways to perfect propellers in the hopes that these devices can become smoother, more accurate, and faster. Without propellers, most airplanes and boats would not be able to move at the speeds that they move at today.

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    • Aircraft propellers are usually long and narrow.
      By: davidetrolli
      Aircraft propellers are usually long and narrow.
    • The blades of boat propellers are usually relatively wider and shorter than those used on aircraft.
      By: JackF
      The blades of boat propellers are usually relatively wider and shorter than those used on aircraft.
    • Though a type of jet, turboprop engines use propellers to move air into their turbines.
      By: vlabo
      Though a type of jet, turboprop engines use propellers to move air into their turbines.
    • On boats with outboard motors, such as the U.S. Coast Guard's Defender class, the propellers can be raised in or elevated from the water as needed in shallow areas.
      By: Wimbledon
      On boats with outboard motors, such as the U.S. Coast Guard's Defender class, the propellers can be raised in or elevated from the water as needed in shallow areas.
    • Most lightweight aircraft are powered by a single piston engine that drives a propeller.
      By: Sly
      Most lightweight aircraft are powered by a single piston engine that drives a propeller.
    • Even though da Vinci never built a helicopter, his sketches provided an outline for the first screw propeller powered by gasoline.
      By: wirojsid
      Even though da Vinci never built a helicopter, his sketches provided an outline for the first screw propeller powered by gasoline.
    • Leonardo da Vinci created a sketch of a helicopter that included a propeller.
      By: Juulijs
      Leonardo da Vinci created a sketch of a helicopter that included a propeller.
    • The theoretical orgin of the propeller can be traced back to the creation of the Venetian gondola.
      By: samott
      The theoretical orgin of the propeller can be traced back to the creation of the Venetian gondola.