What is the water flow pattern in the propeller's arc of rotation called, regardless of the direction of the propeller?

The term that describes the water flow pattern in the propeller's arc of rotation, regardless of the direction of the propeller, is indeed associated with the general concept of how water moves around the propeller. The water flow pattern refers to the specific movement of water as it interacts with the rotating blades of the propeller. This interaction is crucial to understanding how the propeller generates thrust and propels the vessel forward or backward.

Fluid dynamics is a broader study involving the behavior of fluids in motion and doesn't specifically address the described water flow pattern in this context. Cavitation refers to the formation and collapse of vapor bubbles in a liquid, which can occur under certain conditions but is not the main focus when discussing the general water movement created by a propeller. Thrust vector pertains to the direction and magnitude of thrust produced by the propeller but does not specifically define the water flow around the propeller itself. Thus, the answer correctly identifies the specific phenomenon being asked about.