Free Web NovelChapter 731: Chapter 403 Engine Design Meeting_2
"Otherwise, with inadequate technology, the second one could still only be built with diesel power (aircraft carrier), where no advanced technology could be applied, it’s almost like accumulating experience..."
"Indeed."
Zhao Yi certainly understood the importance of technology accumulation.
Zhang Hongtao continued, "So we’re here to get a general understanding, and if possible, help relieve some of the research pressure, but not now, only in the future."
"I see."
Zhang Hongtao’s intentions were very clear. The team of experts comprised of top domestic experts relevant to the subject, were here to gain an overview of the aircraft carrier’s development. In their fields of expertise, they planned to share some of the responsibilities for future research and development.
Of course, this wasn’t compulsory. But once they took on a national project, they could be assured of funding, support at the national level, and the opportunity to make their own contribution to the development of aircraft-carrier technology.
...
For some time now, Zhang Hongtao had been thriving, recognized for his work in replicating imported satellite skin materials, and was considered to be at the cutting edge of alloy material research.
Even though he detailed Zhao Yi’s contribution in the final report he submitted, because Zhao Yi was ’theoretical’ and not specifically a materials researcher, most of the credit went to Zhang Hongtao. It was for this reason that he’d been able to join the team of experts.
At under thirty-three, Zhang Hongtao was the youngest member of the team, with the exception of Zhao Yi, and was naturally highly regarded.
Before arriving at the research base in Huanan City, like Zhao Yi, Zhang Hongtao had been ’preselected’ by the internal research leadership and was specifically invited to visit and give some advice on his own research area.
Zhao Yi was ’preselected’ by the leader of the power department, Ma Mingwei.
Zhang Hongtao, on the other hand, was ’preselected’ by the material development department, and when he came he knew he had to be involved in the project--
The research on aircraft-carrier steel.
Every type of naval vessel and platform has different requirements for steel. For example, submarines require specially designed steel as they mainly operate underwater and have to withstand huge water pressure.
Aircraft carriers, due to the deck needing to withstand the great impact of fixed-wing carrier-based aircrafts landing, if the quality of deck steel is subpar, the deck could deform due to the huge impact when the aircraft lands. Therefore, the steel used for aircraft carriers not only needs to be very hard, but also very tough.
At the same time, the steel used on aircraft carriers also has to have low magnetism, high temperature and humidity resistance, blast resistance, as well as good weldability and other features.
Among all the technical research issues for the aircraft carrier, the development of deck steel is certainly the most important. Although research on alloyed materials seems simple, it is actually the most complex of all.
"They have bought a piece of steel used for the deck of the Soviet Union’s aircraft carrier, and they plan to crack and emulate it first. Since we cracked the satellite skin together last time, they specifically approached me."
Zhang Hongtao briefly explained.
Zhao Yi understood. They had cracked the material of the satellite skin together and also researched how to manufacture it.
The same applies to the research on the steel for the aircraft carrier deck. With a sample material in hand, you simply have to analyze its composition and research how to manufacture it. Having Zhang Hongtao’s previous work as an example naturally gives it a lot of attention.
Zhao Yi and Zhang Hongtao went to the alloy material development department together.
This development department wasn’t a separate organization or laboratory, but shared the labs and operation rooms with other research projects. Some researchers were working on two projects concurrently.
Because they were all alloy projects. ƒreeωebnovel.ƈom
The other was the research and development of materials related to the aircraft carrier engine. The engine design team also worked here.
As soon as Zhao Yi and Zhang Hongtao entered, they were stopped by an armed police officer, who told them that an internal confidential meeting was about to be held inside, so they planned to visit other places first.
A middle-aged man in a military uniform came out and called from the door, "Is it Professor Zhang Hongtao?" He walked over joyfully and said, "It’s you indeed. I recognized you from inside." freewebnσvel.cѳm
He then spoke to the armed police officer next to him, "This is the expert we especially invited. Come in, listening to the meeting won’t hurt."
It was only then that the middle-aged man noticed Zhao Yi. Probably because of Zhao Yi’s young age, he had been unconsciously overlooked at first, but on closer inspection, he was astounded, "Is it... Zhao Yi, Academician Zhao?"
"Hello!"
Zhao Yi extended his hand with a smile.
The middle-aged man warmly shook Zhao Yi’s hand and exclaimed, "Academician Zhao, you are young and promising, and you are well-known throughout the nation! I believe everyone knows about your work on the Goldbach Conjecture, Fermat’s Last Theorem, Trembling Waveforms, and Particle Theory ... Honestly, I don’t even know what words to use to describe it. You’re a genius. You’re an absolute, extraordinary genius!"
"You’re too kind!" Zhao responded.
"Academician Zhao, it is our honor to have you here." The middle-aged man led them in and then realized he hadn’t yet introduced himself. His name was Ying Shaowen, a professor at the National University of Science and Technology and an academician of the Engineering Institute. He was an expert in the field of engine technology and was leading a team to develop new types of engines as part of a national project.
Ying Shaowen also mentioned that the upcoming meeting was for planning the design of a new aircraft-carrier engine.
The plan was at the design stage.
"We’re merely giving an overall framework and argument for the new engine. Depending on the circumstances, we’ll need to adjust and revise it, so there’s really nothing secretive about our project," said Ying Shaowen.
Zhao Yi finally understood this.
He had hesitated before as to whether he should join the meeting because he might hear some confidential information. He certainly wasn’t concerned about his security clearance, but he didn’t want to be forced to join the team either.
But now, there was no problem.
If an extensive engine project was only at the design stage, it would take at least five years to complete, wouldn’t it? Five years was probably an understatement. It could take eight years, ten years, or even lead to the abandonment of the project in favor of other research.
So Zhao Yi decided to go into the conference room.
Ying Shaowen, the leader of the team and the key figure conducting the meeting, immediately caught everyone’s attention as he entered the room with Zhao Yi and Zhang Hongtao. A discussion instantly erupted, "Zhao Yi?"
"Yes, Zhao Yi. I saw him last night."
"Why has he come here?"
"The other one seems to be a specialist in alloy materials from Capital University of Aeronautics and Astronautics. I heard that he was invited by Academician Yin. They came together?"
"Yes, he should be."
"But... what does Zhao Yi know about power mechanics? Probably just here to join in the excitement."
"..."
Ying Shaowen softly cleared his throat and the room immediately fell silent.
Zhao Yi and Zhang Hongtao chose seats in the back row, preparing to simply observe. The meeting resumed as normal.
The internal research meeting was a discussion about the inner design of the new engine. The overall design was displayed, and each researcher gave suggestions and recommendations for their respective parts, addressing issues and debating them one by one.
Zhao Yi listened with interest. It was his first time being exposed to the field of engine design. Although the focus was on the application of technology, he still understood the design principles.
As the meeting went on, Zhao Yi felt he had learned a lot. Zhang Hongtao, on the other hand, was nodding off despite his best efforts. If it wouldn’t look improper, he might have fallen asleep on the table.
After about half an hour, a debate started over the design of the engine blades.
Some suggested using hollow blades, while others argued that solid airfoil blades were better.
Hollow blades have their own advantages.
Solid airfoil blades undoubtedly have their merits as well.
If the decision were to be made purely from energy output considerations, it would involve complex calculations. Empirical data might suggest that the energy output difference would not be significant. However, regardless of which option is chosen, scientific data must support it. Naturally, it would not be an easy decision to make on short notice.
Therefore, the debate in the meeting couldn’t be resolved immediately.
While listening to the arguments of his team members, Ying Shaowen noticed Zhao Yi was listening very attentively in the back. Seeing an opportunity, Ying Shaowen asked Zhao with some anticipation, "Academician Zhao, you’re an expert in mathematics and physics. Could you help us calculate the difference in power output between these two designs?"
