I bought all the necessary items, carefully selecting each to fulfil my needs.
As I looked at the purchased items, a surge of excitement coursed through me, causing a slight tremor in my hands. With eager anticipation, I placed the metallic object on the table, observing it with great satisfaction.
Although the items I acquired were quite ordinary in nature, consisting of everyday chemical utensils, chemicals, electronic scales, and cutting tools, their significance to my experiment was immeasurable.
Taking utmost precaution, I switched on the ventilation fan and closed the blinds, creating a controlled environment for my undertaking. It was time to commence the meticulous verification process.
The first task was to determine this enigmatic metal's density. I began cutting into the metal with the cutting tool in my grasp.
After considerable time and effort, it became apparent that this metal possessed an extraordinary combination of characteristics. Despite its lightweight nature, it exhibited a hardness surpassing that of ordinary steel. I persevered, ultimately slicing off a small piece using an electric cutting tool.
The freshly cut surface gleamed with a distinct metallic lustre, reinforcing my conviction that this was indeed a remarkable metal, potentially of extraterrestrial origin.
The next step was to ascertain its weight. Carefully placing the cut metal piece on an electronic scale, I observed the needle settling at 27.35 grams.
Utilizing a measuring cylinder to determine its volume, I meticulously calculated the density using a calculator, arriving at a value of 2.6.
Comparing this density to known materials, such as iron (7.8), titanium alloy (approximately 4.5), and aluminium alloy (2.7), it became evident that this grey-black metal boasted a density slightly higher than that of aluminium alloy. Truly fascinating!
The weightlessness of this metal, coupled with its resistance to deformation, exceeded even that of aluminium alloy. It possessed a remarkable hardness, surpassing that of ordinary steel.
Intrigued by its corrosion resistance, I decided to subject it to various acids, such as sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid. Astonishingly, no reaction occurred.
Refusing to succumb to doubt, I prepared a glass of aqua regia and introduced the metal shavings from the previous cutting into the solution. Aqua regia, known for its formidable corrosive properties capable of dissolving gold, exhibited sluggish corrosion when in contact with these metal shavings.
Undeterred, I stirred the mixture with a glass rod, hoping to accelerate the reaction. However, the corrosion process remained sluggish. Accepting its sluggish nature, I allowed the response to progress at its own pace, carefully noting the time required for a complete reaction.
Eager to unveil more secrets, I conducted a series of experiments that yielded astonishing results. It became apparent that this metal possessed an extraordinarily high melting point. Even after subjecting it to intense heat for an extended period, it did not exhibit signs of redness or alteration in colour. Instead, it maintained its black and grey hue.
To confirm the reliability of my flame, I swiftly tested it with an iron wire, which swiftly turned red and white under the searing heat. This ensured that the flame possessed a temperature in excess of 1200 degrees Celsius, approaching the melting point of iron wire at over 1500 degrees Celsius.
After conducting a comprehensive series of tests, I began to form a preliminary understanding of this enigmatic metal. Its characteristics included low density, high melting point, exceptional hardness, and remarkable corrosion resistance.
Overwhelmed by awe, I couldn't help but marvel at its origin, recognizing that it far surpassed the technological advancements of Earth's civilization.
However, certain specific properties, such as hardness, tensile strength, flexibility, and melting point, remained unverified due to the lack of specialized equipment and institutions capable of conducting such analysis.
Contemplating the next course of action, I pondered whether sending the metal to a professional institution for thorough testing was prudent. Without delay, I made the decision to entrust the cut piece of metal, weighing a mere 20 grams, to the utmost care. I meticulously wrapped it with multiple layers of plastic film before assigning Qiu Yang to deliver it.
The metal piece was destined for the most esteemed professional institution in Yanguo, the Institute of Special Metal Materials under the renowned Yanguo Academy of Sciences. The recipient of this precious cargo would be none other than Hu Jianguo, the esteemed director of the institute. Revered as an authoritative expert in the realm of unique metal materials and a respected academician of the Yanguo Academy of Sciences, Hu Jianguo's expertise was indispensable for unravelling the mysteries of this extraordinary metal.
Meanwhile, Hu Jianguo was engrossed in a meeting with a distinguished guest within the hallowed halls of the Institute of Special Metal Materials. The visitor in question was none other than Liang Chengwen, a renowned authority in aero-engine technology in Yangshuo.
Liang and Hu shared a deep bond, having graduated from the same university in the same class. While their fields of expertise diverged, with one specializing in materials and the other in aero-engine design, their friendship endured. They understood the paramount importance of materials science in the realm of cutting-edge aero-engine development.
Yanguo, though possessing formidable aero-engine technology, remained a generation behind certain developed nations. While Yanguo boasted third-generation aero-engine capabilities, some advanced countries had already attained fourth and fifth-generation aero-engine technology.
Concerned for Liang's progress, Hu inquired, "Old friend, how is the development of Turbofan X progressing?"
Turbofan X represented a fourth-generation engine featuring a design thrust-to-weight ratio of 10:5 and vector nozzle technology. Its intended use was for the new domestically developed fifth-generation fighter, making it a project of immense national significance.
With great expectations and ample support from the country, the development process of Turbofan X encountered numerous obstacles and setbacks, presenting a formidable challenge.
Liang Wencheng sighed softly, his face etched with a touch of bitterness as he replied, "There are still some unresolved issues, the most critical being the inability to increase the temperature ahead of the turbine and the limited lifespan of the turbine blades."
The temperature before the turbine in an aero-engine held significant importance. Advanced engines could withstand temperatures surpassing 1800 degrees Celsius in that region. With such extreme heat, numerous metals would melt, let alone function effectively and generate substantial thrust.
This necessitated the use of particular metals known as superalloys. These alloys were not ordinary by any means. They required powder metallurgy techniques to withstand higher temperatures and an array of cooling designs to ensure the longevity of turbine disks and blades in such demanding conditions.
Liang Wencheng harboured dreams of pushing the temperature limits of Turbofan X ahead of the turbine and enhancing the service life of the blades. However, the existing materials fell short of their aspirations.
"I've come to you, Jianguo, seeking your assistance," Liang pleaded with a sense of urgency. "We require a material that can rival the imported high-temperature alloys. Otherwise, our Turbofan X project will remain stagnant."
Hu Jianguo's expression grew serious as he contemplated the gravity of the situation. He responded slowly, "Quenching this thirst may not be an easy task. While we have initiated a project aimed at localizing single crystal superalloys, it will still take at least five to eight years before we can achieve industrial-scale application."
The prospect of waiting for such a prolonged period left Liang Wencheng disheartened. The timeline was too extensive, and their project couldn't afford such a delay.
Importing single crystal superalloys from abroad wasn't a viable solution either. It was immensely challenging, but the exorbitant prices and potential supply disruptions posed significant risks.
Liang Wencheng's mind sank as he contemplated the dilemma they faced.
Interrupting their conversation, a knock resounded on the office door. Hu Jianguo's assistant entered, holding a courier package in hand.
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