Chapter 580: Understanding the Principle of the Electric Heating Blanket

Arriving at the Iron Science Institute, Lu Cheng first went to see Dean Gao, mainly about the computer equipment.

Counting the time, there are still two days, and Jiang Yuanchao will be able to return to the Capital City.

Since no one knows how to use that equipment, two technical operators will come with it, and it must be arranged properly.

After discussion, Lu Cheng decided to host them at the highest standard, arranging for them to stay at a Capital City hotel.

This is the Guobinguan, the current top‑level venue for receptions, usually the first choice for foreign heads of state and important guests.

Lu Cheng's suggestion shows full respect for the two technicians, since the computer equipment is borrowed and will later depend on them to operate.

Therefore, whether the Internal Combustion Engine Project can be completed within the deadline hinges on those two technicians.

Dean Gao thought for a moment and agreed to Lu Cheng's proposal, mainly because the two technicians had taken part in satellite development calculations, which are pillars of the nation, so staying at a Capital City hotel is not extravagant at all.

After arranging matters for the two technicians, Lu Cheng then went to find Wei Shu.

After taking the rolled Electric Heating Blanket off the bicycle's rear rack, Lu Cheng handed it directly to Wei Shu.

Wei Shu stared at the blanket, his gaze a little blank.

He's always like this: a fool in daily life, yet a supreme genius in research.

"This is an Electric Heating Blanket; I don't know if you've heard of it. In short, it heats by electrical resistance, generating warmth, and is laid on a bed for winter heating."

Wei Shu nodded, unfolded the blanket, looked at it in the sunlight, and then asked a simple question.

"What do you need me to do?"

Lu Cheng knew there was no need for extra chatter with Wei Shu, so he stated the arrangement directly.

"I need you to figure out the principle and materials of this Electric Heating Blanket, and then I want to produce it."

Wei Shu was a bit puzzled; after all, Lu Cheng is a Train Police officer, so why is he handling work from a State‑owned Factory?

Lu Cheng saw Wei Shu's confusion and realized he hadn't clarified that it should be handed to his sister for production.

But he was too lazy to explain; Wei Shu would certainly not be interested.

"How long do you think it will take to get a clear grasp?"

It was Wei Shu's first time seeing an Electric Heating Blanket; as a researcher, his teacher always told him four words—"seek truth from facts."

So Wei Shu said, "I need to take it apart first and see."

A rigorously scientific attitude is excellent, Lu Cheng smiled, "Alright, it's yours then; ten days or eight days, both are fine."

The principle of the Electric Heating Blanket isn't complex; even Lu Cheng, who studied mechanical manufacturing at university, could disassemble it and understand it, but he gave it to Wei Shu because he intends to upgrade it later.

A simple preliminary investigation first, giving Wei Shu ten days, is more than enough.

"Third, do you have anything later?"

Lu Cheng turned his head; it was Zheng Guoping calling him.

"Nothing, what's up?"

"Just go play some basketball, these days everyone's heads are foggy; let the big guys relax a bit."

Lu Cheng fully understood the desire to unwind; the Internal Combustion Engine Project is time‑critical and heavy, truly wearing everyone out, and now they persevere daily with an indomitable spirit.

Looking at most comrades' hair, it either covers their eyes or ears, with no time even for a haircut; Lu Cheng thought the director was being overly harsh.

"Then I'll decide: since the computer equipment will arrive in two days, give everyone a two‑day leave, haircuts for those who need them, baths for those who want them…"

"After you're clean, at noon I'll treat everyone to hot‑pot lamb at Donglaishun."

You could see everyone's nerves were frayed; hearing Lu Cheng's words, they immediately cheered.

Whether there's a holiday or not doesn't matter; the main reason they're so happy is that Lu Cheng, the local rich guy, is treating them to hot‑pot lamb.

First they went to the basketball court to play, got a good sweat, then took a bath together.

Just playing for fun gets boring, so Lu Cheng suggested a match, splitting into two teams; the losing team, when heading to the bathhouse, would be responsible for giving the other team a back rub.

Everyone gladly agreed, eager to try, fearing they'd miss out, and immediately took off their jackets to play.

With jackets off, the hardships of researchers in this era became visible; most sweaters were either blue or gray.

Some had oversized collars, others had elbows worn through, yarn frayed with holes, and some simply patched them with old cloth.

Now supplies are scarce; yarn is a hot commodity, and no one is willing to spend on it.

They're all a bunch of old guys, indifferent to what they wear.

"Director Lu, what are you staring at? Pass the ball!"

Lu Cheng snapped back, tossed the basketball over.

Soon the players started moving, occasionally someone leapt and shouted, "Over here, pass to me…"

"Nice shot…"

Shouts, laughter, the squeak of sneakers on the floor blended together as these youths on the court poured out sweat and youth…

After about an hour, Lu Cheng's team led by two points when Zheng Guoping suddenly shouted.

"Third, Lao Si seems to be looking for you."

Lu Cheng looked over; indeed Wei Shu was standing at the sideline.

After handing the Electric Heating Blanket to him, the guy went back to his office; he isn't interested in any sport, only in books.

In Zheng Guoping's words, he'd probably marry and still be able to work out while reading on his wedding night.

Lu Cheng, as a forward, handled rebounds and interior defense; when Wei Shu arrived, he had just grabbed a rebound.

He then tossed it out, "You keep playing, I'll come over in a sec."

Zheng Guoping's legs were already bad; without Lu Cheng as an important forward, he felt like he'd lost an egg.

"Come back quickly, we can't do without you…"

Lu Cheng waved his hand, then ran to the sideline; after playing for a while, his face was drenched in sweat.

"What's up, Lao Si?"

Wei Shu handed over several schematics: "The Electric Heating Blanket you mentioned, I've already figured out, and I've drawn the drawings; take a look."

"That fast?" Lu Cheng was surprised for a moment, then, in disbelief, took the sheets of paper.

It not only drew the path of the heating wire, but also indicated what material and specifications to use, all clearly marked beside it.

All the details were meticulously written on the paper, clear at a glance, and could be taken straight into production.

"No wonder it's a little encyclopedia," Lu Cheng thought, "it should take at least seven or eight days," but it was finished in an hour.

However, Lu Cheng wasn't too alarmed; for Wei Shu, this kind of thing is a mere child's play.

Looking at the annotations on the drawing, Lu Cheng muttered, "Heating wire uses iron‑chromium‑aluminum wire?"

When the topic came up, Wei Shu obviously talked much more.

"Yes, actually there's another material called nickel‑chromium wire; both can serve as heating wire."

"Each of these materials has its pros and cons: nickel‑chromium wire's maximum operating temperature is lower than that of iron‑chromium‑aluminum wire, but iron‑chromium‑aluminum wire is brittle, sensitive to vibration, and prone to breaking; its advantage is a higher operating temperature, which can meet heating needs."

"If it's for production, I prefer iron‑chromium‑aluminum wire; this material is easier to procure than nickel‑chromium wire."

Lu Cheng nodded; nowadays, regardless of what product is being made, the first consideration is the raw material issue.

If imports are involved, standards are usually lowered, preferring to use what's already available domestically.

"Then the insulating material— which type do you prefer? I see you've listed several on this."