The Propeller That Beat the Paddle Wheel
Early mechanical ships used paddle wheels, essentially mechanising the ancient act of rowing. But paddles waste energy as they enter and leave the water, spill water during the stroke, and lift water back around for the next rotation.
In 1845, screw propulsion proved its advantage when HMS Rattler defeated the paddle-driven HMS Electo in a famous tug-of-war. A screw propeller pushes water backward, creating the equal and opposite force that drives a ship forward.
#PaddleSteamers #ScrewPropeller #MaritimeHistory #NavalEngineering #CasualNavigation
In 1845, screw propulsion proved its advantage when HMS Rattler defeated the paddle-driven HMS Electo in a famous tug-of-war. A screw propeller pushes water backward, creating the equal and opposite force that drives a ship forward.
#PaddleSteamers #ScrewPropeller #MaritimeHistory #NavalEngineering #CasualNavigation
Casual Navigation
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