Technology: Run Silent, Run Electromagnetic

Like a well-trained dolphin, the miniature experimental submarine maneuvered docilely around the waters of California's Santa Barbara yacht basin. No propellers, no jets were visible along its sleek, 10-ft.-long hull, yet the sub was obviously moving under its own power, gliding silently at about 2 m.p.h. 3 ft. under the surface. There was not a motor on board, but the odd little boat was being propelled by the same electrical phenomenon that causes rotors in electric motors to turn: electromagnetic force.

Bow to Stern. In schoolroom demonstrations, an electromagnetic force is produced...