Rebirth 08: Rise from copycat phones

Chapter 535 Controlled Nuclear Fusion Project

In late August, Xu Shenxue appeared at the Materials Research Institute under Fairy Mountain Holdings. It was just a routine inspection, mainly to demonstrate the importance attached to the materials science discipline.

However, after meeting with Professor Wang Binyao, the chief scientist of the Institute of Materials Science, Xu Shenxue saw an unusual report.

Wang Binyao said, "When I was researching silicon carbide composite materials, I used a new theoretical method and some new mathematical tools provided by Professor Lin to design a completely new technical theoretical route for silicon carbide composite materials!"

"Three months ago, I used the Zhihai No. 16 computing center under the group and the new composite material large model in the scientific research-assisted artificial intelligence system to simulate the technical route of this new silicon carbide composite material."

"The LC-1 superconducting quantum computer array in the No. 16 computing center is very suitable for simulating this kind of material research, and the system finally simulated a rather special technical route."

"Then I found this new technical approach quite interesting, so I had the staff conduct corresponding practical experiments, and we discovered a material with very special performance characteristics!"

As Wang Binyao spoke, he handed over a technical document. Xu Shenxue flipped through a few pages and was immediately overwhelmed... It was full of symbols he couldn't understand.

However, he wasn't one to dwell on these things. He skipped over a bunch of technical terms he didn't understand and focused on the few lines of Chinese technical instructions.

"Excellent thermal shock resistance? Capable of handling megawatt-level heat loads per square meter?"

"Its radiation resistance is excellent, and it can effectively resist the radiation of high-energy neutrons?"

After seeing this term, Xu Shenxue thought for a moment but couldn't think of what it could do. His company mainly deals with semiconductors, artificial intelligence, aerospace, and smart cars. Could this kind of thing be used in his company's business?

Perhaps if it has good radiation resistance and thermal shock resistance, it could be used on spacecraft?
But that's not enough to warrant Professor Wang Binyao specifically showing it to him... Professor Wang Binyao isn't just any ordinary scientist.

He is one of the only three regular users of SS-level research quotas under Xu Shenxue. He is a top-tier scientist in the field of materials science. After using the SS-level research quota, his research in materials science has already surpassed the understanding of contemporary materials scientists and has entered what many people call a superhuman realm!
To this day, Professor Wang Binyao no longer publishes any papers. Any fragments or documents left behind by him in his daily work are all classified as top-secret... His personal safety level is even higher than that of Xu Shenxue!
Even at the headquarters of Shenzhen Materials Research Institute, a subsidiary of Fairy Mountain Holdings, where Professor Wang Binyao lives and works, anti-drone systems and close-range air defense systems are deployed year-round... This was not done by Xu Shenxue's people, but by relevant security agencies through connections.

These systems aren't for protecting the research institute itself, but for protecting Professor Wang Binyao... in case one day a bunch of drones or missiles come hurtling towards him!
Because many of his scientific research achievements are so important, not only did they solve a large number of semiconductor material problems, but many of the new materials he developed have also been used in many other high-tech fields.

For example, the medium-sized engine project planned for use in the X1 UAV project and the large small ducted turbofan engine project planned for the X3 UAV project both utilize a variety of new materials he developed.

The advanced medium-sized engine that the X1 unmanned combat aircraft is planned to use in the mass production phase has improved its performance by 25 percent compared to the original design due to the use of a large number of advanced materials... This has greatly improved the flight performance of the X1 unmanned combat aircraft in all aspects.

In addition, the civilian high-bypass turbofan engine in the civilian large aircraft project also uses many new materials he developed, and the performance of these new materials is already stronger than that of the materials used in similar foreign engines.

The reason why civilian engines are still not being developed smoothly is no longer a material issue, but an issue in the field of engine design, which is now a matter for other cooperating organizations.

Professor Wang Binyao is a highly productive and outstanding top-tier materials scientist.

Therefore, both Xu Shenxue's side and the relevant security agencies attach great importance to his personal safety.

Top scientists who are in their prime, with very high scientific output that continues to rise, and whose research results are directly linked to many high-tech application fields, and even national strategic assets, deserve no amount of attention or protection.

Scientists of this caliber wouldn't give you a special report on ordinary materials for no reason!

Wang Binyao also knew that his boss was a liberal arts graduate. Although it was rumored that his boss was an absolute big shot in the high-tech field, no one had ever said that Xu Shen understood the technology. They usually talked about his vision for the future in the high-tech field.

Able to see into the future!
These things are common knowledge to ordinary people, and Wang Binyao naturally knew them as well. He immediately explained simply: "The silicon carbide material we recently developed is very special. In conventional applications, its advantages are not very prominent, especially since the cost of synthesis is too high. However, its two properties can be used in controlled nuclear fusion as the first wall material."

"I have also learned about the current technological routes and first-wall materials used in the field of controlled nuclear fusion in China. I can say with certainty that our newly developed silicon carbide material is superior to, and even significantly surpasses, existing controlled nuclear fusion first-wall materials both domestically and internationally!"

Upon hearing this, Xu Shenxue understood somewhat: "You mean, the silicon carbide composite material that your research institute has developed can be used in the field of controlled nuclear fusion? And it's a pretty good one?"

Xu Shenxue had naturally heard of controlled nuclear fusion. It was being worked on abroad, and there were similar projects in China, but there were still many technical challenges at present.

Countries have been working on it for decades, but the commercialization of controlled nuclear fusion is still a long way off!
Xu Shenxue wasn't entirely clear on the specific technical challenges, but he knew it was an extremely difficult problem that wasn't easy to solve.

As it turns out, Wang Binyao said today that they have developed a new material that can be used in controlled nuclear fusion... This is somewhat beyond Xu Shenxue's expectations.

At this moment, Wang Binyao said, "Chairman Xu, you are right. Our material can indeed be used in controlled nuclear fusion, and the effect will be very good. With further in-depth research and improvement, there is a high probability that it can reach the level of long-term commercial use!"

"Moreover, our material has another characteristic: it can better collect the energy of high-temperature plasma. This helps to significantly increase the energy output, ultimately achieving a large increase in energy input and output, making nuclear fusion feasible in a positive and sustainable manner!"

"Furthermore, our unique technological advantages in the field of artificial intelligence can also play a significant role in controlled nuclear fusion, especially in plasma confinement. We can use artificial intelligence algorithms for training, then predict the unstable state of the plasma, predict it in advance, and intervene in advance to avoid plasma tearing. In this way, we can control the stability of the plasma for a long time and avoid interruption of the nuclear fusion reaction!"

"I had previously asked a project team to design and develop a model, which utilized the latest underlying core algorithm from the Zhiyun Group's Intelligent Research Institute. From a preliminary perspective, the current large-scale plasma prediction interferometry model is feasible. We are still training it, but the large-scale model that has been trained in the early stages can already predict plasma unstable states in about 300 milliseconds."

"Given time, with the continuous optimization of the underlying algorithms, the increase in data collection, the increasingly sophisticated training of the models, and the support of the massive computing power of the next-generation superconducting quantum computers, we will inevitably be able to predict longer timeframes and conduct interferometric plasma experiments!"

"Then, Chairman Xu, we also have room-temperature superconducting materials. These materials give us a huge technological advantage in the field of controlled nuclear fusion. By using them, we can achieve mass production of superconducting magnets and overcome the technical challenge of carrying huge currents!"

"As for high-temperature ignition technology, the existing technology in China is already quite advanced!"

"Many of our new materials can also be used in other key subsystems, and their performance can be greatly improved."

At this moment, Wang Binyao said to Xu Shenxue, "Chairman Xu, I think we can try to develop this controlled nuclear fusion!"

"From the perspective of some key technologies, although there are still many shortcomings and continuous technological breakthroughs are needed, in general, we have the potential to develop and manufacture a controllable nuclear fusion device that can operate for a long time."

Xu Shenxue was stunned after hearing these words!

He never expected that his inspection trip would bring such shocking news... Wang Binyao actually told him: We can now play with controlled nuclear fusion!
This is a bit out of the ordinary, even beyond the scope of what's required...

Xu Shenxue works in semiconductors, smart terminals, and a series of high-tech devices based on artificial intelligence technology, such as robots and virtual devices. At most, he also works in aerospace, making rockets, spacecraft, satellites, low-altitude drones, and artificial intelligence for unmanned combat aircraft.

Now they've suddenly jumped into researching controlled nuclear fusion; that's quite a leap!

Xu Shenxue asked, "Are you serious?"

Xu Shenxue was a little suspicious. He thought the kid in front of him had gotten a bit carried away with his research and was spouting unrealistic ideas.

Controlled nuclear fusion is no easy feat. Besides, neither Fairy Mountain Holdings nor Zhiyun Group has the relevant talent or experience in nuclear fusion. Professor Wang Yaobin replied earnestly, "Chairman Xu, I'm serious. Trust me, we're confident!"

"Of course, we can't do it alone. We also need the cooperation of other research institutions and companies. This kind of project involves too many fields and requires the cooperation of the entire industrial system!"

"Just like the semiconductor equipment industry chain centered on the EUV lithography machine project, it is not enough for Fairy Mountain Holdings to rely on itself alone. It also requires the cooperation of thousands of enterprises, research institutes and universities!"

"With sufficient cooperation, I believe we have a great chance of developing long-term controlled nuclear fusion, and it is even very possible that we can achieve commercial application!"

"Now that there's a possibility, it would be a shame not to give it a try, don't you think, Chairman Xu..."

Upon hearing this, Xu Shenxue fell into deep thought... Whether or not controlled nuclear fusion could be achieved, Xu Shenxue did not know, but since Professor Wang Binyao said so, it seemed that it was indeed possible.

And just as Professor Wang Binyao said, now that there is a possibility, it would feel like a loss not to do it!

Thinking about it, he looked at Professor Wang Binyao again and asked, "Aren't you working on materials science? How come you've recently become interested in controlled nuclear fusion? Have you done in-depth research on it?"

Wang Binyao said, "I hadn't thought about it before, but after developing this new silicon carbide composite material, I became interested in controlled nuclear fusion. I studied it for a few months, carefully investigated the technical foundation of our group in terms of materials and processes, and also inquired about the research and development progress of some research institutions."

"That's when we came up with the final idea!"

Xu Shenxue said, "If we're going to do this, it'll cost a lot of money, right? Do you have a rough estimate?"

Although Xu Shenxue always said that the research funding given to Professor Wang Binyao was unlimited, with a guaranteed minimum of several billion US dollars in research funding every year that he could spend as he pleased... it is impossible to really say that there is no limit.

Wang Binyao said, "I can't say for sure about the specific R&D investment and construction costs right now, but it won't be too exaggerated. I estimate that if we build a scientific research experimental reactor in the early stages, it will be around 100 billion yuan. After all, we already have many key materials and technologies, so there aren't many areas that require large-scale investment!"

"The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project in Europe has been underway for many years and has only cost a little over 20 billion US dollars. If we were to do it directly, the expenses in all aspects would be much lower. After all, our project is a commercial project, which is very different from those long-term scientific research projects."

"Just like commercial spaceflight and institutional spaceflight, the differences between the two are enormous!"

"Therefore, I estimate that an investment of around 100 billion would be sufficient for setting up a small-scale experimental reactor in the early stages."

Meanwhile, Mr. An, the director of the board office of Liuhe Investment, heard Wang Binyao's nonchalant tone... He spoke of 100 billion as if it were just 1,000 yuan!
As expected of one of the two core scientists in his boss's company, his research capabilities are top-notch. He even dares to work on controlled nuclear fusion. Moreover, his ability to spend money is also first-rate... He can easily spend hundreds of billions of dollars.

Then he witnessed an even more shocking scene, hearing Xu Shenxue exclaim, "Only 100 billion for controlled nuclear fusion? That's so cheap?"

Well, An Yuan, the head of the management office at Liuhe Investment, a worker with an annual salary of just over 30 million, can no longer understand his boss and Wang Binyao's concept of money.

"Only" one hundred billion... that's an understatement.

It's important to understand that even a large intelligent electric vehicle company like Hailan Auto, a global leader in the electric vehicle industry with hundreds of thousands of employees, only earns about this much in a year.

This boss and scientist in front of me don't treat money like money at all!

Then, he saw Xu Shenxue and Professor Wang Binyao whispering about controlled nuclear fusion.

This conversation lasted for two or three hours. During the conversation, Professor Wang Binyao showed Xu Shenxue a large number of technical documents and plans. It was clear that Wang Binyao's ambition for this controlled nuclear fusion project had been brewing for a long time.

After learning about the various technical aspects and confirming that controlled nuclear fusion truly had the potential for commercial application, Xu Shenxue said, "Here's what we'll do: tomorrow you and I will go to Beijing for a meeting to see if we can garner some support. After all, we can't do it on our own; we need the support of many universities, research institutes, and enterprises!"

So, the next day, Xu Shenxue and Professor Wang Binyao flew to Beijing together on Xu Shenxue's private plane.

Upon arriving in Beijing, the people opposite initially thought Xu Shenxue was just coming over for casual conversation. Xu Shenxue frequently came to chat, talking about semiconductors, electric vehicles, and low-orbit satellite networks.

But unexpectedly, Xu Shenxue also brought along his valuable scientist Wang Binyao... This is quite unusual.

Could it be that some kind of groundbreaking technological breakthrough has been achieved? So they are quite looking forward to it.

However, when Xu Shenxue and Wang Binyao said that they were going to build a controlled nuclear fusion experimental reactor, everyone was stunned... What's going on? Xu Shenxue wants to do controlled nuclear fusion?

Also, Professor Wang Binyao, aren't you a materials scientist? When did you start working on nuclear fusion? It seems a bit unreliable for someone who's a materials scientist to suddenly be talking about nuclear fusion.

However, when Professor Wang Binyao produced a large amount of technical data, especially the new silicon carbide composite material, and gave a detailed technical explanation, the person on the other end could no longer remain calm.

Several experts were quickly brought in to participate in the talks.

At first, these experts didn't believe it, and even had doubts. They thought that Xu Shenxue was good at making money, had a good strategic vision, and was very rich. Investing in controlled nuclear fusion was nothing to him... They acknowledged that, but controlled nuclear fusion was not just about money.

If it were as simple as throwing money at it, we would have done it long ago.

And Professor Wang Binyao, we know you are a top materials scientist who pioneered artificial intelligence materials science and developed many groundbreaking new materials. But for a materials scientist to come and work on controlled nuclear fusion, young man, your courage is commendable. However, controlled nuclear fusion is not as simple as you imagine!
However... after half a day, the expressions of these technical experts changed one after another.

Then one of them couldn't help but look up at Wang Binyao: "How did you create this TP85 silicon carbide composite material? Also, the technical route of this TP85 material is quite different from the existing ones. Did you use any new theories?"

Professor Wang Binyao smiled but did not answer... The technical specifications only contain performance data for TP85 material, but the process for synthesizing TP85 silicon carbide composite materials, especially some of the new theories used in it, are top secret.

Only scientists who have conducted relevant research and have passed the qualification review are authorized to access these top-level research materials.

The secrecy surrounding TP85 silicon carbide composite material is far greater than that surrounding the controlled nuclear fusion project itself...

Even if these people in front of you are top experts in the field of controlled nuclear fusion, they are still not qualified to know!
All they need to do is have this material; they don't need to know how it's made!
The expert who asked the question realized he had said the wrong thing in his haste and immediately changed the subject.

Two days later, Xu Shenxue returned with Professor Wang Binyao. A few days later, a group of young and middle-aged technical backbones in the field of controlled nuclear fusion also arrived in Shenzhen and joined Xinghai Energy Technology Co., Ltd., a joint venture subsidiary of Fairy Mountain Holdings and related institutions.

The "Xinghai Controlled Nuclear Fusion Research and Experimental Reactor Project," spearheaded by Fairy Mountain Holdings, with the cooperation of some enterprises and the support of dozens of universities and research institutes, has been officially launched!

(End of this chapter)