Back in 1978, I was admitted to Northwestern Polytechnical University.

Chapter 351 Does Chela know? Does Chela know?

The project had not yet been reported to the higher-ups, and now was the perfect opportunity, so Qin Liang gave a brief overview of the warship.

With a displacement of approximately 4,000 tons, it has a 32-cell HQ-16 vertical launch system, 16 anti-ship missiles, and two anti-submarine helicopters...

That warship sounds really cool!
"Excellent, excellent. This project can be completely merged with our frigate project. We need frigates of this level too."

"That's right, it also has vertical launch systems. In addition to its air defense capabilities, its anti-ship and anti-submarine capabilities are also top-notch, making it the most suitable for our navy!"

Everyone was in high spirits.

"I wonder what kind of engine this warship's propulsion system will use?"

This is still the most uncertain part of the entire project!
Although the East has massive ships with tens of thousands of tons of cargo space, they all use low-speed diesel engines, which only rotate a few dozen revolutions per minute. They can burn heavy oil, but they have poor power output and are too large to be used as propulsion for warships.

The East also has missile boats, which use high-speed diesel engines. They are very powerful, but also consume a lot of fuel, making them unsuitable for use on frigates.

The most suitable engine for frigates is a medium-speed diesel engine. In later generations, the Type 054 destroyer of the Eastern Navy used the 16PA6V-280STC diesel engine with a power of 5184 kilowatts. However, in Qin Liang's memory, this engine was only introduced to China in the early 1990s and is not yet available.

Therefore, when Qin Liang introduced the system to Ai Tuo, he did not provide a detailed explanation of the power system. Fortunately, Ai Tuo did not ask about it.

"In Shanghai, the Hudong Shipyard has 12E390V medium-speed diesel engines for the Type 053 destroyers, with a main engine power of 5880 kilowatts. Installing four of them should be enough," said Director Hu.

Qin Liang smiled wryly: "In terms of power, we have many options, but the lifespan and fuel consumption of our domestically produced diesel engines are still behind the advanced levels abroad. Our warships are being exported for the first time, and we must satisfy our customers. If the engines need major overhauls every few years, it will affect the reputation of our Eastern military industry."

This engine was independently developed by Hudong Shipyard. They first developed a single-cylinder engine, and then combined them to achieve different power outputs. The displacement of the 053 destroyer at the same time was about 1,000 tons, so two engines were enough. Later, as the tonnage continued to increase, the engine was increased from 12 cylinders to 18 cylinders, and the power was continuously increased.

The power is sufficient, but there are other indicators too! In later generations, when it came to the Type 054, a diesel engine with French technology was chosen because the imported one had stronger performance. Engines are something that depends on the progress of the entire country's industrial system, which is not something that Northwestern Polytechnical University can promote.

Even if the air defense system is the most advanced and the anti-submarine warfare system is first-class, if the engine is weak and breaks down, it will affect the user's reputation.

Therefore, if there are no domestically available components, Qin Liang would rather import diesel engines first. Once the warship is in the hands of the user, it must be flawless!

Everyone fell silent. It's true that China is lagging behind in the field of marine power. Even for civilian ships, many foreign customers now specify foreign diesel engines.

"That's right, our own diesel engines do have many problems, but that's because Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU) isn't involved. NPU can provide technical assistance to upgrade the diesel engines produced by Hudong Shipyard to world-class levels!"

No matter what the project is, as long as Northwestern Polytechnical University takes it on, it will definitely be able to drive technological progress and eventually become number one in the world!

Qin Liang was somewhat... embarrassed.

Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU) offers three aerospace-related majors, covering aviation, navigation, and astronautics. However, NPU isn't omnipotent; it lacks a diesel engine major. How can it provide guidance? Isn't this like an outsider instructing an expert?
However, given the current situation, European countries will certainly be wary of the East and will not export anything, fearing that they might teach their apprentices but starve themselves. France, in particular, has had many of its military exports squeezed out by us, and it will probably be very difficult for them to import PA6 diesel engines as they have in the past.

"Okay, then we at Northwestern Polytechnical University will take a look, but... we can't guarantee it will definitely work."

"Certainly possible!"

Everyone present looked so confident, I really don't know where that confidence came from, I'm not even that sure myself!

"Ok."

"There's no time like the present, let's go this afternoon, after lunch!"

"This……"

"Liangzi, the heart of the navy is in your hands at Northwestern Polytechnical University!"

"Ok."

In 1928, British Jew Ilrich Mahler opened Mahler Shipyard, which was the predecessor of Hudong Shipyard. Due to its good factory conditions and strong lifting capacity, many small factories, such as Huaxing Ironworks nearby, were merged into it in 1952, increasing the number of employees to more than 1,600.

After its second expansion and technological upgrade in 1958, the facility gained the capability to produce high-horsepower, low-speed diesel engines. Medium-speed diesel engines, however, were developed in recent years.

In 2001, Hudong Shipyard and Zhonghua Shipyard merged to become Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard, which had first-class construction technology. The famous Type 076 was built in this shipyard.

After lunch, the busy naval leaders went back to their posts, and Director Hu, along with Qin Liang and several others, enthusiastically arrived at the diesel engine production workshop of Hudong Shipyard.

Hudong Shipyard can produce advanced diesel engines, so Jiangnan Shipyard doesn't need to purchase them from abroad, saving a lot of foreign exchange!
An old planer is slowly planing the cylinder wall, while in the nearby foundry, large diesel engine cylinder block castings are being poured. Several master craftsmen are carefully cutting the crankshaft, the most complex part of the engine, on the largest lathe.

This is a scene of bustling production!

As the group entered from one side of the factory, they saw several foreigners entering from the other side.

"Your processing methods are too outdated!" Hearing this, you could tell they were French.

"Your ability to use multiple cutting tools to machine the outer diameter, fillet, side surface, and step of the journal in one go is indeed a good idea. We in the West used this method before the 1970s. However, as we all know, different parts of the same part require many processes to complete because of their different shapes."

As he spoke, the other party shook his head repeatedly: "With this kind of multi-tool turning, the machining allowance is large, which easily causes vibration and tool breakage problems in subsequent machining. The tool life is short and the defect rate is very high. In the West, it has long been eliminated!"

“Yes, Mr. Pierre, we are aware of these defects, which is why we want to introduce advanced equipment for processing…” The middle-aged man accompanying him was wearing a Zhongshan suit and black-rimmed glasses; he looked like a cadre.

"Yes, you need to import our Berthier CNC machine tools to achieve precision machining!"

"Yes, we've had that idea too, but we don't know how much it would cost?"

“Our advanced Western technology is divided into three parts: CNC turning, CNC external milling, and CNC internal milling. Such CNC machining equipment is not cheap, especially when it comes to machining crankshafts for large diesel engines, which requires at least... 80 million US dollars.”

The middle-aged man's expression changed instantly: "So expensive?"

"This isn't expensive. It's a state-of-the-art CNC machine tool, which is subject to COCOM embargo. For example, the Soviets couldn't buy it no matter how much money they offered. It's only because you Easterners have good relations with us that you're qualified to purchase it. Of course, you can also ask other manufacturers. I dare say our price is the lowest."

Pierre's face was full of pride: "In crankshaft machining, our Berthier CNC machine tools are the most advanced! They perfectly solve all the problems in crankshaft machining..."

He was speaking happily when he saw a few people walking towards him from the opposite direction. Among them was a young man with a disdainful smile on his face, which instantly displeased him.

"Hey, who are you? What's with that expression?"

"Means nothing."

"Old Hu, what's going on here..." The middle-aged man across from them walked over curiously, wondering what the purpose of the sudden visit was.

"Old Zhao, I've brought you an expert who can help you solve the quality problems of your diesel engines."

Director Zhao of Hudong Shipyard looked at Qin Liang with even greater surprise, "Young man, can you solve our urgent quality problem?"

Previously, we built ships for domestic companies, and no matter how poor the quality was, the domestic companies had to accept them. Now that the country has opened up, foreign customers are demanding that our ships be equipped with foreign diesel engines. Hudong Shipyard is very unwilling to accept this. Since they think our engines are of poor quality, then we will improve them!
Actually, improving the quality of diesel engines is quite simple: it's all about improving machining precision and material quality!
For simple-shaped parts, such as pistons and cylinders, they figured out how to improve precision and quality themselves. For complex parts, they had to hire outside help. They found a foreigner, but to their surprise, he quoted 80 million US dollars! How much profit does Hudong Shipyard make in a year?

They were unwilling to accept this, but... the country's industrial base was weak, and without foreign aid, there was really no way to improve quality. They were just struggling with this dilemma when foreign aid came along? But... are these young people up to the task?
Upon hearing the translated words, Pierre's expression turned even more grim: "Mr. Zhao, what do you mean by this? You clearly asked us to help solve the quality problem, but then you went to someone else. Does this mean you don't trust our French technology?"

If it were a German, he would have turned around and left; he really couldn't compete. But it's an Asian who's come. Can you handle this yourselves? What does this young man in front of you know?
If you're in the aviation or missile industry, you'd definitely know Qin Liang. Unfortunately, Northwestern Polytechnical University has limited involvement in the maritime field, so even now, many people don't know him.

"The person I invited is quite a big shot..." Seeing Qin Liang being looked down upon, Director Hu was afraid that he would be unhappy and turn away, so he quickly introduced him.

Before he could finish speaking, Qin Liang interrupted.

"French technology is just so-so."

"What?" Pierre's face darkened further. "Do you have a better machining method than CNC?"

“Our ship crankshaft is a large part. After it is fixed on the lathe, it will bend and deform. The required structure is also very special, so it is difficult to guarantee the machining accuracy. It all depends on the skill of the master craftsmen. Using CNC machining should greatly improve the machining accuracy.”

"That's right, CNC machining is the most advanced technology in the world, much better than our master craftsmen."

The workers standing nearby also chimed in, believing that Qin Liang, this young man, was just boasting.

"If we're talking about machining ordinary parts, I admit that CNC machine tools are quite efficient. However, when it comes to machining crankshafts with complex shapes, CNC machine tools are not up to the task, and ordinary CNC machines are also not very effective."

There is actually a difference between CNC machine tools and CNC machining centers. The latter, also known as machining centers, can have several axes and can combine turning and milling. CNC machine tools can be understood as ordinary machine tools with a computer added.

However, no matter what equipment you use, it's not easy to directly machine a component like a crankshaft!

"CNC isn't working well either? Then tell me, what kind of machining equipment would be good?" Pierre laughed in exasperation. Clearly, the person in front of him was a complete novice who knew nothing about machining.

"With your advanced French technology, have you ever researched the wheel-drawing process?"

Fortunately, a translation professional nearby accurately translated the word, and Pierre's body jolted: "What did you say? You're researching wheel-pulling technology?"

Before the 1970s, crankshaft machining internationally was done using multi-tool turning. In the 1970s, CNC turning, external milling, and internal milling processes emerged. These processes were used until the late 1980s when they were replaced by turning and broaching processes.

Qin Liang glanced at them: "You guys are researching this too? Have you researched the wheelbarrow pulling process?"

The translator is a bit confused. This... I really don't know. Turning and broaching is a machining process that combines turning and broaching. Turning and broaching? What is that?

Seeing the other person's resentful gaze, Qin Liang said, "Chechela is a combination of turning and drawing techniques."

"What?"

Turning and broaching are already combined, and now you're doing a second turning? What is this?

Looking at the other person's bewildered eyes, Qin Liang felt very proud. When he first went to Northwestern Polytechnical University, he showed off his knowledge and became a typical academic star. After that, he was busy with various plans and got less involved in technical matters.

Now, I've finally rediscovered that feeling I used to have.

Beside him, Factory Director Hu said with admiration, "See? Our Comrade Qin Liang, when he talks about these techniques, even the French have never heard of them!"

"What? This young man is Qin Liang?" It was only then that Director Zhao realized what was happening.

"Comrade Qin Liang, welcome, welcome!" Sun Chengquan, the head of the technical department, went up and shook hands warmly: "The performance improvement of our Hudong Shipyard's diesel engines depends on you!"

“Yes, with Northwestern Polytechnical University joining us, what are we worried about!” Director Zhao quickly stepped forward, very enthusiastically.

The French... were completely ignored!

Actually, the entire CNC machining equipment set should cost at most 20 million yuan. They asked for several times that price, hoping to make a huge profit, but they didn't expect...

"What car-pulling technology? You're clearly talking nonsense!" Pierre completely lost his composure.

They're researching the wheel-pulling technology, but progress is slow. Wheel-pulling... that's more like nonsense!
Qin Liang smiled. The "cart-pulling" process was only invented in 1988, with the goal of processing diesel engine crankshafts. It's only been 82 years, so it's normal that the French couldn't have thought of it.

Northwestern Polytechnical University may not be able to manufacture diesel engines, but it is a professional in CNC machine tools!

“Mr. Pierre, just because you French can’t do it or think of it doesn’t mean others can’t.” Qin Liang rolled his eyes at him. “Since you’ve already been researching crankshaft machining and the turning and drawing process, you should know that turning and drawing can only broach the outer diameter, and that’s just one step in manufacturing the crankshaft. There are other processes to be carried out, especially the subsequent finishing. And turning and drawing…”

Qin Liang shook his head: "I'm not going to say anything more. We suspect you're trying to bait us."

"If you don't tell me, then you're just talking nonsense!"

"So you were just fishing. Did you think your reverse psychology would work? Fine, I'm not talking to you anymore. Go back and figure it out yourselves!"

"Comrade Qin Liang, can you introduce him to us?" Sun Chengquan's eyes were full of stars.

Of all the components in the engine, the crankshaft is the most difficult to machine. Currently, it relies entirely on the skills of experienced craftsmen, resulting in a very high scrap rate. If advanced technology were available, it could be produced easily, and not only would the quality of their products improve, but the quantity would also increase significantly!
"Of course, let's go to the other side, so the French don't learn our advanced technology."

"Good, good, good."

The Frenchman was left out in the cold, watching a large crowd gather around the machine tool. Pierre gritted his teeth and then gave the translator a wink.

So the translator quietly moved closer.

"This machine tool system is mainly a complex tooling system. The system has two tool heads, one on the left and one on the right, each with 45 tool positions. It can handle burr removal, grooving, rough turning, cutting, broaching, and chamfering all at once. This way, the workpiece only needs to be clamped and positioned once to complete roughing and semi-finishing..."

These are all ideas for the advanced wheel-drawing technology of later generations. However, what use is it to just talk about ideas? It's still knowing what to do but not why. If they want to obtain this advanced technology, they still have to come to Northwestern Polytechnical University.

If you want to import technology from Northwestern Polytechnical University, you have to spend money! With funding from France, Northwestern Polytechnical University has enough to develop this system!

"Comrade Qin Liang, how much does this machinery cost?"

"Not much, ten million RMB will suffice. However, the maintenance and upkeep of the machine tools must be handled by our personnel. You cannot disassemble them, and you absolutely cannot leak the machine tool secrets to foreigners, otherwise... Hudong Shipyard will be permanently removed from our Northwestern Polytechnical University's list of partners!"

"Of course, we won't leak the information. Comrade Qin Liang, we'll place the order right away!"

"it is good!"

"Comrade Qin Liang, now that we've solved the crankshaft machining problem, the next step is machining the pistons and cylinder liners. We hope Northwestern Polytechnical University can provide us with advanced equipment..."

"No problem, the CNC machine tool can handle that. However, I think our diesel engine injection system needs improvement. We need to increase the pressure, improve the diesel atomization performance, and redesign the combustion chamber. This should make it more fuel-efficient. Being sturdy and durable isn't enough; customers are more concerned about fuel consumption."

"Okay, okay, okay. Please help us solve these problems, Northwestern Polytechnical University."

"It's simple. Just run it on our computer, go through the internal combustion structure, and we'll know how to improve it. We'll take care of it."

　PS: Marine engine shaft and CNC machining.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)