[BITList] IMarEST Lecture

[Michael Feltham]

Attended a lecture tonight called "Marine Propellors" by Dr.G. Patience who used to be the MD of Stone Manganese.  It was very interesting and started about 1836 when a farmer tried propelling a boat with an Archimedes Screw, the Screw struck an obstruction, part of it fell off and the speed of the boat increased !  About this time there were several people who brought out types of propellors.

At questions, someone asked the lecturer if Brunel's propellor for the GREAT EASTERN was any good, Patience said that Brunel had the right idea.  He was a terrific Engineer, unfortunately his ideas never made any money.

I notice that their next lecture, in February, is entitled "Aircraft Carriers for the Future" ??

Mike