Back in 1978, I was admitted to Northwestern Polytechnical University.

Chapter 101 Carbon Fiber Materials

Northwestern Polytechnical University, Department of Materials Science and Engineering.

"Liangzi, everyone says that good things shouldn't go to outsiders. Turbine blades are such good things, why did you give them directly to the Capital Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics? Our Northwestern Polytechnical University's Department of Materials Science and Engineering can definitely make similar materials. We are also very strong in turbine blade research!"

Professor Zhang Tong's eyes were full of complaints.

Qin Liang smiled and said, "Professor Zhang, those turbine blades are nothing special. I have a big project to work on!"

For aero engines, the most difficult part is the turbine blade. You actually think that's child's play? Professor Zhang glanced at Old Wu sitting on the sofa next to him: "What other big projects could there be?"

Old Wu remained silent, like an outsider, but Zhang Tong had already keenly sensed that what Qin Liang was about to say was definitely important!

How much do you know about composite materials?

"You little brat, who do you think you are?" Professor Zhang rolled his eyes at him with displeasure: "There's no composite material I don't know."

In ancient times, the composite bows made by the Mongol cavalry could be considered a type of composite material. Of course, composite materials in the modern sense can be traced back to 1907 when an American chemist invented phenolic resin, one of the earliest synthetic resins, which was later used in automobile gear shifters.

Then came polymer resins, glass fibers, and so on. By the 1950s, composite materials had been put into large-scale use. In recent years, composite materials have also begun to be used in aircraft, mainly in wings, elevators, and so on. Compared with aluminum alloys, they are not only lighter but also easier to produce.

Back when Tu Lao was working on the J-7 upgrade, the nose was lighter, but more than 100 kilograms of counterweight had to be added. Later, he thought of reducing the weight of the tail by using composite materials in the tail. Unfortunately, the materials had problems and were replaced after testing.

just now……

Qin Liang actually asked me how much I knew? Was he a materials expert or was I the one?
"That's good. We plan to use carbon fiber to manufacture the fan blades. Compared to titanium alloy blades, the weight will be reduced by half and the strength will be doubled..."

"Wait, carbon fiber?" Professor Zhang's eyes widened in surprise. "Are you sure that stuff can be used to make fan blades?"

"Yeah, this stuff is a jack-of-all-trades; you can make a lot of things from it, and fishermen love it..."

"However, our country only has one unit producing carbon fiber, and the technology is outdated..."

Carbon fiber is made by stacking organic fibers such as sheet-like graphite microcrystals along the fiber axis, and then undergoing carbonization and graphitization treatment to obtain a microcrystalline graphite material. It has high strength and high modulus, and is both strong and durable as well as soft and easy to process.

The Coal Chemistry Research Institute of a domestic coal province has been conducting research, and in 1976, a production line was built. It also won the National Science and Technology Conference Award in 78. Unfortunately, research progress has been slow since then, and there is a big gap with the world's advanced level.

The research team didn't really figure out what this thing was used for, but when it comes to making fan blades... that modulus of 290 GPa is really not enough...

"Well, the relevant domestic units are lagging behind in technology. We need to develop a completely new carbon fiber process to improve performance before it can be put into practical use. I... I've read some Western research papers and have some ideas. If you're interested, you can try them out. Maybe it'll work." "What do you mean 'maybe'? If you bring it up, it'll definitely work! Okay, let's do it. But... I'm afraid the strength of this stuff isn't enough!"

"If T300 carbon fiber isn't strong enough, isn't T800 strong enough?" Qin Liang said with a smile.

T800? What's that? I've never heard of it! Professor Zhang's eyes widened: "Liangzi, tell me more about it?"

"Okay, this is PAN-based graphite fiber. Its biggest feature is its high tensile modulus, which is close to 700 GPa. Let's start with the raw materials..."

In later generations, the West monopolized our high-performance carbon fiber. Not only was it expensive, but it was also not always available. It is better to rely on ourselves than on others. In 2002, we mastered the production process of T300 grade carbon fiber. Later, we continued to improve its performance, and T800 was also within our grasp. High-end carbon fiber can be used in everything from airplanes to trains, from wind turbine blades to fishing rods!

Of course, the most important thing is still building airplanes. Qin Liang has been in contact with teams in this field and has learned a lot about the technology. Now he can tell Professor Zhang so that he can develop this material. As for the shape of the fan blades, he can design them himself. As for weaving, he really has to weave them by hand.

700GPa! Professor Zhang was stunned. After a moment, he quickly took out his notebook.

Qin Liang said that Professor Zhang took notes diligently, his old face turning red with excitement.

Turbine blade materials can only be used to make engines, but this high-performance carbon fiber can be used in many more places. Sure enough, Liangzi won't treat his own people badly. As for how this kid knew... who cares!

Before anyone knew it, Old Wu stood up and waved to the door. Qin Liang and Professor Zhang didn't pay any attention until he finished speaking, when they realized there were a few more people in the office.

The leader in the middle was of medium build, with a square face, a full head of white hair, and piercing eyes. He looked somewhat familiar. Qin Liang searched his memory for a moment and then realized, "Old Wang?"

An ace on the Far East battlefield, a hero who shot down nine enemy aircraft while piloting a MiG-15 fighter jet, and led his First Squadron to shoot down 29 enemy aircraft!
"Yeah, I've heard Old Lin talk about you. He raved about you to the skies, saying you're amazing in every way. Sure enough, seeing is believing. We had no idea that Spey could make such a change!"

"Actually, it's nothing much. We just happened to run into them and took the opportunity to fool the British a bit. Mr. Wang, although the Spey engine is outdated, it is still a mature engine for us. Since we have spent a lot of money to import it, we must make good use of it! We can't let the country's precious funds go to waste!"

"Well said." Leader Wang nodded: "Keep up the good work and get this modified engine developed as soon as possible to meet the urgent needs of our domestic air force!"

"We will work hard, but... research and development requires funding. Shouldn't the Air Force provide us with some support?"

"If it were anyone else, they wouldn't be able to get a single penny out of our Air Force's pocket. Our Air Force is dirt poor. But... we have faith in Northwestern Polytechnical University, and even more faith in you, Qin Liang. We've decided to allocate one... one million yuan. You absolutely must modify this advanced engine for us!"

It was obvious that Old Wang had intended to say ten million, but he changed his mind at the last minute. However... one million it is. If the money wasn't enough, he could just extort the British. Qin Liang knew how poor the Air Force was.

(End of this chapter)