The nuclear reactor is a huge hunk of uranium inside a steel pressure vessel. The uranium undergoes a chain reaction where its atoms split. Each split releases neutrons that causes other atoms to split, and so on.
The reactor makes a huge amount of heat. Water circulates through the reactor and this heated water is used to make steam. The steam runs a set of turbines. Depending on the submarine, the turbines can either spin a shaft and propellor directly, or run a generator that spins a shaft via a motor.
Great minds think alike. I’ve sailed far and returned ta port with this booty. Yer not alone in askin’, and kind strangers have explained:
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