208: Decided to stay at Beijing Airlines

"Oh, that sounds good." Du Yishang was clearly very familiar with this report and quickly flipped to the performance test section:

"So tell me, what is the biggest highlight of this chin-mounted air intake you developed? Or, can it be used in other places?"

Xu Ning's heart trembled slightly, sighing that Academician Du's insight was indeed sharp.

After just a few glances at the report, he had discerned the potential value of this development.

"Through simulations, we found that the new air intake has greater advantages than traditional designs during high-speed flight.

Although the improved J-7 only has a maximum speed of Mach 2.0, we still evaluated its performance at higher speeds.

The results showed that at speeds reaching Mach 3.5 to 4.0 and an angle of attack of 6 degrees, this air intake can still maintain a total pressure recovery rate of over 0.73.

If further optimized for high-speed performance, the effect would be even better."

"Can it reach Mach 4?" Du Yishang intuitively judged, but the specific values still needed to be supported by data.

"Yes, our simulations show the limit can reach Mach 4.

However, for higher speeds, existing simulation technology is insufficient to accurately predict, and more advanced methods and equipment are needed."

In short, this meant that this development still had room for improvement, but was limited by existing conditions.

"Regarding application prospects, in the short term, it might be used for liquid-fueled scramjet engines, suitable for missiles with speeds of Mach 3 to 4.

In the long run, if hypersonic vehicles driven by scramjet engines and flying at speeds exceeding Mach 5 are to be developed, this development concept will be a valuable foundation for preliminary research."

After listening, a hint of surprise flashed in Du Yishang's eyes.

That was in 1996, when the technology for even subsonic cruise missiles was not yet mature in China.

However, this third-year student was already laying the technical foundation for supersonic and even hypersonic aircraft.

Although some people were exploring related areas, most remained at the theoretical stage.

But the integrated development proposed by Xu Ning was already close to the level of practical engineering application.

Unfortunately, at that time, China's aviation industry's capabilities were insufficient to support such cutting-edge research.

Seeing the change in Du Yishang's expression, Xu Ning felt that his efforts had been recognized.

Finally, Du Yishang put down the report in his hand, looked at Xu Ning, and asked, "Little Xu, what are your plans for the future?"

Professor Liu Yuanbo, who was beside him, closed his eyes helplessly; his last glimmer of hope vanished with that question.

As a student of Du Yishang, he knew what this sentence meant: it was a sign that his mentor was about to accept a new disciple.

Xu Ning answered without hesitation: "Since I chose the Aircraft Engineering major at Beijing Aviation University, I naturally hope to continue studying and contribute to China's aviation industry."

This path was not unfamiliar to him; even without special advantages, he had walked it steadfastly before.

Now with a more solid backing, his determination would only become stronger.

Du Yishang nodded in agreement: "Your research work can serve as your graduation thesis with minor modifications, and I would be happy to be your supervisor.

Regarding the future, I have two suggestions. Would you like to hear them?"

Although Professor Du used a question, in reality, no one would refuse such an opportunity.

"Of course, Professor Du, please speak." Xu Ning took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down.

"Firstly, I can help you secure an opportunity for government-funded study abroad, possibly in the United Kingdom or the United States.

If you are interested, then in the coming year, you will need to focus on improving your foreign language skills to better integrate into the new environment."

When Du Yishang mentioned this option, Liu Yuanbo, who was sitting next to him, seemed a little uneasy.

He wanted to speak but stopped.

Although according to regulations, students receiving government-funded study abroad must promise to return to serve the country, in reality, many choose to stay abroad due to better living and career development conditions.

Even if they had to repay all expenses plus fines, it was just a small amount for those who found high-paying jobs abroad.

Liu Yuanbo had always believed that if a student intended to go abroad, they should not be stopped; conversely, they should not be actively encouraged if they did not.

He worried that outstanding talents would not return once they left, especially rare geniuses like Xu Ning.

Once abroad, they would likely be highly valued by the local community, and even if they wanted to return, they might face many difficulties.

"Another option," Du Yishang continued, "is to join my research team, skip the master's degree directly, and pursue a doctoral degree.

Compared to going abroad, although the conditions here are relatively simpler, you will have access to more practical opportunities.

If you decide to do this, I will arrange for you to participate in important projects as soon as possible."

"Of course, if you have your own plans, I will fully support you.

The final choice is up to you."

"I choose the second option." Xu Ning said firmly, looking directly into Du Yishang's eyes.

This coincided with his original plan: to demonstrate his talent through practice and quickly get involved in actual work.

And the current progress even exceeded his expectations.

"Are you really not going to see the world abroad?" Du Yishang asked with a smile again: "Returning from studying abroad can also serve the motherland."

In fact, if there were no other influencing factors, Xu Ning might have considered going abroad, because in the field of aviation, Western countries indeed possess leading technology.

However, due to special support, he no longer needed to study abroad to acquire the necessary knowledge.

On the contrary, if he went abroad, he might instead be teaching others what he knew, rather than learning new things.

Xu Ning's choice was completely different from his original plan.

"I have decided to stay at Beijing Aviation University." he said firmly.

He emphasized his decision once again.

"Studying abroad certainly has many benefits, but as a person from China, it is difficult to access core technologies overseas, and learning opportunities are also very limited.

I have read a lot of professional materials published in Europe and the United States in the library.

Frankly, I don't think the knowledge abroad cannot be learned domestically."

Du Yishang gazed at the determined young man in front of him for a full minute.

"In that case, welcome to my research team."

Hearing this, a smile bloomed on Xu Ning's face: "Thank you, Academician Du."

"Are you still calling me Academician Du?" Du Yishang reminded him with a smile.

"I'm sorry, thank you, Tutor Du!" Xu Ning quickly corrected himself.

Under the warm afternoon sun, the old and the young sat facing each other, the scene warm and harmonious, as if it were a passing of the torch in the field of aviation.

And Professor Liu Yuanbo, who was on the side, seeing that Xu Ning had decided to stay, finally put down the worry in his heart and found an excuse to leave.

Although this was just a verbal agreement in the office, for an authority like Du Yishang, he would not easily break his word, so it was almost a certainty that Xu Ning would directly pursue a doctoral degree.