Turboprop is a gas turbine engine driving aircraft propeller. Engine consists of intake, reduction gearbox, compressor, combustor, turbine, and propeller. Most power goes to propeller, exhaust produces about 10% of total thrust. Bypass ratios range from 50-100
TSFC measures engine fuel efficiency relative to thrust output. Fuel consumption is measured in grams/second per unit of thrust. Mass of fuel is used instead of volume since it's temperature-independent
Propulsion generates force to modify translational motion of rigid or fluid objects. Term comes from Latin "pro" (forward) and "pellere" (to drive). Systems consist of power source and propulsor for force generation
Jet propulsion uses fluid jets to move objects in one direction. Most effective when Reynolds number is high and object is large. Pulsed jets are more efficient than continuous ones in animals
Jet engines trace back to 150 BC aeolipile using steam power. Archytas reportedly designed first self-propelled flying device. First working pulsejet patented by Russian Karavodin in 1906. Ramjet concept patented by Lorin in 1913 but remained theoretical
Supercharger compresses intake gas to increase engine power. First supercharged engine built in 1878, used in aircraft from 1910s. Two main types: positive displacement and dynamic superchargers