Chapter 113: Computational Materials

"No need for small talk, let's get down to business. Wu Tong, Old Pan tells me you've developed a mathematical model. It's time to see if you're the real deal. I'll evaluate its feasibility first, and then I'll have Cheng Xu show you the equipment." Elder Cheng spoke with direct, authoritative clarity.

After returning home yesterday, Wu Tong had refined her manuscript once more. Now that Elder Cheng had brought it up, she took it from her bag and handed it over with both hands. "Elder Cheng, please offer your guidance."

She was still a novice in materials science, and having such a titan willing to provide insight was a rare opportunity. She was grateful for the old man's willingness to mentor.

From the very beginning, the page was filled with complex mathematical formulas. Cheng Huanan felt a familiar ache in his teeth; it was the classic style of the School of Mathematics. Things produced by mathematicians always gave him a headache. If he had been better at math, he wouldn't have had to humble himself before Old Pan every time!

However, having spoken, Cheng Huanan braced himself and continued reading. Despite his claims that his math wasn't up to par—usually compared to those who played with math for a living—he still possessed a solid foundation from years of experience.

Especially since these formulas involved conversions into materials science, he could generally grasp the underlying logic. As he turned the pages, his expression grew increasingly solemn. Those sensitive data points were hauntingly familiar.

"F-22 Raptor layout data?" His first reaction was: Has Old Pan lost his mind? Why would he give such classified project data to a child?

"I had a moment of inspiration and performed some derivations. I deduced what appear to be some critical data points. The Dean has already had me sign a non-disclosure agreement!" Wu Tong looked a bit sheepish, scratching her head. When she was deriving it, she truly hadn't considered that it would involve classified protocols.

She had deduced classified information just because of a "moment of inspiration"? Both Cheng Huanan and his student were stunned.

Cheng Huanan was the most affected. He knew better than anyone that Raptor data was not so easily derived. Just two years ago, Old Pan had assisted Chen Xiagang from the Xi'an Aircraft Industry Group; it had taken them four months to derive the Poincaré airfoils. He could still vividly recall the excitement of those two old men.

Compared to this piece of work that Wu Tong had produced so casually, shouldn't those two smug old men just go bang their heads against a wall? No wonder that cunning old fox Pan Wenhua was so willing to invest in her and lower his pride to ask for favors. With such a gem, he would surely go to great lengths to protect her!

Hmm... there was certainly room for development. He should actually thank Old Pan for sending such a brilliant talent his way. Cheng Xu and the others were still lacking a junior sister, and he himself was still looking for a final disciple to close his career.

With newfound importance, Cheng Huanan continued flipping through the pages. He saw the materials derivations that followed; although a bit raw, the logical approach was novel and sound. This was a promising direction.

For a child who had self-studied and only sat in on a few materials courses to produce such a design, coupled with top-tier mathematical prowess and a photographic memory—this talent was something he was determined to claim as his own!

A rare smile flashed in his eyes as he gave instructions. "Cheng Xu, give Wu Tong a basic introduction, show her the instruments, and then run a computational simulation."

One must build from the ground up. He was already preparing to compete with the School of Mathematics for her.

"Wu Tong, come this way. Look, this is our scanning electron microscope, a Thermofisher 1050. This is the Leica metallographic microscope, and this is our tensile testing machine... This room houses the reaction furnace... and this is the computational simulation studio..."

"Computational materials science is an emerging field. In modern research, we use it as an auxiliary tool: we establish mathematical models based on experimental data, use computers to simulate them, refine the models through repeated trials, and then design manufacturing processes based on the refined models to produce physical samples for testing..." Ruan Chengxu explained the field patiently to Wu Tong, as it was his minor.

"Alternatively, we simulate specific materials or reaction mechanisms to obtain data models, then design experimental proportions to synthesize the target material. It’s a form of predictive research. However, computational materials science can currently only provide approximate estimates. Minor, inexplicable factors in a material experiment can cause massive discrepancies, often leading to laughable results where the calculations and the final outcome are worlds apart..."

"We still lack a truly predictive theory of computational materials science to serve as a foundation," Ruan Chengxu lamented.

When he first entered the field, he had been ambitious, dreaming of creating super-materials to help build the nation, outperforming the West and outclassing everyone else to leave his mark on history. Only after truly entering the field did he realize that the "four major pits" of science—biology, chemistry, environment, and materials—were well-deserved. At twenty-six, he was still buried in the pit with no end in sight.

"This discipline requires a high level of mathematical proficiency and computer support. In that regard, Wu Tong, you are perfectly suited for it!" With her mathematical foundation, switching to computational materials science would be like a fish taking to water. Those tedious, complex problems that plagued them would likely be no match for her.

Seeing the potential for his teacher to take her on as a final disciple, Ruan Chengxu explained everything with extra care.

"Come, Wu Tong, let me show you how to import the data and build the model!" Ruan Chengxu demonstrated on the laboratory's computer. The equipment here was high-end, far surpassing any commercial PC; in terms of performance, only a supercomputer could outstrip it.

Wu Tong was no stranger to computational materials science; it was a sector she had become interested in after first encountering the subject. The mathematical model she had built was already rooted in these principles, though she had transformed it more thoroughly.

Following Ruan Chengxu’s instructions on the operating methods, Wu Tong decided she needed to dedicate time to computer-related studies. Learning various computer languages, software programming, professional tools like VASP and Phonopy, and diving deeper into chemistry and materials science were all tasks she needed to schedule.

Once she grew familiar with the interface, Wu Tong began inputting her model and data line by line. Her material model was derived based on the requirements for creep resistance, oxidation resistance, high strength, and extreme stability.

Unlike an ordinary researcher, Wu Tong had an absolute, guided direction, which served as the best tool for trial and error. With the periodic table in mind, she filtered elements that aligned with her requirements, effectively establishing a model for a titanium-aluminum alloy optimized for aerospace applications.