Of course, what comes out of Chen Nian's hands will not be as simple as replicating the 094A from the previous life.
In fact, he knows very well that although many people regard the 094A as China's strongest "Shadow Sword", if evaluated objectively, the performance of this type of nuclear submarine is only "adequate".
Yes, we can indeed rely on it to launch a strategic nuclear counterattack.
But beyond that?
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 all of North America, the 094 needs to go at least to the east side of the Philippine Sea, which means it has to sail 3,500 kilometers eastward from Hainan Island to the first island chain. You can reach the launch position by walking around.
This area is very close to the second island chain, and submarines are extremely easy to detect and attack.
Therefore, to make it truly "easy to use", it needs to be fully upgraded.
This is the true intention of Project 096.
What Chen Nian wants to do is to build 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 based on the 094A project, and even set extremely exaggerated project goals on certain technical parameters.
Extremely low noise is the most typical one - logically speaking, the natural noise of the ocean is close to 90 decibels. It is actually very difficult for a strategic nuclear submarine to be lower than this decibel.
Although it seems that the difference is only 5 decibels, from a pure "sound level" perspective, 5 decibels is more than twice the difference.
But that doesn't mean it can't be achieved.
In fact, there is still a chance to achieve the 85 decibel target by relying on a combination of floating raft vibration reduction, silencer tiles, integrated power + shaftless pump, propeller fairing and other solutions.
——
Of course, we can't rely on the scientific researchers of the project team, Chen Niande can do it himself.
This is not because Chen Nian looks down on their abilities, it is simply because this series of technologies is too complex and cumbersome. If you start from scratch, it will consume too much time and will seriously affect the progress of the project.
Therefore, Chen Nian spent 26 source points to analyze all the technologies of this silencer system, and spent several days to output them.
Before colleagues in the technical team had time to worry about this outrageous goal, the document had already been sent to them.
The project has been launched successfully. At least they will not have nothing to do until the core problem of the small nuclear reactor 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 extremely satisfied. They even sent a letter to explain the future work arrangements."
"This actually made me a little ashamed - originally I wanted to let them dry out first, so that they would not become dependent on Spark."
"Now it seems that I have a villainous heart."
Hearing Chen Nian's words, Chen Guo smiled and replied:
"There's nothing wrong with your idea. The cultivation of scientific research talents requires them to take the initiative to explore on their own. It's not enough to always rely on Spark to provide technology."
"The role you want to play should be a cover-up role."
"If they can't handle it, or if they can't handle it within the time we require, you can just take action."
"Having said that, now that the silencer technology has been solved, how do you plan to solve the reactor problem?"
"The Nuclear Power Research Institute has expressed its intention, but their technology is not good enough. If we want to start as soon as possible and produce results as soon as possible, you will probably need to get involved deeply."
Chen Nian frowned slightly. He really hadn't thought about this issue well.
Go ahead, your time will definitely be occupied, affecting your investment in other technical fields.
Don't go. They really can't do it in a short time.
——
In the eyes of most people, as long as a country's "nuclear"-related technical departments should represent the highest level of domestic scientific research, they 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 this quarter-sensitive technology, Chinese researchers have no reference at all and can only cross the river by feeling the stones on their own.
In this case, slow development is almost inevitable.
Not to mention that the current technology of the Nuclear Power Research Institute is not good, even if we say this 10 years later, there will still be no problem.
After all, the current 094 still uses the third-generation pressurized water reactor removed from the 092, with a power of only 90 megawatts.
Ten years later, the 094A was modified, but the improved power reactor only had a power of 120 megawatts.
In comparison, the power of the Ohio-class nuclear power reactor is 260 megawatts, more than twice that of the 094.
To close this gap, how easy is it to rely solely on the strength of the Nuclear Power Research Institute?
Yes, ten years later, they did build 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 universal platform that can be used in commercial power generation, shipbuilding, and heavy oil mining. It has a wide range of uses and strong applicability.
But 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 heap is used in the 096 project, instead of helping the entire project, it may actually be a drag.
After all, 125 megawatts and 280,000 horsepower are far from being able to propel a giant 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 produce results and takes a long time to give back results, it is a step that must be taken no matter what.”
"If we take this step well, it will be smoother for us to continue to build commercial reactors, small reactors, and even fusion reactors in the future."
Chen Guo nodded in agreement, this was also his idea.
For a long time in the past, the projects Chen Nian worked on were highly application-oriented projects that produced short-term results—or, to be more precise, they were extreme fire-fighting projects.
This is true for fifth-generation aircraft, aircraft carriers, missiles, high-speed rail, and large machinery.
All they point to are weak links that China urgently 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 victory or defeat will increasingly lean toward the underlying strength.
This contradiction must be resolved. Metal hydrogen is a route, and nuclear power is also a route.
"Then I'll make arrangements with the institute - it's pretty good, they're all in Chengdu, at least I don't have to travel between places."
"Let them come to see you, or do you go to the institute to find them?"
Chen Nian hesitated for a moment and replied:
"I'll go find them tomorrow!"
At the same time, inside the Nuclear Power Research Institute.
Lu Qingzhou is conducting the third simulation test of the 216 nuclear submarine reactor onshore simulation reactor. His expression is solemn, and his eyes reveal a deep helplessness.
A comprehensive protection system for 216 piles is being tested. The testing process involves all modules of the protection system.
According to the technical design requirements, this test should not have encountered 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 experimental team had already detected more than ten abnormal feedbacks.
Abnormal data transmission between Reactor Protection System (RPS) and TXP interface, abnormal connection between RPS and AV42, interruption of connection between RPS and ATWT, abnormal activation of RPS trip reactor circuit breaker, frequent rod drop test conditions, and safety and injection malfunctions
How to describe this RPS test?
Simply put, it was almost a disaster.
"Failed to achieve the expected results" is the lightest statement. More objectively speaking, this system should be said to be "completely unusable."
Looking at the results in front of him, Lu Qingzhou sighed deeply.
He turned to the researcher beside him and asked:
"Why are there so many problems? Is it a problem with the design parameters or is it a problem during the execution of the construction process?"
The researcher hesitated for a moment and replied:
"There are reasons for both."
"Based on preliminary analysis, the sensitivity of the RPS system is too high and there are problems with the placement of each sensor, which resulted in excessive data traffic during the test and challenged the computing power of the central processor."
"Most of these malfunctions are caused by this."
"The abnormal connection problems in various aspects are caused by the process flow not passing the test."
"This problem has actually always existed. Even the 191 reactors in use now have similar problems from time to time. It's just that we added a lot of redundant designs and solved the problem in a stupid way."
"That's why the energy efficiency of the 191 reactor is so low. There's nothing we can do about it."
Hearing this, Lu Qingzhou nodded silently.
In fact, the 216 pile was originally designed to solve the problem of low energy efficiency of the 191 pile, so when designing the plan, he focused on the so-called "lightweight" issue.
But it is obvious that the current technical level of the institute cannot support such a lightweight design.
The blind pursuit of efficiency will result in a significant reduction in stability.
This is an irresolvable 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 still a long way to go.
Lu Qingzhou suddenly felt a little ashamed.
It has been more than 20 years since Mr. Peng Shilu Peng built the first generation reactor. They studied day and night in the mountains and finally broke the curse of "0".
All they hope for is that future generations can stand on their shoulders, work hard to climb forward, and completely lay the foundation for China's nuclear power industry.
But actually?
What my generation has done is indeed unsatisfactory.
Seeing Lu Qingzhou's disappointed expression, the researcher around him roughly guessed what he was thinking, so he comforted him:
"Mr. Lu, it doesn't matter. We will find ways to solve these problems later."
"There are indeed objective factors. The technological blockade of the United States is too severe."
"Sensors cannot be purchased, materials are not provided, and if the problem with the chip had not been solved last year, we would not even have a dedicated processor."
"It's good to be able to do this step. Just like making a clay figurine, we have to knead out the embryo first and then slowly shape it."
"You actually comforted me?"
Lu Qingzhou suddenly felt a little funny. Although he was harsh on his words, he felt a little relieved in his heart.
He led everyone out of the laboratory and was about to return to the office to sort out the data and make further optimizations, 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 opened the office door in confusion, and when he saw the people sitting in the office, the expression on his face instantly changed from calm to surprise.
"Gong Chen!"
The person sitting in the office is naturally Chen Nian. As early as when the Deep Blue 16 project was first launched, he had met Lu Qingzhou and discussed matters related to 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 develop nuclear power?"
This was Lu Qingzhou's second sentence. He couldn't even wait to greet Chen Nian, so he asked directly.
Chen Nian smiled, nodded, and replied:
"Yes, it was always a matter of time. Now that the time has come, I don't plan to delay it."
"Okay, great!"
Lu Qingzhou walked around the office excitedly. At this moment, he had a lot to say in his heart, but in the end he suppressed them all.
It is true that as a scientific researcher, he knows that all technological breakthroughs ultimately rely on step-by-step efforts, but the "miracle" created by Spark is really shocking. When this opportunity appeared in front of him, he was also 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 forces to break the stagnant status quo caused by technological blockade.
After taking a deep breath and stabilizing his emotions, he asked:
"Mr. Chen, what is our plan? Are we going to build a third-generation reactor?"
"no."
Chen Nian shook his head.
Lu Qingzhou was stunned for a moment, but before he could ask a question, Chen Nian continued:
"We are going to build a fourth-generation small reactor based on 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 to follow. Fluorine salt corrosion is too serious, and the working temperature of the molten salt reactor is also high. The anti-corrosion materials of the circulation pipeline alone are a big problem."
"In addition, the fuel cycle method is also more complicated - we can't even build a third-generation pressurized water reactor, and we have to develop a thorium-based molten salt reactor."
"But it's the best route to reactor miniaturization."
Chen Nian interrupted.
Lu Qingzhou fell silent, still a little suspicious, but he soon came to his senses:
If it can't be done, then why is Chen Nian here?
Are you here to amuse yourself?
So, he quickly asked:
"Gong Chen, are you sure?"
Chen Nian smiled mysteriously and replied:
"I can't say I'm 100% sure."
"Probably .99%."
The latest update time is unstable, mainly because it involves some subsequent plot adjustments, which will be completed as soon as possible.
(End of chapter)
