Spark

Of course, what comes out of Chen Nian's hands is not just a simple copy of 094A from the previous life.

In fact, he is very clear that although many people regard 094A as China's strongest shadow sword, if evaluated objectively, the performance of this type of nuclear submarine is only enough.

Yes, we can indeed rely on it to launch a strategic nuclear counterattack.

But what else?

Due to problems such as insufficient reactor power and backward hull design, some key indicators of Type 094 are still far behind the world's advanced level.

As for the Julang-2 type, it is limited by its range. If it wants to hit the entire territory of North America, the 094 needs to go out to the east of the Philippine Sea at least. Left and right to reach the launch position.

This area is very close to the second island chain, and submarines are extremely easy to be detected and attacked.

Therefore, in order to be truly easy to use, it needs to be fully upgraded.

This is the true intent of Project 096.

What Chen Nian wants to do is a submarine that can crush all submarines currently active in the ocean and pose a substantial threat to North America.

Therefore, he made a comprehensive upgrade on the basis of the 094A project, and even set extremely exaggerated project goals in terms of certain technical parameters.

Extremely low noise is one of the most typical ones --- logically speaking, the natural noise of the ocean is close to 90 decibels, and it is actually very difficult for a strategic nuclear submarine to lower this decibel.

Although it seems that there is only a difference of 5 decibels, 5 decibels is more than double the difference in terms of pure sound level.

But that doesn't mean it can't be done.

In fact, there is still a chance to achieve the goal of 85 decibels by relying on the combination of floating raft vibration reduction, sound-absorbing tiles, integrated power + shaftless pump, propeller fairing, etc.

——

Of course, you can't count on the scientific researchers of the project team, Chen Nian has to do it himself.

This is not because Chen Nian looks down on their abilities, it is purely because this series of technologies are too complicated and cumbersome, if they start from scratch, it will consume too much time and will seriously affect the progress of the project.

Therefore, Chen Nian spent 26 sources to analyze all the technologies of this noise reduction system, and spent several days to output them.

Before the colleagues in the technical group had time to worry about this outrageous goal, the document had already been sent to them.

The project started smoothly, at least they will not have nothing to do until the core small nuclear reactor problem is solved.

In the Chengdu office, Chen Nian held the latest feedback from the 096 project team in his hand, and said to Chen Guo:

Their requirements are really not high. The first batch of documents only gave some directional suggestions, and they were so satisfied that they sent a letter to explain the future work arrangements.

On the contrary, this made me a little ashamed-I originally wanted to let them air first, so as not to make them dependent on Xinghuo.

Now it looks like I'm a villain at heart.

Hearing what Chen Nian said, Chen Guo smiled and replied:

Your idea is fine. The cultivation of scientific research talents requires them to explore on their own initiative. It is not enough to always rely on Spark to provide technology.

What you want to play should be a role that covers the bottom line.

If they can't handle it, or if they can't handle it within the time we require, you can make a move.

Speaking of which, the sound suppression technology has been solved, how do you plan to solve the problem of the reactor?

The Institute of Nuclear Power has already expressed their intentions, but their technology is not good enough. If you want to start it as soon as possible and produce results as soon as possible, you probably need to intervene deeply.

Chen Nian frowned slightly, he really hadn't considered this question well.

Go ahead, your time will definitely be taken up, which will affect your investment in other technical fields.

Don't go. They really can't handle it in a short time.

——

In the eyes of most people, as long as a country's technical departments related to nuclear should represent the highest level in the domestic scientific research field, it must be top-notch in terms of capabilities, resources, and efficiency.

but it is not the truth.

Due to the long-term blockade and the fact that there is no technical exchange between countries for such a season-sensitive technology, Huaxia's scientific researchers have no reference at all and can only rely on their own strength to cross the river by feeling the stones.

In this case, slow development is almost inevitable.

Not to mention that the technology of the Nuclear Power Research Institute is not good now, even if this is said 10 years later, there is actually no problem.

After all, the current 094 still uses the third-generation pressurized water reactor moved from the 092, with a power of only 90 megawatts.

After 10 years, the 094A was modified, but the improved power reactor only had a power of 120 megawatts.

In contrast, the power of the Ohio-class nuclear power reactor is 260 megawatts, which is more than double that of 094.

To close this gap, relying solely on the strength of the Institute of Nuclear Power, is it easier said than done?

Yes, ten years later, they did come up with the Linglong No. 1 reactor, but this reactor actually solved most of the modular problems.

To put it bluntly, what researchers have developed is a general-purpose platform that can be used in the field of commercial power generation, ships, and heavy oil exploration. It has a wide range of uses and strong applicability.

The problem is, it's not powerful enough.

The power of only 125 megawatts is not much better than the third-generation reactor of 094A.

If such a pile is used in the 096 project, instead of helping the whole project, it may be a drag.

After all, the value of 125 megawatts and 280,000 horsepower is far from being able to push a huge submarine with a displacement of more than 18,000 tons.

Thinking of this, Chen Nian said:

I'd better intervene directly.

From the current point of view, in the field of nuclear power, we are still too weak.

Although this is a sub-project that is slow to take effect and takes a long time to feedback the results, it is a step that must be taken anyway.

If we take this step well, we will continue to make commercial reactors, small reactors, and even fusion reactors in the future, and it will be smoother.

Chen Guo nodded in agreement, this was also his idea.

For a long time in the past, the projects Chen Nian worked on were all highly applied projects with short-term results—or, to be more precise, some extreme firefighting projects.

This includes fifth-generation aircraft, aircraft carriers, missiles, high-speed rail, and large machinery.

All they point to are weak links in China's urgent needs. Although they do play a role, they all have one thing in common:

It failed to fundamentally enhance China's underlying strength.

As the pattern of bipolar confrontation gradually takes shape, the key to determining the outcome will be more and more inclined to the underlying strength.

This contradiction must be resolved. Metal hydrogen is a route, and nuclear power is also a route.

Then I'll make an arrangement with the research institute—it's also pretty good, they're all in Chengdu, at least I don't have to run around.

Let them come to see you, or do you go to the research institute to find them?

Chen Nian hesitated for a moment, then replied:

I'll go find them, tomorrow!

At the same time, in the Nuclear Power Research Institute.

Lu Qingzhou is conducting the third simulation test of the 216 nuclear submarine reactor land simulation reactor. His expression is solemn, and his eyes reveal a kind of deep helplessness.

The comprehensive protection system of Heap 216 is being tested, and the test process involves all modules of the protection system.

According to the technical design requirements, this test should not encounter too many problems. After all, all functions have been simulated and verified.

But this is not the case.

Less than an hour after the test started, the test team had already detected more than ten abnormal feedbacks.

Abnormal data transfer between reactor protection system (RPS) and TXP interface, abnormal connection between RPS and AV42, interruption of connection between RPS and ATWT, abnormal start of RPS tripping reactor circuit breaker, frequent occurrence of rod drop test, misoperation of safety injection and safety injection

How to describe this RPS test?

In short, it was almost a disaster.

It did not achieve the expected effect is the lightest statement. More objectively speaking, this system should be said to be completely unusable.

Looking at the result in front of him, Lu Qingzhou sighed deeply.

He turned to the researcher on the side and asked:

Why are there so many problems? Are there problems in the design parameters, or problems in the implementation of the construction process?

The researcher hesitated for a moment, then replied:

There are two reasons for this.

From the preliminary analysis, the sensitivity of the RPS system is too high, and there are problems in the layout of each sensor, which leads to excessive data flow during the test process and poses a challenge to the computing power of the central processing unit.

Most of these misoperations are caused by this reason.

And the abnormal connection problem in all aspects is that the process flow is not enough.

This problem has always existed. Even the 191 piles in use now have similar problems from time to time. It's just that we have added a lot of redundant designs, which can be regarded as solving the problem in a stupid way.

That's why the energy efficiency of pile 191 is so low. This is something that can't be helped.

Hearing this, Lu Qingzhou nodded silently.

In fact, the 216 pile was originally designed to solve the low energy efficiency of the 191 pile, so when designing the plan, he focused on the so-called lightweight problem.

But obviously, with the current technical level of the research institute, such a lightweight design cannot be supported at all.

The blind pursuit of efficiency will bring about a significant reduction in stability.

This is an unsolvable contradiction - the only way is to find ways to improve one's own technical capabilities and break through the threshold of the contradiction.

However, how can this be done in a day or two?

There is a long way to go.

Lu Qingzhou suddenly felt a little ashamed.

It has been more than 20 years since Mr. Peng Shilu and Peng made the first-generation pile. They studied day and night in the deep mountains, and finally broke the curse of 0.

What they expect is nothing more than that future generations can stand on their shoulders and work hard to climb forward and completely lay the foundation of China's nuclear power industry.

But actually?

What my generation has done is really unsatisfactory.

Seeing Lu Qingzhou's disappointed expression, the researchers around him roughly guessed his thoughts, so they comforted him:

President Lu, it's okay, we'll find a way to solve these problems.

There are indeed objective factors. The technology blockade of Laomei is too serious.

Sensors cannot be bought, and materials are not provided. If the chip problem was not solved last year, we would not even have dedicated processors.

It's good to be able to do this step. Just like kneading clay figurines, we have to knead the embryo first, and then slowly shape it.

You still comfort me?

Lu Qingzhou suddenly felt a little funny. Although he was not forgiving, he relaxed a little in his heart.

He left the laboratory with everyone, and was about to return to the office to sort out the data and do further optimization, but the secretary who had been waiting for a long time told him that someone was already waiting for him in the office.

Lu Qingzhou pushed open the office door suspiciously, and when he saw the people sitting in the office, the expression on his face instantly changed from calm to surprise.

Chen Gong!

The person sitting in the office is naturally Chen Nian. As early as when the Deep Blue 16 project was just launched, he had a relationship with Lu Qingzhou and discussed matters related to the nuclear power on the aircraft carrier.

However, due to the immaturity of the power system, this plan was not implemented in the end.

However, the two also maintained intermittent contact --- mainly Lu Qingzhou contacted Chen Nian.

Are you planning to engage in nuclear power?

This was Lu Qingzhou's second sentence. He couldn't wait to greet Chen Nian, so he asked directly.

Chen Nian nodded with a smile and replied:

Yes, it was a matter of time. Now that the time is ripe, I don't plan to drag it down.

Yeah, great!

Lu Qingzhou walked up and down the office excitedly. At this moment, he had a lot of things to say in his heart, but in the end he suppressed them all.

It is true that, as a scientific research scholar, he knows that all technological breakthroughs must be done step by step, but the miracle created by Xinghuo is really shocking. When this opportunity appeared in front of him, he was very excited It's hard not to be excited.

After all, the Nuclear Power Research Institute does need technical assistance, and it does need some strong external force to break the stagnant status quo caused by the technological blockade.

After taking a deep breath and stabilizing his emotions, he asked:

Chen Gong, what is our plan? Is it to build a three-generation pile?

no.

Chen Nian shook his head.

Lu Qingzhou was taken aback for a moment, but before he had time to ask, Chen Nian continued to speak:

We are going to use the fourth-generation small reactor of thorium-based molten salt.

Thorium-based molten salt reactor? Not a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor?

Lu Qingzhou was shocked, and then said a little eagerly:

This route is not easy. The fluorine salt corrosion is too serious, and the operating temperature of the molten salt reactor is also high. The anti-corrosion material of the circulation pipeline alone is a big problem.

In addition, the fuel cycle method is more complicated --- we can't even do a third-generation pressurized water reactor, and we need to use a thorium-based molten salt reactor.

But it's the best route to downsizing the reactor.

Chen Nian interrupted.

Lu Qingzhou fell silent, he still had doubts in his heart, but soon he realized:

If you can't figure it out, then why is Chen Nian here?

Are you here to amuse yourself?

So he hurriedly asked:

Chen Gong, are you sure?

Chen Nian smiled mysteriously and replied:

I dare not say that I am 100% sure.

Probably .99%.

The latest update time is unstable, mainly because it involves some follow-up plot adjustments, and it will be done as soon as possible.