A propeller is a type of fan that transmits power by converting rotational motion into thrust.

A pressure difference is
produced between the forward and rear surfaces of the airfoil-shaped blade, and a fluid (such as air or water) is
accelerated behind the blade. Propeller dynamics can be modeled by both Bernoulli's principle and Newton's third law.
A marine propeller is sometimes colloquially known as a screw propeller.

Materials of Propeller

Marine propellers are made from corrosion resistant materials as they are made
operational directly in sea water which is a corrosion accelerator.

The materials used for making marine propeller are

1. Alloy of aluminum

2. Stainless steel.

3. Other popular materials used are alloys of nickel, aluminum and bronze which are 10~15 % lighter than other
materials and have higher strength.

Other than these, the propellers made of cast iron and cast steel are also rarely seen. Propellers are made of
aluminum or steel and both have their advantages and disadvantages. Unlike other prop features, the choice of
material is really more a matter of preference (vs. requirements based upon boat style, etc).
Aluminum Blades Stainless Steel Blades
 Lower cost  Higher performance
 Protective coating  Repairs closest to brand new condition
 Light weight (weighs about 1/2 as much as  Blade strength prevents flexing under pressure; blades
steel) remain in optimal condition longer
 Satisfactory performance in most situations  Durability and lower susceptibility to damage from
 Less expensive to repair sandy conditions or minor impacts

Other Popular Materials

There exist quite various types of materials that are used for ship propellers. Whereas, the propellers used by
Merchant vessels are usually divided into two main groups based on the construction materials used. These are:

1. Aluminum – Bronze alloyed propellers

2. Manganese – Bronze alloyed propellers

Aluminum – Bronze alloyed propellers are approximately 10% lighter compared to Manganese – Bronze alloyed
propellers and in fact, this is a factor that reduces the ship’s daily fuel expenditure.

As it is known, cavitations occurs at the propellers and hence maintenance is time to time required. Because the
material of the aluminum – bronze propeller is much more resistant to cavitations then the acquisition costs of the
maintenance of Aluminum – Bronze alloyed propellers are quite lower than that of Manganese – Bronze alloyed
propellers.

Aluminum – Bronze propellers can easily be maintained. Pitting due to cavitations can also easily be filled by the
welding rods. Pre-heating is not necessary. Aluminum – Bronze propellers are more expensive but during long-term
operation they will pay off that difference.

Because of the low cost of the maintenance, the manganese – bronze

alloyed propellers are widely used in commercial vessels, however due to all
above stated reasons, the aluminum – bronze alloyed propellers are more
advantageous than the manganese – bronze alloyed ones.

Chemical Composition

Element / Propeller Material Aluminium – Bronze Manganese – Bronze

Copper 78 – 81 % 55 – 60 %
Zinc 0.37 – 0.62 % 35 – 40 %
Iron 3.5 – 5.5 % 0.9 – 2.0 %
Manganese 0.5 – 1 % 0.3 – 0.9 %
Aluminum 9 - 10.3 % 0.7 – 1 %
 Lead 0.01 % max 0.4 % max
Tin 1.5 % max

Construction of Propeller

The construction process of the propeller includes attaching a number of blades to the hub or boss by welding or
forging in one piece. Forged blades are highly reliable and have greater strength but are expensive as compare to
welded ones. A marine propeller is constructed by sections of helicoidally surfaces acting together to rotate through
water with a screw effect