What makes the propeller work? How do we choose the best propeller? And just how can we get the most performance from our propeller design?

This article (originally a 3-part series) considers the history, the science and its practical application for propulsion of vessels of all kinds from the paddle wheel to the modern race-boat. Materials, engiineering and construction techniques are all covered, along with the reasons for various performance results.

Everything you ever wanted to know about propellers is contained in this article!

Biography

Jim Russell is a professional engineer with a mechanical and aeronautics background. Currently living in Canada, he has done extensive aerodynamic research at University of Michigan, MI and University of Toronto, Canada and marine research at the NRC water channel laboratory in Ottawa, Canada. His published papers are highly acclaimed, and are specifically related to the aerodynamics and hydrodynamics of high performance catamarans, tunnel boats and modified vee-hulls; and has appeared on SpeedVision's Powerboat Television as a guest expert on 'Tunnel Hulls, and was performance/design technical consultant on National Geographic's 'Thrill Zone' TV show.

Russell has designed and built many tunnel boats. As a long-time professional race driver, he piloted tunnel boats to Canadian and North American championships. He has written power boating articles for many worldwide performance magazines. Russell is the author of the"Secrets of Tunnel Boat Design" book, "History of Tunnel Boat Design" book, and the "History and Design of Propellers." His company has designed and published the well-known powerboat design software, "Tunnel Boat Design Program© ", specifically for the design and
performance analysis of tunnel boats and powered catamarans.

Down the complete article "History & design of Propellers HERE