Volume 2: Empire Chapter 141 Titan Project
General Vaughn and Advisor Donahue sat down next to Editor-in-Chief Morsong. The door of the library closed and a barrier unfolded along the inside of the bookshelf.
Then Chief Editor Morsson introduced Luke to the two people: "...the water molecule two-phase steam engine is the optimal solution for all cutting-edge steam machinery being studied. It greatly improves the utilization rate of thermal energy and reduces the use of water.
I have calculated that the output power of a water molecule dual-phase steam engine of the same volume can be increased by 15% compared to the best steam engine available today. Of course, this is a conservative estimate, and I think Engineer Luke may bring us even bigger surprises.”
Admiral Vaughn nodded as he listened, always observing Luke out of the corner of his eyes.
It is indeed a bit abrupt that such a talented steam engineer came to the winter capital during this special period, which makes people have many associations.
However, Bingku had investigated him and sent someone to check his background. All the files were complete, his background was clean, and he had no connection with the hostile forces.
Moreover, the water molecule two-phase steam engine has been evaluated by Morsong and many senior steam engineers, and it is feasible according to the current technological accumulation. If he is an imperial spy, there is no reason for him to bring such cutting-edge technology.
This can only be attributed to the technical reserves of the Dongdu Steam Engineers Association, which has a strong appeal to steam engine technical talents from all over the world.
After Editor Morsong finished his introduction, General Vaughn said to Luke, "I am very short on time and can only stay here for an hour at most. Briefly introduce the research plan of the water molecule dual-phase steam engine to us and when we can see the actual machine that can be mass-produced."
Luke stood up and saluted General Vorn, then said: "Thanks to the attention of Harut Heavy Industries and the help of Editor-in-Chief Morsong, the establishment of the water molecule dual-phase steam engine development laboratory is going very smoothly. It is expected that after another month of equipment installation and debugging, the development stage of the new steam engine can be officially started.
Now I have completed the magical framework for realizing the internal circulation of thermal energy by utilizing the duality of water molecules . The principles and segmented experimental procedures have also been written, and all steam engineers involved in the development of the new steam engine are studying it.
After the development process officially begins, as long as the required materials are supplied in time, it is expected that a prototype can be produced within a month. Subsequent testing, optimization and improvement will take about one to two years. ”
When General Vone heard that the water molecule dual-phase steam engine seemed to be a natural thing, he was very happy at first, but when he heard that it would take a year or even two years to finalize it, the expression on his face immediately turned unhappy.
"Will it take so long?"
Before Editor-in-Chief Morsong could speak, Consultant Donahue explained to General Vaughan, "General... Normally, the development time for a new steam engine is five to ten years. If you want a new machine to run stably, long-term repeated testing and optimization are essential.
Engineer Luke has completed the magic structure, which has saved a lot of time. What remains is the material selection and structural design of the physical machine, which is extremely labor-intensive. "
General Vaughan’s attitude softened slightly, but he was not satisfied with the development time of the new steam engine: “I can wait, but our soldiers can’t!
Intelligence from the Ice Cave shows that the Golden Shield Empire's Raging Waves City is manufacturing weapons in large quantities and developing many new technologies. When winter is over, weapons from Raging Waves City will be continuously transported to the northern battlefield. Moreover, the Raging Waves City fleet will definitely move northward along the coast to threaten the flanks of our army and even attack the coastal cities of the County Alliance.
News came from the Snow City battlefield that the new type of Crusaders of the Golden Shield Empire have appeared sporadically on the battlefield.
In the future, if you cannot develop new weapons as soon as possible, our equipment will be at a disadvantage on the battlefield.
Engineer Luke, can you shorten the development time of the new steam engine to half a year? "
At this time, Chief Editor Morson said: "General! Shortening the development schedule is not something that can be decided at this meeting. After the meeting, I will have a good talk with Engineer Luke and calculate how much the schedule can be advanced if the Steam Engineers Association fully supports his laboratory.
If we hand over non-compliant machines to the military, we will be irresponsible for the lives of soldiers.”
Morson's words prevented General Vaughan from further embarrassing Luke.
He then said: "Next, let's talk about the 'Titan Project'."
Project Titan!
Luke instantly thought of a super weapon developed by the At County Alliance in the Epoch game.
It was a giant war puppet, powered by magic, and connected to the Titan warriors in the cockpit through neurons. The inspiration of the game designer probably came from the popular anime "Gundam".
But how can we bring the "Titan Project" to the steam engineers' gathering this time?
Changing magic power to steam power has reduced the quality too much.
Let’s first take a look at what this “Titan Project” is.
Morsong rubbed his fingers together, and the light in the library dimmed. A beam of magic light was projected from the magic circle on the ceiling. In the middle of the beam, a magical projection of a war machine used by the Art County coalition appeared.
Editor-in-Chief Morsong said at this time: "This is the Singer B24 war machine, designed by the Winter City Steam Engineers Association, and its performance is also leading compared with similar products in the world.
The "Titan Project" is based on the technology of Singer's B24 war machine to design a new war machine, which will form a generational advantage over the war machines of the Golden Shield Empire!
..."
As Editor Morsong narrated, the size of the Singer B24 war machine grew, and the half-exposed cockpit became fully enclosed. The war machine's shoulders moved up, and a head with centralized sensing function was added.
The center of gravity of the new war machine was raised, and the volume of the steam engine behind it had to be reduced. In order to balance the weight, the breastplate in front of the cockpit was thickened to provide stronger protection for the driver.
The added magic accessories and armor greatly increased the weight of the new war machine. The compressed space required a steam engine with greater power and smaller volume, and the water tank it carried also had to be compressed.
After Editor-in-Chief Morson finished his narration, the war machine in the magic projection no longer looked like its original self. It was now a steel mecha that was five meters tall.
The official name of the At County coalition was "Titan Type 1".
Luke didn't expect that he caused the war between the Golden Shield Empire and the At County Union to break out prematurely, and that the At County Union's "Titan Project" would become like this. Originally, it should have been developed by the Winter Capital Magic Steam Academy after a breakthrough in magic energy technology, but now it has been handed over to the Steam Engineers Association.
This is intelligence that even the Imperial Secret Intelligence Service has not collected, which shows how high the level of confidentiality is.
Before Luke could express his feelings, Consultant Donahue continued, "Most of the steam engineers present are currently involved in the development of the 'Titan Project'. Editor-in-Chief Morson's introduction is for the newly invited participants.
Currently, the Titan Project is progressing very smoothly. The Winter Capital Magic Steam Academy has completed the design of the magic guide part. The mechanical and power transmission design has been completed by 70%, but the most critical steam engine has not met the requirements, and the Titan I cannot obtain the thrust-to-weight ratio required for actual combat.
Engineer Luke, I think you already understand the purpose of inviting you to this party."
The water molecule dual-phase steam engine is the key to the "Titan Project".
Although this steam engine is slightly behind the real Titan, it is definitely the best solution at this stage.
"It's such a magnificent war machine that makes people's blood boil." Luke looked at the magic projection in the light column and couldn't help but sigh: "It's my honor to be able to participate in the 'Titan Project'. I am confident that the water molecule dual-phase steam engine can solve the power problem of Titan I."
"But the development of your new steam engine is too slow." General Vaughan looked at the Titan I with shining eyes, wishing he could have it join his army right away.
Luke asked, "Has the prototype test machine of the Titan I been built?"
Advisor Donahue replied: “When Princess Agatha of the Golden Shield Empire ordered Meteor to seize the City of Raging Waves, the County Federation realized that there was a high possibility of civil unrest in the Golden Shield Empire.
The 'Titan Project' was officially launched at that time.
The Titan I prototype test machine had indeed been manufactured, but due to the lack of suitable steam engine equipment, it could only use external power to debug the mechanical parts.
We hope that your laboratory will give priority to developing a steam engine for use in the Titan I prototype test machine."
This is the real purpose of allowing Luke to attend a meeting of this level .
But Luke's plan was to run away after a month, so he didn't think about building a water molecule dual-phase steam engine. Compared with the element fusion reactor, this thing is a thing of the past. Using magic and alchemy to build a steam engine, why not just build a magic power source.
In the future, steam engines will still take the cheap route, being small and sophisticated but unable to compete with magic power.
Now Luke suddenly became interested in the "Titan Project". Who doesn't want to drive a Gundam!
It’s just that players can’t make a detailed guide for this specific technology. After all, no one can learn from the basics and manually assemble a mecha by themselves.
At this moment, the "Titan Project", the crystallization of Art County Union's magic and steam technology, is right in front of us. If we don't find a way to take it away, we will be letting down our profession.
Having made up his mind, Luke said, "If we use alchemical technology to forcibly materialize the magical structure of the water molecule dual-phase steam engine, we can create a usable steam engine. But the cost is high, and the steam engine cannot last for too long as the materialized materials decay.
However, the technology used to verify the Titan I is feasible, and can also provide reference data for the performance of future official physical dedicated steam engines. "
Editor-in-Chief Morsong said: "We think so too. The data obtained by external power is inaccurate, and it is not possible to conduct long-term operation tests in complex environments.
First use alchemy to shape a new type of steam engine, which can speed up the finalization of Titan Type 1. Once your water molecule dual-phase steam engine is manufactured, you can directly give it to the factory for mass production. "
Luke then said, "I need the Titan I prototype test machine to be stationed in my laboratory, and give me the Titan I design drawings so that I can design the connection between the steam engine and the power transmission line."
Consultant Donahue said: "The Titan 1 prototype test machine can be stationed in your laboratory, but the drawings are top state secrets and cannot be given to you.
When you need a drawing, you can apply for it and check the required part under the supervision of a dedicated person. After reading it, you are not allowed to save or copy it, and it must be returned immediately! "
Luke apologized and said, "I'm a bit abrupt. I'm still not used to joining such a confidential project. My sense of confidentiality is too weak."
Donahue didn't blame Luke, but he did give him a warning: "Everyone has a first time, and it's too early for you to get involved in this plan. Young people tend to be impetuous and say things they shouldn't when they are impulsive.
"Project Titan" is the highest state secret. You must always remind yourself to keep it secret, even to your closest people. Titan I is our weapon, and we must not let the Secret Service of the Golden Shield Empire take away the secret."
Luke followed up, "I'm very familiar with Chief Hulkkin of the Ice Caves. After the party I'll go find him and arrange for a full-time Ice Cave agent to protect me."
General Fu En nodded with satisfaction: "You are very aware of this, not everyone likes to have an Ice Cave agent following them.
Time is almost up, and there is still a lot of work waiting for me to deal with in the military. Remember... do everything you can to speed up the development of the water molecule dual-phase steam engine. Funds and materials are not a problem.
I'll wait for your news."
Editor-in-Chief Morson stood up to see him off and said, "I will send it to the general as soon as I discuss the schedule with Engineer Luke."
"You are not in good health, so there is no need to see me off. Goodbye, engineers, and thank you for your contributions to the country."
General Vaughan saluted the steam engineers, then left in a hurry with Advisor Donahue.
The restrictions in the library were lifted, the magic projections dissipated, the lights were brightened, and the atmosphere of the party became much more relaxed.
Editor-in-Chief Morson coughed several times, then said breathlessly, "Let's suspend the discussion. I need to take some medicine and rest for a while. Please feel at home here. Don't be too reserved.
You can go to the hot springs or have something to eat.
I will send servants to inform you when the next discussion begins..."
Editor-in-Chief Morsson, who was feeling unwell, left with the help of his servant, and Luke left the venue to find Darikova.
When we found Darikova, she was soaking in a hot spring for one person. In the oval bath, the hot spring water was gurgling, and outside the large one-way glass was a world of ice and snow.
Darikova was immersed in the water, and the steam caused a peach-colored blush under her icy skin. The alcohol that had been suppressed by magic surged up again, making her look drunk and silly again.
Luke waved his hand to open the window, and then waved his hand again, and all the steam in the room rushed out. The cold air in the water made Darikova shiver. She went deeper into the water, leaving only her head outside, and complained to Luke angrily: "It's so cold outside, why did you open the window?
And...how did you get in?"
Luke sat down on the rattan chair next to the bathtub and closed the window with a snap of his fingers: "There's too much steam here, it makes me feel a little uncomfortable. I have a new job that needs someone, do you want to take it?"
"Take it! What kind of work?"
