China, Hefei, a small island in the center of Dongpu Reservoir.
Accompanied by several core leaders of the Institute of Plasma Physics, Chen Nian strolled on the island in the middle of the lake, known as the "Science Island". While listening to the enthusiastic introductions of the people around him, he followed the direction of their fingers. Looking at the Dashu Mountain in the distance.
"Our Science Island has been a leisure resort for nearby people since it was built in 1963."
“The scenery here is very different throughout the year, each with its own characteristics.”
"Especially in autumn, the large fruit forest is full of fruits, and the pond fir trees on the water slowly turn red. When the sun sets, it is the real 'setting clouds and solitary swans flying together'"
Chen Nian couldn't help but feel a little funny when he heard the "tour guide"'s words.
——
To be honest, the climate on the island surrounded by water on three sides is quite comfortable, and the pond cedars planted on the water are also quite unique.
But if I insist on saying how beautiful the scenery on this island is, I have no words to praise it.
However, he also knew that such harsh words were an inherent part of the normal reception process. Regardless of whether that was the case or not, in any case, he would have fulfilled the landlord's wishes by saying a few compliments first.
Therefore, he is not too resistant to this process.
After all, he didn't come here for the scenery or leisure.
His only goal is one.
That is, the so-called "artificial sun" located in the center of this island.
EAST, the Eastern Hyperloop large-scale tokamak device.
This device was built in 2006. It originated from the T-7 Tokamak device donated by the Soviet Union to China in March 1991. In 1994, the modified T-7 was upgraded to HT-7 and successfully obtained plasma. It became the first superconducting tokamak in Chinese history.
Subsequently, on this basis, around 2003, the Chinese Academy of Sciences proposed an upgrade plan for the HT-7 all-superconducting non-circular cross-section tokamak device. In order to ensure that the project is easy to remember, this construction project was eventually named "EAST" ”, which is called “Oriental Super Ring” in Chinese.
It was not until 2006 that the Oriental Super Ring was officially built. As of today, it has completed more than 20,000 experiments, obtained 20 million degrees Celsius high-parameter divertor plasma for more than 300 seconds, and obtained high constraint stability and repeatability for more than 25 seconds. Plasma discharge.
It can be said that this device represents the highest technical level in the domestic nuclear fusion field and is also the leading level of tokamak devices in the world.
Chen Nian still remembers that EAST also refreshed the plasma confinement time record, achieved 1056 seconds long pulse high-parameter plasma operation, and also achieved the first net energy gain in human history.
Whether in the past or in the future, EAST's achievements are brilliant.
——
But compared to Chen Nian's ultimate goal, it is a bit too behind.
As for its "backward" characteristics, the most typical one is:
Its size is too small.
Ideally, if a device wants to achieve fusion conditions, it must pursue high beta as much as possible. Although small devices can achieve high beta, they also have natural disadvantages.
For example, it is impossible to integrate multiple sets of diagnostic and control systems to achieve better calibration or control.
For example, a larger volume means that the relative proportion of impurities entering the plasma of the first wall and divertor will be reduced, which also reduces the difficulty of designing the first wall and divertor.
For another example, larger size provides greater margin for CICC design and can also build a more stable superconducting magnet system structure.
Therefore, the purpose of Chen Nian's visit this time is to carry out a new round of upgrades to the Oriental Hyperloop, which was just built less than five years ago, so that it will have the ability to conduct all-round exploration of controllable nuclear fusion technology.
After finally finishing the "tour project", the group finally entered the building of the Plasma Research Institute.
All kinds of fruits and refreshments have been prepared in the conference room. The most exaggerated thing is that there are a lot of peeled green coconuts.
——
I don’t know who the scammer was who spread this rumor. Chen Nian just ate too much spicy food when he was at Dongqi, so he habitually drank coconut water to relieve the greasiness. As a result, it spread around and became his favorite drink. Coconut water.
It's good now, no matter where he goes on a business trip to support, the local person in charge will prepare this thing in advance.
You may say that this kind of culture is bad, but that’s not the case.
After all, a few coconuts cannot waste people and money.
But Chen Nian still doesn't think it's very interesting - he doesn't want to become that kind of "idol-like" figure. Too much blind worship and preferential treatment will only affect the speed of his progress.
Therefore, when faced with the green coconut that was specially handed over, he just took it casually and did not show much interest. Instead, he went straight to the point and said:
"We've had enough time to chat today, so I won't say more and be polite to you all."
"Let's get down to business. Who will take the lead in the subsequent transformation of EAST?"
"it's me."
A middle-aged man sitting on Chen Nian's right side quickly replied.
His name is Li Jiangang, he is the core researcher of the Eastern Hyperring Project and the current director of the Plasma Research Institute.
"Mr. Li is responsible for taking the lead, so you are the sponsor. Where is the project manager? Who will be in charge?"
"Lao Wan is the project manager. His accumulation in the practical field is better than mine, and he has a deeper understanding of some issues. He is suitable for the position of project manager."
The man named Wan Yuanxi who was sitting next to him raised his hand. Chen Nian remembered his face, nodded and said:
"Okay, then you will be responsible for the main follow-up work."
"I will not hold any actual position in the project team. I am only responsible for providing the technology you need and providing limited practical guidance."
"The goals of the project are already clear to everyone. We must complete the comprehensive upgrade and transformation of EAST within two years, and complete the first net energy gain experiment within three years."
"This goal is not easy and we all have to do our best."
"Now, if there are any problems, you can raise them immediately and submit them to the Spark team for resolution."
As soon as he finished speaking, Wan Yuanxi immediately raised his hand.
"I have a problem here."
"you say."
Chen Nian turned slightly towards Wan Yuanxi, who coughed, sat up straight and said:
"The superiors have indeed invested a lot of resources in this EAST project, which also shows the importance they attach to this project."
"As chief officers, we all see this in our eyes."
"Especially the Spark team, which is commanded from the center, is not only responsible for technical output, but also"
"Speak directly!"
Chen Nian immediately interrupted Wan Yuanxi. He was a little confused. Why do people in the Plasma Research Institute love to speak in official accent?
A moral issue?
Not really.
Judging from the experience of the previous life, these people are quite pragmatic.
I'll have to ask Li Xiang to find someone to check. If it stays like this, this project won't be able to continue.
Wan Yuanxi smiled awkwardly, and then replied:
"Staff reserves are insufficient."
After a pause, he continued:
“In particular, there is an insufficient number of senior personnel with a certain level of scientific research and practical experience.”
Hearing his words, Chen Nian frowned slightly and nodded silently.
This is indeed the most serious problem in the EAST project.
Technology, he can give.
But what about the people responsible for implementing these technologies?
You must know that scientific research is not about writing and drawing. There is no such thing as following a template and you will be 100% up to standard.
Under the same theoretical support, differences in the overall level of personnel and teams will often lead to different project results.
When he decided to do the EAST project before, his consideration was to let the institute solve it on its own, but now looking at their reaction, it seems that it can't be solved? ——
Also, if it could be solved, he would not be able to throw the problem directly in front of Chen Nian on such an occasion.
But to be honest, he didn't have a good solution for this.
Talents are not leeks. They can grow out after being buried in the soil and watered.
To cultivate a qualified talent, time must be calculated based on "10 years".
Now the entire EAST project cycle is only three years. Where can we find so many useful people?
Thinking of this, Chen Nian couldn't help but sigh.
However, when he turned his attention to Wan Yuanxi again, he keenly caught something unusual.
His heart moved and he asked:
"Do you have any ideas?"
“There are ways but”
Wan Yuanxi's expression was a little hesitant.
"You tell me first and listen!"
Chen Nian waved his hand and said.
"We want to make the EAST project an international cooperation project."
"International cooperation project? Do you mean to introduce external scientific research forces?"
Chen Nian was a little surprised. At the same time, he also understood where Wan Yuanxi hesitated.
——
In fact, strictly speaking, EAST itself has participated in international cooperation since its establishment.
As a member of ITER, China is responsible for 10% of the scientific research tasks in this scientific engineering plan, and has also participated in a large number of technical exchanges and communications.
But in the final analysis, this kind of "cooperation" is closed in nature, which means that before China exports its results, no one or any external organization can have access to the experimental process, let alone the equipment construction process.
But what Wan Yuanxi meant was obviously not like this.
What they want to do is to change the closed nature of the project and introduce scientific researchers from other countries directly within the project.
It has to be said that in some respects this is a dangerous idea.
It can even be said that it will be treated as zz incorrectly.
No wonder they were so cautious from the beginning, probably just to pave the way for the moment when this suggestion was made.
——
But taking a step back, do we really need to be so closed-minded?
Will we really quickly lose our advantage after bringing in people from other countries?
It seems that it is not the case.
Previous metallic hydrogen projects, H-20 projects, and variable-cycle engine projects all involved external personnel. Among them, the H-20 project had deep involvement from Russia.
But have they developed a new strategic bomber?
No.
Thinking of this, Chen Nian couldn't help but reveal a smile on his face.
Maybe it's time to adjust your thinking.
We have gradually climbed from the downstream of technology transfer to the upstream.
It is impossible to maintain 100% closure and security.
In that case, why not take this opportunity to make a big deal?
A few days later, in the conference room, the respective representatives sat opposite each other, communicating with each other in a relaxed manner.
"The last time we met was in 2003. How are you doing, Rafe? How are you doing?"
Our representative asked with concern in his voice.
"It's not good, how can it be good? Cheng, you also know that especially after the crisis in 2006, our relationship has been very tense, and there have been voices of opposition everywhere."
"How can a 'collaborator' like me live well under these circumstances?"
"To be honest, for a long time, I didn't sleep with my wife, but with my HK416."
"I'm really afraid that one day I will die quietly in my sleep - you know, there are actually quite a few people who want to do this."
Hearing Rafe's words, the man named Cheng Cheng sighed and replied:
"Such extremists can be found everywhere. However, the situation should have improved a lot now, right?"
"The strategy of the opposition faction has completely failed. After the economic environment further deteriorates, many people will place their hopes on us, and you can regain your position."
"Indeed."
A smile appeared on Raf's face, and then he continued:
"That's why I came here today - we want to restart cooperation."
"I know that we have already discussed your letter about the nuclear fusion project."
"Then what's the result?"
"It can pass, but there are several conditions."
The communication between the two is extremely simple and direct. This is partly because they are good friends who have known each other for many years, and partly because of Rafe's identity.
Even under the most stringent scrutiny, he was listed as a trustworthy pro-China partner by the intelligence agency. Over the past thirty years, many cooperation projects were facilitated through him, and he even joined the WTO that year. In the process, he also played an important role.
Therefore, this communication was fully convenient for him.
"What conditions?"
Raph asked.
"It's very simple."
A smile appeared on Cheng Cheng's face.
In fact, cooperation on nuclear fusion projects has been one of our established strategies. However, we did not expect that at this juncture, our opponents, who had been alarmed by the deteriorating economic situation, would actually come to us and forcefully come to our door. Provided an opportunity to raise the price.
"First, Luo must step down."
"no problem."
Raph replied decisively.
This person's internal support rate has dropped to an extremely low level. If you throw him out as a bargaining chip, it can even be said that it is not a loss, but a gain.
"Second, we must sign a technical cooperation framework agreement. The specific details of the agreement will be formulated by our side."
"Can consider it."
Rafe still didn't hesitate. In his opinion, this was one of the prices that had to be paid.
Cheng Cheng was also extremely satisfied with his reaction, so he continued to say the third point.
"Third, in the coming period, we will organize some special operations in the south - of course, special operations 'above the bottom line'."
"And we, I hope you can't see."
Raph opened his mouth to speak, but ended up swallowing.
He probably guessed what the other party was going to do.
But maybe - from now on, he should pretend not to see it.
(End of chapter)
