Chapter 459: Digital Twin

The conference room fell into silence once again, but this time the silence was filled with shock and awe. Everyone stared unblinkingly at the precise exploded-view diagram on the screen, their minds constantly imagining how these massive modules could be magically joined together in a secret base to form a behemoth.

Deputy Commander Liu was the first to recover from the shock; he walked over to Li Mingyuan and patted his shoulder: "Chief Engineer Li, what exactly do you have in that brain of yours? An average person couldn't come up with such a wild idea even if they racked their brains!"

Professor Zhang of the Seventh Institute also nodded repeatedly: "Modular manufacturing... this concept is too advanced! If it can be successfully implemented, it will completely change our large-scale equipment manufacturing model!"

General Zhao was still carefully studying the details of the interfaces, his expression gradually shifting from skepticism to amazement: "This interface design... it is indeed ingenious! But in actual operation, there will surely be countless difficulties..."

"Of course there will be difficulties," Li Mingyuan admitted candidly, "but there is nothing that cannot be solved. We can start testing with small-scale models, gradually verify the interface design and assembly process, and continuously improve the technical plan."

A firm light flickered in his eyes: "Remember, the aircraft carriers of the Star-Spangled Country also developed from nothing. They faced countless technical challenges when building their first carrier, but they ultimately succeeded. We can do the same!"

General Zhao finally revealed a smile, and he solemnly gave a military salute to Li Mingyuan: "Chief Engineer Li, you have shown me what the wisdom of 'breaking the whole into parts' really is! I believe that as long as we implement it according to your plan, we will definitely be able to build this 'Kunpeng'!"

A burst of enthusiastic applause erupted in the conference room, and everyone's faces were filled with new hope and determination.

"Wait, there is still one problem," Chen Gong suddenly interjected, "With so many modules manufactured in different parts of the country, how can we ensure that every component fits perfectly? What if we only discover problems once we reach the final assembly site? Wouldn't that be a huge mess?"

This practical question made the conference room quiet down again. Indeed, the sectional construction of traditional shipyards usually takes place at the same site, where technicians can make adjustments and verifications at any time. As for module manufacturing scattered across the country, ensuring a perfect final assembly is indeed a huge challenge.

Li Mingyuan seemed to have been prepared for this question. He walked to the projector and changed to a new slide.

"Everyone, look, this is the 'Digital Twin' system I designed."

A complex chart appeared on the screen, showing the relationships and data flow between the various modules.

"'Digital Twin'?" Professor Zhang repeated the unfamiliar term with confusion, "What does this mean?"

Li Mingyuan explained: "Simply put, it means creating a corresponding mathematical model for every physical module of the 'Kunpeng', precisely reflecting its geometric dimensions, physical properties, and interface parameters. The mathematical models of all modules combined form a complete virtual model of the 'Kunpeng'."

He pointed to the data flow on the chart: "The actual production data from every manufacturing point will be regularly summarized to the central computing center, and the compatibility between modules will be confirmed through calculations. Once a potential problem is discovered, it will be immediately fed back to the relevant manufacturing point for adjustment."

"This... this requires a massive amount of computing work," Chen Gong frowned, "Do we have such computing power?"

"We can form a specialized computing team," Li Mingyuan replied, "equipped with the most advanced Computer equipment and the best mathematical talent. In fact, this work has already started at the Base, and preliminary tests show that this method is feasible."

Chen Gong remained skeptical: "Even with a computational model, the errors and deformations of the physical world are still difficult to predict precisely..."

"That is why we have a second insurance policy," Li Mingyuan switched to another slide, "Physical Simulation Verification."

The screen showed a scaled-down model of the "Kunpeng", broken down into the same module layout as the actual design.

"Before final assembly, we will first conduct assembly drills using a precise 1:10 model to verify the interface design and assembly process. Any problems discovered will be fed back into actual production for adjustments. This way, we can solve most potential problems without exposing the real project."

Gasps of amazement sounded in the conference room again. This method of combining virtual computing with physical verification was an almost unheard-of cutting-edge concept at the time.

Excitement flickered in Deputy Commander Liu's eyes: "Chief Engineer Li, this plan of yours... is simply a stroke of genius!"

Professor Zhang of the Seventh Institute shook his head, looking incredulous: "Modular manufacturing, standardized interfaces, Digital Twin, physical verification... adding these concepts together, one could write a revolutionary textbook on construction technology!"

"That is not all," Li Mingyuan smiled mysteriously, "the final insurance policy—the Dynamic Adaptive Adjustment System."

He displayed the last slide, which showed a set of complex mechanical devices and control systems: "During the final assembly process, we will use special laser measurement equipment to monitor the relative positions and forms of each module in real-time, coordinating with adaptive connection mechanisms to make fine adjustments, ensuring the precision of the final assembly."

This final move completely conquered everyone present. General Zhao slapped the table in excitement: "Brilliant! Truly brilliant! Chief Engineer Li, with this combination of moves you've played, I think even the gods in heaven couldn't stop us from building the 'Kunpeng'!"

Deputy Commander Liu laughed heartily: "Old Zhao, you are known for being a 'tightwad', yet today you were actually convinced by Chief Engineer Li? It seems this 'Kunpeng' really has hope!"

General Zhao shook his head, an unusual light flickering in his eyes: "Brother Liu, I am a straightforward person; once I recognize something, I never drag my feet. This plan of Chief Engineer Li's, let alone in our Long Country, would be top-tier even in the Star-Spangled Country and Beijixiong Guo! For this old bag of bones of mine, being able to participate in such a pioneering project makes death worth it!"

He turned to Li Mingyuan, looking at him with great respect: "Chief Engineer Li, from today on, the Logistics Department will fully cooperate with the Kunpeng Project. Whatever you need, just ask; I, Zhao, will risk my neck to get it for you!"

Li Mingyuan smiled modestly: "Minister Zhao is too kind. Whether the Kunpeng Project succeeds depends not on one person, but on this team of ours. Everyone is an indispensable and important link."

He looked around, his gaze sweeping over everyone in the conference room: "As the ancients said, 'One who walks alone goes fast, but those who walk together go far.' What we are doing is not just building a 'Flying Aircraft Carrier', but establishing a brand-new research, development, and manufacturing system for large-scale equipment, laying the foundation for the industrial rise of Long Country!"

Enthusiastic applause and cheers erupted in the conference room. At this moment, everyone seemed to see the magnificent scene of that "Kunpeng" spreading its wings and flying high, and also saw the bright future of Long Country moving from backwardness to advancement.

Professor Zhang of the Seventh Institute was still immersed in the shock; he stared at the module exploded-view diagram, muttering to himself: "This can actually work? This can really work?"

Li Mingyuan chuckled inwardly. Of course it could work; in the future world, similar projects were everywhere. The fuselage, wings, and tail sections of large passenger aircraft were manufactured in different countries and then perfectly combined on the final assembly line; the hull sections of giant cruise ships were built in different shipyards and then precisely docked; the various modules of space stations were launched into space by different countries and achieved millimeter-level precision docking in space...

But these examples, he certainly could not say. For people of this era, the concept of modular construction was already shocking enough; if he talked too much about future things, it would only cause suspicion and unnecessary trouble.

"Everyone," Li Mingyuan looked around the conference room, pulling his thoughts back to reality, "today we discussed the core concepts and basic plan of the Kunpeng Project. Next, we need to establish specialized research groups to refine the various technical details and work processes."

He looked at Deputy Commander Liu: "Brother Liu, I need you to report to your superiors and strive for project approval and funding support. This project is massive in scale, involves multiple departments and institutions, and requires coordination and support at the highest level."

Deputy Commander Liu nodded firmly: "No problem! I will arrange it immediately and report directly to the Central Military Department! A strategic project of this nature must receive support from the highest decision-making level!"

"At the same time," Li Mingyuan turned to Professor Zhang of the Seventh Institute, "I need you to organize a team of technical experts to review and improve the detailed design of each module. Especially the Nuclear Power System and the module interface design; these are the keys to the entire project."

Professor Zhang nodded solemnly: "I will lead the team personally, concentrate the best expert talent in the institute, and fully cooperate with the Kunpeng Project!"

"As for logistics support," Li Mingyuan looked at General Zhao, "Minister Zhao, please begin researching suitable module manufacturing points and the final assembly base. The site selection for the base must consider safety, confidentiality, and geographical conditions, and it must also have convenient transportation conditions."

General Zhao had already taken out his notebook and was recording earnestly: "Understood! I will personally survey several candidate locations and formulate the best plan!"

"Finally," Li Mingyuan's voice became solemn, "confidentiality is of the utmost importance! Every detail of the Kunpeng Project is top secret; any leak could lead to the failure of the project, or even bring about more serious consequences. Please ensure you strengthen your awareness of confidentiality and strictly abide by the confidentiality regulations."

Everyone responded in unison: "Guarantee to complete the mission!"

The conference room was filled with an unprecedented sense of unity and determination. At this moment, everyone seemed to see the magnificent scene of that "Kunpeng" turning from blueprints into reality, spreading its wings and soaring between the sea and the sky.

Deputy Commander Liu walked to Li Mingyuan's side and asked in a low voice: "Chief Engineer Li, to be honest, what do you think is the success rate of the Kunpeng Project?"

Li Mingyuan smiled slightly: "Eighty percent."

"You are that confident?" Deputy Commander Liu was somewhat surprised.

"Because we have the most hardworking, the smartest, and the most resilient people in the world," Li Mingyuan looked at these experts in the conference room who were earnestly discussing technical details, his tone firm, "As long as the direction is correct, there is nothing we cannot do."

Deputy Commander Liu patted his shoulder, admiration flickering in his eyes: "Chief Engineer Li, with those words from you, I can rest easy!"

Professor Zhang was still standing in front of the module exploded-view diagram, carefully studying every detail, his eyes filled with shock, confusion, and a trace of incredulity: "This can actually work? This can really work?"

Li Mingyuan knew that this doubt came not only from Professor Zhang, but also from everyone present. But he also knew—

The atmosphere in the conference room had shifted from the initial shock and skepticism to excitement and anticipation. Everyone was won over by Li Mingyuan's series of astonishing concepts, and the Nuclear Power System and modular manufacturing plan seemed to have cleared the main technical obstacles facing the Kunpeng Project.

Deputy Commander Liu slapped the table excitedly, his voice loud: "Gentlemen, with Chief Engineer Li's genius design, I think this 'Kunpeng' is just around the corner! On the day it takes off, I must personally take it to fly around the Star-Spangled Country's aircraft carrier and see how scared those grandsons get!"

Everyone laughed along, and even the usually serious General Zhao revealed a rare smile on his face. The conference room was filled with an atmosphere of joy, as if victory were in sight.

However, right in the midst of this laughter, a low and slightly hoarse voice broke the joyful atmosphere.

"Everyone, I am afraid there is an even greater difficulty waiting for us."