Chapter Thirty-One: This Is the Dormitory

Once the type of engine to be developed had been decided, work still could not commence; there were other requirements to consider. For example:

“Now that we’ve settled on what kind of engine to make, the rest will be easier to manage. I need to set a strict condition: the engine must use gasoline or diesel as fuel. Aviation fuel is absolutely out of the question here. After all, even abroad, aviation fuel is hard to come by.”

This was simple enough to understand, and naturally, no one objected. The requirement was noted, and the discussion continued.

Since the plan was to create a series of engines, a basic model had to be established. The issue of which model to base the series on was itself a matter for research.

“We need to first develop a basic model. Once that’s determined, we can gradually increase thrust based on that model.” This was the conventional approach for serial development, and it was the method most considered by the group, including Yang Hui.

Yet, someone soon proposed a different idea. Zhong Jianxue put forward an alternative perspective.

“I think we should approach this differently. We’re working with centrifugal engines, not axial-flow ones. We can’t apply axial-flow thinking to centrifugal designs. Axial-flow engines can increase the bypass ratio to boost thrust, but that’s not possible with centrifugal types.”

His words made sense. Axial-flow turbofans could raise the thrust of their smallest models by increasing the bypass ratio, thereby forming a series. However, with centrifugal engines, there was no way to expand the bypass ratio in the same manner.

“Go on, that’s an interesting point,” Yang Hui prompted Zhong Jianxue to continue, since he himself had never worked with such low-thrust engines before and lacked experience. At moments like this, everyone’s input was invaluable.

Seeing that his idea was gaining traction, Zhong Jianxue gained confidence and continued, “I believe that since we can’t use the bypass ratio method for centrifugal engines, the only option left is to raise the overall turbine temperature.”

As soon as he said this, everyone was struck by sudden realization—some slapped their foreheads, others their thighs. The expressions and gestures varied, but all indicated they understood. Raising the overall turbine temperature was indeed a major method for boosting thrust, especially popular in the era of turbojet engines. In the era of turbofans, this ability to increase thrust wasn’t as obvious as simply enlarging the bypass ratio, but Yang Hui quickly grasped all of Zhong Jianxue’s reasoning.

“So what you mean is, we should first develop an engine with thrust near the middle of the series, and then, by replacing the turbine with different materials, alter the engine’s overall turbine temperature to adjust the thrust?”

It was an excellent idea: once a single engine was developed, subsequent models in the series would require no redesign—just a change in turbine materials. Depending on material limits, the combustion intensity could be modified, thus altering the engine’s thrust. Adjusting these two factors was truly straightforward.

Hearing Yang Hui articulate his final thought, Zhong Jianxue was both surprised and delighted.

“Yes, Team Leader Yang, that’s exactly what I mean. With this approach, we could nearly develop an entire series of engines for the price of one. Using materials we already have is much simpler than constantly modifying the bypass ratio, and it suits our current situation perfectly.”

Immediately, Yang Hui jotted down this key point. As he wrote, he said, “Zhong Jianxue, right? I’ve recorded your contribution. I’ll make sure to recommend you for commendation at the institute; you truly deserve a reward for this classic idea.”

This was a young man full of ideas. Chinese researchers were never short of innovation; the reason later generations saw so many copycat products was simply because the researchers lacked motivation. Yang Hui firmly believed that, given the right conditions, the researchers could be inspired, and with a bit of guidance, it wouldn’t be too difficult for Chinese aviation to join the ranks of the world’s leading industries. All it needed was a good beginning.

No longer dwelling on it, Yang Hui decided to move on and settle the remaining key points.

“All right, let’s continue. We need to determine the overall size of the engine and control its weight as well.”

“I think we should…”

…

Glancing at the time and reviewing his notes, Yang Hui felt that most of the necessary data had been settled. All that remained was to report to the director, after which the engineering design could begin. Of course, during design, certain factors would inevitably lead to some discrepancy between the initial and final data, but it would not be significant.

Closing his notebook, Yang Hui stretched his neck.

“Well, everyone, the key data is set. There are only a few minutes left before the end of the workday; there’s nothing more we can do now. Let’s finish early, come in early tomorrow. Time to call it a day.”

“Agreed!” came the chorus, as everyone stood up to pack their things.

“Wait, everyone—let me announce some good news.” Yang Hui suddenly remembered he hadn’t informed the group about the dormitory arrangements. He quickly fished out a list from his pocket and read it aloud.

Everyone looked at Yang Hui’s list, puzzled at first. Fortunately, Yang Hui didn’t keep them in suspense.

“These are the dormitories the institute has assigned us. Let me read them out: Xie Lianfa, single dormitory 306; Zhong Jianxue, single dormitory 307…”

After he finished reading, cheers and shouts broke out. Yang Hui couldn’t help but laugh along with them.

“All right, you can move in after work. I’ve checked the dorms; we’re all on the third floor, all single rooms. The institute is really taking care of our project team.”

Yang Hui had played a little trick here; in fact, the institute was especially considerate toward the university graduates they’d recruited. Since the six newcomers were all assigned to one project team, it could be said the team itself was being well looked after. This also helped strengthen the group’s cohesion.

“Yes, yes… Come on, let’s move. Team Leader Yang, will you join us?”

Smiling, Yang Hui shook his head—he’d already moved in, and still had unfinished business. He picked up his notebook and headed out.

“I won’t, I’m going to check if the director’s still around. If he is, I’ll report the data we’ve agreed on.”

“Team Leader Yang really is diligent!” Long Derong joked quietly as Yang Hui left.

“Don’t say that. Our efforts are for the institute’s financial support. Don’t overthink it; frequent reporting is safer.” Zhong Jianxue, who had grown up at the base and knew it well, understood how rare this opportunity was and worked hard to maintain the unity of the project team.

“Haha, I was only kidding, don’t take it seriously!” Long Derong quickly amended.

…

Leaving the guesthouse, the five university graduates each carried a backpack and a large bundle in their hands. The loads looked heavy, but they moved quickly, though their labored breathing revealed their exhaustion. Still, the prospect of their own dormitories made it all worthwhile.

“Ah, finally made it up. This building looks new; the institute really is good to us.” Pan Wen, who had been quiet most of the time, finally spoke.

He set down his bag, took out the new key he’d received downstairs, and deftly opened the door. Liu Wang lifted his belongings and entered, while the others craned their necks in, eager to see their new quarters.

“Not bad at all—so much better than our university days, really impressive.” Long Derong slapped the desk with his strong hand, making a loud sound as if testing its sturdiness.

“Hey, don’t break it! Go test the furniture in your own room,” Liu Wang quickly intervened.

“Yes, it’s nice. I’ll head to my room and tidy up my things first.” Seeing the decent dormitory, Zhong Jianxue left Liu Wang’s crowded small room, picked up his bag, and walked out.

“Right, I’ll go too. Take your time organizing,” said the others, and after inspecting their rooms, they all went off to arrange their own belongings.

After spending about ten minutes cleaning his room, Zhong Jianxue happily lay down on the bed.

A single room—unimaginable, and in a building, too. His parents’ factory still used the houses built in the early days of construction, when northerners who didn’t know the local climate built only single-story homes. Within a few years, those became leaky whenever it rained—truly harsh conditions.

Thinking of this, Zhong Jianxue reflected on Yang Hui: truly a young man with ideas. Why, at the same age, could others be so capable, while he himself…

Unable to figure it out, Zhong Jianxue decided not to dwell on it. As long as the institute had funds and projects, he would do whatever was assigned. He didn’t realize that his mindset—focusing on his work without overthinking—would greatly impress Yang Hui later, and eventually lead him to the position of chief engineer for the project.