Marine propulsion

Marine propulsion is the set of systems that generate thrust to move vessels through water. It converts energy from engines, people, wind, or other sources into forward motion.

Marine propeller: A rotating device whose blades accelerate water to produce thrust. Its blades create thrust by imparting momentum to water.
Marine diesel engine: An internal-combustion engine that burns diesel fuel to produce mechanical power aboard a vessel. It commonly supplies shaft power for conventional ship propulsion.
Sailing ship: A vessel propelled primarily by sails that harness wind. Sails provide propulsion without requiring a powered underwater propulsor.
Paddle wheel: A wheel fitted with paddles that pushes water to propel a vessel. It is an older external propulsor, unlike the submerged screw propeller.
Waterjet propulsion: A system that draws in water and expels it at high speed to propel a vessel. It produces thrust with an internal pump and jet rather than an exposed propeller.
Gas turbine: A rotary engine that produces power from hot, expanding combustion gases. Gas turbines can drive ship propellers through reduction gearing or electric generators.
Submarine: A vessel designed to operate while submerged, using buoyancy control and onboard propulsion. Quiet, compact propulsion is essential for submerged operation.
Voith Schneider Propeller: A cycloidal propeller whose vertically oriented blades rotate while changing pitch around a circular path. It offers rapid thrust-vector control unlike a conventional fixed-axis propeller.
Cavitation: The formation and collapse of vapor-filled cavities in a liquid when local pressure falls. Propeller cavitation can cause noise, vibration, erosion, and reduced thrust.
Electric motor: A machine that converts electrical energy into mechanical rotation or linear motion. It can drive a propeller directly or power a waterjet pump.

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