Just as things were starting to get under control regarding the patent, another seemingly "high-level" matter came along – Zhou Wei suggested that they compile the core principles and implementation methods of their "online dynamic balancing technology" into a formal academic paper and submit it to a top domestic journal in the field of mechanical engineering.

“Patents protect the ownership of technical solutions, while papers showcase our work to the entire academic and engineering community, receive peer review, and disseminate our ideas and methods,” Zhou Wei explained during the group discussion, his eyes shining. “This is very important for enhancing the academic value of our work and expanding its influence.”

Liu Li and Sun Mei both felt somewhat unfamiliar with this, and even a little apprehensive. Writing a thesis? That sounded even more abstract and difficult than writing a technical report.

"How should I write the paper? Is it the same as our report?" Liu Li asked.

“They’re not quite the same,” Zhou Wei said, pulling out several thick professional journals. “Technical reports focus on a complete presentation, while academic papers emphasize innovation, scientific rigor, and reproducibility. They require more rigorous mathematical descriptions, more systematic experimental verification, and more in-depth theoretical analysis. Moreover, the format requirements are very strict.”

He looked at Liu Li and Sun Mei, his tone sincere: "But this paper must be co-authored by the three of us. Liu Li, you were the one who proposed the entire technical approach and led the project. Without your persistence and ingenious mechanical design, none of this would have been possible. Sun Mei, breakthroughs in sensors and signal processing are key. Without reliable data sources, the algorithm is like cooking without rice. I was mainly responsible for theoretical modeling and control algorithms. The three of us are indispensable."

Joint authorship! Liu Li's heart skipped a beat. This meant that their three names would be closely linked in academic achievements, jointly representing this research work.

“I agree,” Sun Mei said first, “This is our child.”

"Okay!" Liu Li nodded vigorously, her initial fear replaced by a sense of responsibility. "Then let's write it! Let's tackle another tough challenge!"

The process of writing the paper was another in-depth review and refinement of the technology and ideas. Zhou Wei was responsible for building the paper's framework and writing the theoretical analysis and algorithm sections, striving for precise language and adherence to academic standards. Liu Li was responsible for writing the technical solutions, mechanical design, experimental procedures, and results analysis, trying her best to use objective and rigorous language to clearly express the explorations and discoveries made in practice. Sun Mei was responsible for the signal detection and processing section and provided all the key experimental data supporting charts.

The three worked together, constantly cross-reviewing each other's work. They often discussed and revised repeatedly to ensure the accurate use of a term, the best way to present a chart, or even the tone of a sentence.

“The word ‘feel’ is definitely not suitable here; it needs to be replaced with ‘experience-based fuzzy control strategy’,” Zhou Wei said, pointing to a draft written by Liu Li.

"I think a line chart would be better than a bar chart to show the trend of this experimental data," Sun Mei suggested.

"Shouldn't the introduction emphasize the universality and severity of the actual engineering problems we are solving?" Liu Li pondered as she looked at the opening written by Zhou Wei.

The process was more grueling and demanding than writing a technical report. But when the final draft was completed and they saw the well-structured, clearly argued, and richly illustrated paper, all three felt an unprecedented sense of satisfaction. The paper was ultimately titled "Research on Online Dynamic Balancing Technology of High-Speed ​​Spindle Based on Fuzzy Control and Self-Made Inductive Sensing," with their three names listed below.

The paper was submitted to one of the most authoritative core journals in the field of mechanical engineering in China—the *Journal of Mechanical Engineering*. What followed was a long wait.

A few months later, when Zhou Wei excitedly rushed into the lab holding the newly received journal proof, pointing to the title of the paper and their names on the table of contents, Liu Li and Sun Mei excitedly gathered around. Seeing their names in print in this top-tier public academic journal was a wonderful and proud feeling.

This jointly authored paper not only documents their technological innovations but also symbolizes the successful integration and refinement of their work by a team from diverse backgrounds (practice, theory, and measurement). Their work has received formal recognition from the academic community and will soon be seen, discussed, and cited by a wider range of professionals. This undoubtedly opens a new door for the promotion and expansion of their technology's influence.