Chapter One Hundred and Fourteen: Yearning

Titanium alloy boasts exceptionally strong tensile strength. According to global laboratory surface data, it can reach up to 1764 MPa, but this figure pertains to titanium combined with other precious metals. Due to the exorbitant cost, widespread use is impractical. Otherwise, constructing a fighter jet’s enormous structure with metals more expensive than gold would be unaffordable for any economy.

Currently, the finest aerospace material remains titanium-aluminum alloy. Aluminum, being relatively inexpensive and constituting a large proportion, aligns better with economic practicality. However, with increased aluminum content, titanium’s density correspondingly decreases—illustrating the classic dilemma of not being able to have both the fish and the bear’s paw. Presently, the tensile strength of titanium-aluminum alloys on the market ranges between 400 and 700 MPa.

Wu Tong’s material model builds upon this foundation, extrapolating a superior molecular structure and an optimized material ratio. Coupled with innovative processes, it ultimately achieves an ultra-strong titanium-aluminum alloy with enhanced tensile strength, creep resistance, oxidation resistance, and overall durability.

The preliminary simulation data danced beneath Wu Tong’s fingertips as she fed it into the laboratory’s computer. Ruan Chengxu watched intently from the side.

“Ti–6Al–zi...” As Wu Tong delved deeper into the data, Ruan Chengxu observed the emerging molecular structure, his expression gradually growing solemn. This structure? He had never seen anything like it before—entirely different from the typical titanium-aluminum alloy molecular configurations common today. Intriguing indeed.

Cheng Huanan entered the room quietly, supporting his chin with his hand, his expression mirroring Ruan Chengxu’s serious demeanor. Unlike Ruan’s instinctive unease, Cheng’s gaze was broader, more analytical.

Wu Tong’s initial material composition exceeded his expectations far more than anticipated. It seemed this future protégé preferred innovation and exploration over mere routine refinement.

After Wu Tong input the final data, Cheng Huanan reached out and pressed the confirmation key to simulate the theoretical properties of the material.

The software quickly began processing. From the perspective of molecular dynamics, it calculated the theoretical mechanical properties of the target material on a macroscopic scale.

The laboratory’s computing power was quite impressive. Soon, the screen displayed the theoretical test results.

1270 MPa?

Ruan Chengxu’s eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at the tensile strength data on the screen. Was he seeing things or was there a system error?

Because of the high aluminum content diluting titanium’s density, conventional titanium-aluminum alloys typically max out between 600 and 700 MPa, which is already considered excellent and highly sought after in aerospace.

And now...

Ruan Chengxu rubbed his eyes. Yet the figure stubbornly remained at 1270 MPa—Wu Tong’s simulation had effectively doubled the usual threshold!

What did this mean?

If true, this data would immediately break world records, elevating the material to a state secret of national strategic importance. Immediate reporting, allocation of protective resources, and confidentiality agreements would be mandated.

Compared to Ruan Chengxu’s astonishment, Cheng Huanan remained composed. His gaze shifted repeatedly between the data on the screen and Wu Tong’s manuscript, cross-verifying.

After a while, he finally spoke. “You didn’t import the original simulation data, did you?”

“I made some adjustments on the fly,” she admitted with a shy smile. Initially, her model rested on a preliminary understanding of materials science. Over the past few days, she had delved deeply into the field and, coupled with her recent laboratory tour and exposure to various instruments and processes, her judgments had become far sharper—resulting in this more realistic data set.

“Cheng, could you help me evaluate if this material merits trial production?” Wu Tong asked, a bit embarrassed. She had impulsively derived these results and had even asked Director Pan to coordinate access to Cheng’s lab.

She hadn’t thought much before but now realized that if such strength already existed in the country, her exercise would be mere amusement with no need for further pursuit.

“Just look at your senior brother’s expression to know its value!” Cheng Huanan pointed to the astonished Ruan Chengxu. He lacked experience, missing the composed steadiness of one unshaken by immense pressure.

Nonetheless, Wu Tong’s simulation was truly exceptional, impressing even this seasoned veteran.

He had assumed Wu Tong was a novice; for her to design a material and bring it to form was already a sign of talent. To improve upon it would mark her as a top genius. Yet Wu Tong had handed him a result so advanced, he could only admire from afar.

Indeed, a child adept at creating miracles.

“It’s absolutely necessary!” Cheng declared. Even a ten percent chance warranted relentless trial efforts—especially since Wu Tong already had detailed requirements.

Ruan Chengxu covered his face, overwhelmed by being outshone by a prodigy. His own impressions now felt trivial compared to this master’s vision, which seemed poised to surpass the best in the world.

“Arrange for material preparation. Charge all expenses to the lab account!” Cheng instructed firmly. Though simulated and experimental results often vary, precise data can minimize discrepancies.

Wu Tong’s detailed model, intriguing molecular configuration, precise material ratios, and meticulous selection of fabrication processes all pointed toward a high likelihood of success.

No more talk—time to put theory to the test.

As the nation’s foremost materials expert, Cheng Huanan understood the implications if this material proved viable.

Even if the actual performance reached only 60% of Wu Tong’s simulation, surpassing 760 MPa, it would eclipse nearly all existing titanium-aluminum alloys and stand as the new premier aerospace material. If experimental results exceeded expectations, it could be applied to the fan blades of the latest generation turbofan engines, propelling the much-anticipated Weilon J-20 fighter to a new echelon of performance during test flights.

He had been involved in researching fan blade materials for the Turbofan-15 engine, still exploring optimization paths. Data etched in his mind made it clear Wu Tong’s simulated figures were overwhelmingly superior.

Cheng Huanan chuckled. If memory served, Wu Tong initially designed the material model for the aircraft’s body structure. To leap from structural materials to core fan blade materials was a jump that would humble most materials scientists. If their country configured airframe materials at such ratios, who would still fear the over-the-horizon Raptor across the sea?

More than anyone, Cheng hoped this simulation would become reality. His heart stirred with the same excitement and anticipation he felt when he first succeeded in preparing a material in his youth.

There are two more chapters coming later. I just returned home from out of town today and will update progressively!

(End of chapter)