How Things Work: Jets, Propellers and Ships

8 cards. Each one is a 40-second story with a five-minute read behind it.

1. Why some planes use props while others rely on fansIs a propeller pulling an aircraft through the air like a screw into wood, or pushing it forward by blowing air backward? The answer lies in fluid dynamics and speed limits. Under…
2. How a spinning blade transforms rotational energy into forward motionPropellers are more than just spinning fans; they are complex aerodynamic tools. This video breaks down the physics of how blade geometry and speed interact to generate the thrust…
3. A propeller is not a fan, but a spinning wingMost people view propellers as simple fans that push air backward to move forward. In reality, they function through the same principles of lift that keep an airplane in the sky. …
4. Why propellers remain one of aviation's most efficient propulsion systemsDespite the dominance of jet engines, propellers convert a staggering 85% of power into thrust. This video uses animations to break down the physics of how these spinning blades g…
5. How massive ships change direction without reversing their enginesMost people assume ships must move backward to go forward, but modern engineering allows for much more fluid control. This video explains the mechanics of controllable pitch prope…
6. From steam to turbines: the evolution of aviation propulsionHow do we move massive machines through the sky? While modern jets dominate our view, aircraft have been powered by everything from human muscle and steam to complex internal comb…
7. How a massive ship overcomes water resistance to move forwardMoving a vessel through water requires more than just raw power; it requires a precise conversion of energy into directional force. This video explains the mechanics of how propel…
8. How ships change direction without changing their engine's RPMControllable pitch propellers (CPPs) allow a vessel to adjust blade angles while in motion. This video explains the mechanical mechanics of how these systems decouple engine speed…

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