Spark

Huaxia, Hefei, a small island in the center of Dongpu Reservoir.

Accompanied by several core persons in charge of the Institute of Plasma Physics, Chen Nian strolled on this island in the middle of the lake called "Science Island", listening to the friendly introductions from the people around him, and following the direction of their fingers Looking at the Dashu Mountain in the distance.

"Our Science Island has been a leisure resort for nearby people since it was built in 1963."

"The scenery here is very different all year round, each with its own characteristics."

"Especially in autumn, the large orchards are full of fruit, and the pond fir on the water is slowly turning red. When the sun sets, it will be the real 'sunset clouds and lone ducks flying together'"

Hearing what the "tour guide" said, Chen Nian couldn't help being a little amused.

——

To be honest, the climate on the island surrounded by water on three sides is quite comfortable, and the pond cedars planted on the water are quite distinctive.

But to insist on how good the scenery on this island is, it is an exaggeration without words.

However, he also knew that such sour words were an inherent process in normal reception. Regardless of whether that was the case or not, in short, a few words of praise first were done to the landlord's will at that time.

Therefore, he is not too resistant to this process.

After all, he didn't come here for the scenery or leisure.

His only goal is only one.

That is, the so-called "artificial sun" located in the center of the island.

EAST, a large-scale tokamak device in the Eastern Super Ring.

This device was built in 2006. It originated from the T-7 Tokamak device presented by the Soviet Union to China in March 1991. In 1994, the modified T-7 was upgraded to HT-7 and successfully obtained plasma body, becoming the first superconducting tokamak in Chinese history.

Subsequently, on this basis, around 2003, the Chinese Academy of Sciences proposed an upgrade plan for the HT-7 full superconducting non-circular cross-section tokamak device. In order to ensure that the project is easy to remember, this construction project was finally named "EAST ", which is called "Oriental Super Ring" in Chinese.

Until 2006, the Dongfang Superring was officially completed. As of today, it has completed more than 20,000 experiments, obtained a 20 million-degree high-parameter divertor plasma for more than 300 seconds, and obtained a high-constraint plasma that is stable and repeated for more than 25 seconds. plasma discharge.

It can be said that this device represents the highest level of technology in the field of nuclear fusion in China, and it is also the leading level of tokamak devices in the world.

Chen Nian still remembers that EAST also set a new record for plasma confinement time, realized 1056-second long-pulse high-parameter plasma operation, and also achieved the first net energy gain in human history.

Whether in the past or in the future, the achievements of EAST are brilliant.

——

But compared to Chen Nian's ultimate goal, it was a bit too behind.

As for its "backward" characteristics, one of the most typical ones is:

It's too small.

Ideally, if a device wants to achieve fusion conditions, it must pursue high beta as much as possible. Although small devices can achieve high beta, they also have natural disadvantages.

For example, it is impossible to integrate multiple groups of diagnosis and control systems, and it is impossible to achieve better calibration or control.

For example, a larger volume means that the relative proportion of impurities entering the plasma from the first wall and the divertor will be reduced, which reduces the difficulty of designing the first wall and the divertor.

For another example, a larger size has a greater margin for CICC design, and a more stable superconducting magnet system structure can also be built.

Therefore, the purpose of Chen Nian's visit this time is to carry out a new round of upgrades to the Dongfang Super Ring, which has just been built less than 5 years ago, so that it has the ability to conduct all-round exploration of controllable nuclear fusion technology.

After finally finishing the "excursion project", the group finally entered the building of the Plasma Research Institute.

All kinds of fruits and refreshments have been prepared in the conference room, and the most exaggerated thing is that there are actually a lot of peeled young coconuts.

——

I don't know which cheating rumor spread it. Chen Nian just ate too much spicy food when he was in Dongqi, so he habitually used coconut to hydrolyze his greasy food. As a result, it became his favorite drink after passing it around. Coconut water too.

Fortunately, no matter where he goes on a business trip to support, the local person in charge will prepare this thing in advance.

If you say that this kind of atmosphere is not good, it is not enough.

After all, a few coconuts can't be wasted money.

But Chen Nian still didn't think it was very interesting-he didn't want to be that kind of "idol-like" character, too much blind worship and preferential treatment would only affect his speed of progress.

Therefore, when faced with the young coconut that was specially handed over, he just took it casually and did not show much interest. Instead, he said straight to the point:

"We've had enough time for gossiping today, so I won't talk too much to be polite to you."

"Let's talk about the business directly. Who will take the lead in the subsequent transformation of EAST?"

"it's me."

A middle-aged man on Chen Nian's right replied quickly.

His name is Li Jiangang, he is the core researcher of the Eastern Super Ring Project, and he is also the current director of the Plasma Research Institute.

"Mr. Li is in charge of taking the lead, so you are the sponsor, what about the project manager? Who will be in charge?"

"The project manager Lao Wan came to do it. His accumulation in the practical field is better than mine, and he has a deeper understanding of some issues. He is suitable for the position of a project manager."

The man named Wanxi sitting beside him raised his hand, Chen Nian remembered his face, nodded and said:

"Okay, then you will be responsible for the main follow-up work."

"I will not hold any actual position in the project team, I am only responsible for providing the technology you need, and at the same time giving limited practical guidance."

"The goal of the project is clear to everyone. We must complete the comprehensive upgrade of EAST within two years, and complete the first energy net gain experiment within three years."

"It's not an easy goal and we all have to do our best."

"Now, if there is any problem, you can raise it immediately and submit it to the Spark team for resolution."

As soon as his words fell, Wanxi at the side immediately raised his hand.

"I have a problem here."

"you say."

Chen Nian turned slightly towards Wanxi, who coughed, sat up straight and said:

"For this EAST project, the superior has indeed invested a lot of resources, which also shows the importance it attaches to this project."

"For this, we, as chief officials, are all aware of this."

"Especially the Xinghuo team commanded in the center, not only responsible for technical output, but also"

"You talk directly!"

Chen Nian immediately interrupted Wanxi, he was a little confused, why did the people in the Plasma Research Institute love to be so bureaucratic?

Ethos problem?

Not really.

Judging from the experience of the previous life, this group of people is quite pragmatic

I have to ask Li Xiang to find someone to check it later. If it has been in this state, this project will not be able to continue.

Wanxi smiled awkwardly, and then replied:

"Insufficient personnel reserves."

After a pause, he continued:

"In particular, the number of senior personnel with a certain level of scientific research and practical experience is insufficient."

Hearing his words, Chen Nian frowned slightly and nodded silently.

This is indeed one of the most serious problems in the EAST project.

Technology, he can give.

But what about the people responsible for making these technologies a reality?

You should know that doing scientific research is not like writing and drawing, and there is no such thing as following a template to achieve 100% compliance.

Under the same theoretical support, differences in the overall level of personnel and teams often lead to different project results.

When he decided to do the EAST project before, his consideration was to let the research institute solve it by himself, but now judging from their reaction, it seems that it can't be solved? ——

Also, if it can be solved, it is impossible for him to directly throw the problem in front of Chen Nian on such an occasion.

But to be honest, he has no good way to deal with this.

Talents are not leeks, which can grow out after being buried in the soil and poured with water.

To cultivate a qualified talent, the time should be calculated on the basis of "10 years".

Now the entire EAST project cycle is only three years, where can we find so many people who can use it?

Thinking of this, Chen Nian could not help but sigh.

However, when he cast his sights on Wanxi again, he keenly caught something unusual.

His heart moved, and he asked:

"You have a solution?"

"There is a way but"

Wanxi had a hesitant expression on his face.

"Let's listen first!"

Chen Nian waved his hand and said.

"We want to make the EAST project an international cooperation project."

"International cooperation projects? You mean the introduction of external scientific research forces?"

Chen Nian was a little surprised, but at the same time he understood what Wanxi was hesitating about.

——

In fact, strictly speaking, EAST itself has participated in international cooperation since its establishment.

As a member of ITER, Huaxia is responsible for 10% of the scientific research tasks in this scientific engineering plan, and has also participated in a large number of technical exchanges and communications.

But in the final analysis, such "cooperation" is closed in nature, that is to say, no one or any external organization can get in touch with the process of the experiment, let alone the process of equipment construction, before the Huaxia side exports the results to the outside world.

But what Wanxi meant was obviously not the case.

What they want to do is to change the closed nature of this project and directly introduce researchers from other countries within the project.

It has to be said that, in some respects, this is a dangerous idea.

It can even be said that it will be treated as zz incorrectly.

No wonder they were so cautious from the beginning, probably to pave the way for the moment when this suggestion was thrown out.

——

But taking a step back, do we really need to be so closed?

Are we really going to lose our advantage quickly after bringing in people from other countries?

It seems that it is not.

The previous metal hydrogen project, H-20 project, and variable cycle engine project all involved external personnel, and the H-20 project was deeply involved by the Russian side.

But, have they come up with a new strategic bomber?

No.

Thinking of this, Chen Nian couldn't help showing a smile on his face.

Maybe it's time to adjust your thinking.

We have gradually climbed from the downstream of technology transfer to the upstream.

It is impossible to maintain 100% closure and security.

Since this is the case, how about taking this opportunity to make a big fortune?

A few days later, in the conference room, their respective representatives sat opposite each other, exchanging recent developments with ease.

"...The last time we met was 2003, Raff, how are you doing, how are you doing?"

Our representative asked with concern.

"Not good, how could it be good. Cheng, you know, especially after the crisis in 2006, our relationship has been very tense, and opposition voices have been everywhere."

"Under such circumstances, how can a 'cooperative' like me live well?"

"To be honest, for a long time, I didn't sleep with my wife, but with my HK416."

"I'm really afraid that one day I will die silently in my sleep—you know, there are quite a few people who want to do this."

Hearing Laf's words, the man named Cheng Cheng sighed and replied:

"Such extremists can be found everywhere. However, the situation should have improved a lot now, right?"

"The strategy of the opposition has completely failed. After the economic environment deteriorates further, many people will pin their hopes on us, and you can regain your position."

"Indeed."

There was a smile on Raff's face, and then he continued:

"That's why I'm here today - we want to restart our cooperation."

"I know, the fusion project, we have discussed your letter."

"Then what's the result?"

"It can be passed, but there are a few conditions."

The communication between the two was extremely simple and direct. On the one hand, it was because the two were good friends who had known each other for many years, and on the other hand, it was because of Raf's identity.

Even under the most stringent review, he was listed as a trusted pro-China partner by the intelligence agencies. In the past 30 years, many cooperation projects were facilitated through him, and he even joined the WTO that year. He also played a major role in the process.

Therefore, this exchange, here also gave him enough convenience.

"What conditions?"

Raff asked.

"It's very simple."

A smile appeared on Cheng Cheng's face.

In fact, cooperation on nuclear fusion projects has always been one of our established strategies, but unexpectedly, at this juncture, an opponent who has been driven to the edge by the deteriorating economic situation would take the initiative to come to the door, abruptly An opportunity to raise the price was given.

"First, Luo must step down."

"no problem."

Raff replied decisively.

This person's internal support rate has dropped to an extremely low level, and throwing him out as a bargaining chip can even be said to be not a loss, but a gain.

"Second, we must sign a technical cooperation framework agreement. The specific details of the agreement will be formulated by our side."

"Can consider it."

Raff still didn't hesitate. In his opinion, this was one of the prices that had to be paid.

Cheng Cheng was also extremely satisfied with his reaction, so he continued to say the third point.

"Third, in the future, we will organize some special operations in the south—of course, special operations 'above the bottom line'."

"And we, hope you can...not see."

Raff opened his mouth to speak, but finally swallowed.

He probably guessed what the other party was going to do.

But maybe——from this moment on, he should pretend not to see it.