1900: A physics genius wandering around Europe

Chapter 576 Space Exploration Company! A cause that benefits all mankind! Another prediction! The future of mechanics!

In the reception room.

Tsiolkovsky soon realized that he had lost his composure.

Von Karman is introducing all the big guys.

But he kept talking to Professor Bruce.

So he said apologetically:
"Excuse me, I'm just so happy to meet Professor Bruce."

Von Karman laughed:
"It's okay, Professor Qi, we are also interested."

Everyone smiled.

At this point, von Karman continued:
"Professor Bruce, this is Professor Plant from Germany."

"The boundary layer theory he proposed combined theory and experiment and laid the foundation for modern fluid mechanics."

“Professor Plant is also my doctoral supervisor.”

When introducing his mentor, von Karman couldn't help but praise him.

He respected and admired his mentor very much, who was a master in the field of mechanics.

However, he is not exaggerating.

In real history, Prandtl is known as the "father of modern fluid mechanics."

Before him, the study of fluid mechanics was divided into two main directions.

One is to study the properties of fluid mechanics through pure mathematical means, and many results have been achieved.

These theories can explain the movement of various types of fluids.

However, they have a disadvantage, which is that the calculated results are often too far away from the experimental results.

This is where fluid dynamics gets painful.

Sometimes, no matter how well you build your model, the results just don’t match the experimental situation, and the key is not knowing where the problem lies.

Therefore, another school of fluid mechanics research is the practical school.

Mechanics usually take water flow as their research object and directly derive semi-empirical formulas by summarizing a large number of experimental results.

The advantage of this method is that the result will definitely not be wrong.

But the shortcomings are also obvious. The formulas are all made up and have no theoretical support.

The boundary layer theory proposed by Prandtl can explain various influencing factors such as frictional resistance and heat exchange when a fluid moves around an object.

Therefore, the results predicted by his theory were very close to those of experiments.

It is equivalent to him combining the mathematical school and the practical school, thus laying the foundation for modern fluid mechanics.

From then on, fluid mechanics has been a discipline that emphasizes both theory and experiment.

Based on his own theory, Prandtl also built the world's first wind tunnel for Germany to study the principles of aircraft flight.

In addition, he also conducted in-depth research on the aerodynamics of wings and established the Prandtl wing theory.

In short, compared with Tsiolkovsky's research and development and application of technology, Prandtl is the real master of fluid mechanics theory.

It's a bit like the relationship between von Karman and von Braun.

The former studies the basic theories of aerodynamics, while the latter studies how to transform these theories into feasible technologies.

With the technical principles, engineers can develop real products according to specific technologies.

Basic theory → technical principle → engineering product.

These three parts are interconnected step by step and constitute the entire scientific and technological system.

Prandtl is only 49 years old this year, only 6 years older than von Karman, so the two are both teachers and friends.

He pretended to be serious and said:
"Okay, Carmen."

"In front of Professor Bruce, my achievements are nothing to brag about."

"What's the point of laying the foundation? It makes people laugh out loud."

Then, he looked at Li Qiwei again and said solemnly:

"Hello, Professor Bruce, nice to meet you."

"I've heard your speech before, but unfortunately I never had the chance to meet you."

Li Qiwei smiled and said:
"Hello, Professor Plant."

"The Fifth Master once told me about you. He said you were an authority in the field of fluid mechanics."

"I've read your paper. It's very groundbreaking."

Plant was very excited when he heard this.

Being recognized by Professor Bruce is the greatest affirmation of his academic achievements.

He smiled and said:

"Thank you for your recognition."

Li Qiwei said again:

"The Fifth Division said they hope to work with you to develop a talent training program for mechanics talents."

“I’m very supportive of him.”

After traveling around Europe, Master Qian Wu found that the level of mechanics there was much higher than that in Asia.

Therefore, he hopes to use his own and his mentor's connections to train more mechanics talents for China.

Plant said immediately:
"Professor Qian and I have discussed this matter, and we both think it is a good thing for the development of mechanics."

In real history, Prandtl and von Karman, master and apprentice, trained many masters of mechanics for China.

Moreover, more than a decade later, Plant also recruited the only Asian female PhD student.

She is the famous Chinese fluid dynamicist, Lu Shijia.

When Lu Shijia was young, she borrowed a copy of Marie Curie from a friend. After reading it, she secretly made up her mind:

"Study science and become China's Marie Curie!"

Lu Shijia majored in physics in college, and when she graduated with excellent grades, it was a special period.

So she decided to switch her major from physics to aviation.

To this end, she traveled across the ocean to pursue a doctorate under Professor Plant.

At first, Plant didn't want to recruit her because he never accepted female students.

However, Lu Sijia did not give up. She mainly asked Plant to give her questions.

Plant immediately looked at the female student with admiration and decided to give it a try.

Gold shines wherever it is.

Lu Shijia's test scores far exceeded Plant's expectations, and she was finally accepted as a doctoral student by the latter.

After returning to China after completing his studies, Lu Shijia founded the first aerodynamics major in China and made great contributions to the country's mechanics and aviation.

In addition, she also has a grandson, GXS, who is well-known to everyone in later generations.

Li Qiwei thought about this in his mind and smiled knowingly.

“This world is really too small.”

Next, von Karman introduced more than a dozen other mechanics giants one after another.

Li Qiwei greeted everyone one by one, and the atmosphere on the field gradually became heated.

Everyone felt sincere admiration in their hearts.

Because Professor Bruce is already the top scientist in the world, yet he still maintains such a humble attitude.

The other party did not look down on mechanics because it is a so-called "technical subject". Instead, they chatted enthusiastically with them.

From applied aircraft design to turbulence models in professional academic fields, everyone had a great time discussing.

Li Qiwei occasionally put forward some innovative ideas, which benefited everyone a lot.

"Professor Bruce is truly a treasure for all scientific researchers."

"One hour of chatting with him is equivalent to a year of closed-door research."

Von Karman had a smile on his face and kept looking into Professor Bruce's eyes.

His best friend Born had described to him countless times the greatness of the man before him.

Today's communication finally made him understand why Professor Bruce could convince everyone. His eloquent, elegant and easy-going temperament, yet with a hint of domineering temperament, made people fall into it involuntarily.

Add to that handsome face and wisdom beyond human limits, Professor Bruce is no ordinary man!
Everyone almost treated themselves as primary school students, asking questions and listening to lectures.

Tsiolkovsky was the most active, and he raised several difficult questions about rocket development in succession.

Although Li Qiwei is very awesome, he doesn't know much when it comes to specific technical aspects.

After all, these things are kept confidential in later generations, and it is impossible for him to know much.

This is also the reason why he trained Qian Wushi and others.

In the field of pure physics, Li Qiwei is worth everyone.

But if you want to transform theory into technology and turn technology into products, even ten of them will be of no use.

Therefore, facing the old man's expectations, Li Qiwei could only say helplessly:

"Professor Qi, although I like rockets, I haven't studied them in depth."

But then he changed the subject and started to make big promises.

"But I am planning to set up a space exploration technology company recently. I have already decided on the name, which is SpaceL."

"The company mainly researches cutting-edge aerospace technologies such as rockets and spacecraft."

"I know that rocket research and development has not received much attention in various countries."

"Even Professor Qi, you went through a long period of time when you were not understood by others."

"Humans have just taken to the skies, and you're dreaming of leaving the Earth and traveling to the stars. Most people think that's a pipe dream."

“However, I personally am very optimistic about the future of aerospace.”

“At the third Bruce Conference, I said that the future of mankind lies in the sea of ​​stars.”

"Rockets and aerospace technology are the first step for humans to leave the earth!"

“It represents hope and the most romantic imagination of mankind.”

"Li is not a talented person, but he is willing to contribute to the aerospace industry."

"Therefore, I am willing to invest in these technologies without asking for anything in return, just to benefit all of humanity."

"I also plan to establish the company in Borneo, close to the city of science, which will also facilitate future talent training."

“I hope that you, Professor Qi, and more friends who like rockets and aerospace can join in and fight for the cause of exploring the stars and the sea!”

“This is a cause for all mankind!”

"One day in the future, your names will shine in the starry sky!"

Wow!
Everyone was shocked when they heard this!

What is the pattern?

This is the layout!

While other capitalists are still racking their brains to pursue profits, Professor Bruce has the entire human race in his heart.

The reason why governments are not optimistic about the future of rockets is because the return on investment is disproportionate.

However, Professor Bruce does not consider these at all. What he cares about is always technological breakthroughs and the fate of mankind.

He has the purest love for science.

Everyone felt a sense of awe and respect for him.

That is recognition from the heart.

After hearing this, Tsiolkovsky was stunned with shock.

His eyes began to turn red, and there were faint glimmers of tears.

Once upon a time, he was considered a madman.

In order to study rockets, he often locked himself in a room and did not communicate with anyone.

And all kinds of strange words come out of his mouth all day long.

In order to make a living, he became a middle school teacher, but he missed classes because of his research and was eventually expelled.

All of this stems from his love for rockets.

But today, he was so happy, he met his soulmate in life.

Moreover, this confidant is Professor Bruce, who is the wisest man in the world.

Especially the other party's last sentence, which made Tsiolkovsky so excited that he couldn't contain himself.

The dream I had when I was young might one day change the destiny of mankind!
I can’t help but tremble just thinking about it!

For a moment, Tsiolkovsky was so excited that he couldn't even speak.

"Professor Bubrus, is this true?"

"You didn't lie to me."

"I certainly would!"

He has already made up his mind that once the domestic aerospace industry framework is established, he will go to Borneo!
After all, although the Soviet Union supported his rocket research, there were many restrictions, and funding was a headache.

He wants to realize those free and brilliant dreams even more.

"Professor Bruce should not be short of money."

Li Qiwei waved his hand and said domineeringly:
"I'll invest 10 first, and you can do your research."

"I will let Master Qian Wu be the person in charge of the company, and leave professional matters to professionals."

Everyone was shocked by Professor Bruce's generosity.

Tsiolkovsky's grin reached all the way to the back of his head.

Li Qiwei smiled slightly, very satisfied with his plan.

After the Pangu Plan, the world situation will basically stabilize.

At that time, the competition among countries will become a competition of technological hard power and cultural soft power.

The aerospace industry is definitely the hardest power among hard powers.

In this way, he can not only recruit talents from various countries in advance, but also take the opportunity to promote China's aerospace industry.

In this life, China will surely lead the future of the world!

Although his vision has long transcended national boundaries and focused on the fate of all mankind.

But he has the confidence to do so because he has a strong motherland behind him.

The huge dream in his heart will always need the support of the motherland!
The atmosphere in the room became even more heated.

At this time, Plant suddenly smiled and asked:

"Professor Bruce, what do you think is the future direction of mechanics?"

"Or, what do you think are the more important research topics in fluid mechanics?"

Wow!
The big guys immediately had fiery eyes!
Professor Tsiolkovsky has just gotten free money from Professor Bruce, and now it is Professor Plant's turn to get free wisdom from Professor Bruce.

Everyone suddenly understood why everyone liked to invite Professor Bruce.

And if you don't do it, someone else will.

As we all know, Professor Bruce's far-sighted predictive ability has pointed out the direction for many disciplines, especially astronomy.

Therefore, all the mechanics experts present were very excited.

"Will Professor Bruce come up with any earth-shattering theory?"

“Even if it’s a novel research direction.”

Li Qiwei was slightly stunned when he heard this.

This is a bit too much to ask.

In a discipline like mechanics, it is difficult to achieve breakthroughs at the level of relativity and quantum mechanics.

It doesn’t mean that the big guys who study mechanics are not smart enough.

This is due to the inherent nature of the subject.

Even if Newton were alive again, he would not be able to make great progress in mechanics.

However, Li Qiwei suddenly thought of a direction, which was quite interesting.

(End of this chapter)