With the successful trial production of the steam engine, the craftsmen of the Ministry of Works were greatly encouraged, but the casting of the naval guns still faced enormous challenges.
On this day, Yunxiang brought the latest design drawings to Mingde Girls' Courtyard again, requesting an audience with the Imperial Concubine.
Lin Yun was teaching her students about the properties of magnets when she saw Yunxiang rushing over, and knew that he had something important to discuss.
She handed the class over to Daiyu, and then went to the side hall with Yunxiang.
"Your Majesty, the casting of the naval cannons has encountered another problem." Yunxiang frowned, spreading the blueprints on the table.
According to Western designs, the cannon barrel needed to withstand immense pressure, but our refined iron always cracked during the casting process, making it extremely prone to exploding during test firing.
Lin Yun carefully examined the blueprints and discovered that the Ministry of Works was using the traditional integral casting method.
She pondered for a moment and asked, "Has Uncle Thirteen considered casting in sections?"
"Segmented casting?" Yunxiang was taken aback. "What does Your Majesty mean?"
Lin Yun picked up a pen and drew a few lines on the paper: "Divide the cannon barrel into several sections, cast them separately, and then connect them with threads. This will reduce the difficulty of casting each time and enhance the stability of the overall structure through the tightening force of the threads."
Yunxiang's eyes lit up: "Brilliant! This way, even if a section has a flaw, we only need to replace that section, instead of scrapping the entire cannon!"
Lin Yun nodded, then added, "Also, we can try rifling on the inner wall of the gun barrel."
"Rifling?" Yunxiang asked, puzzled.
"It involves engraving spiral patterns inside the cannon barrel," Lin Yun explained. "This causes the projectiles to spin when fired, resulting in a more stable flight trajectory and significantly improving both range and accuracy."
Yunxiang exclaimed in amazement, "Your Majesty's plan is brilliant! I will immediately order the craftsmen to try it."
Lin Yun smiled slightly: "There's one more thing. The reason why Westerners' smelting technology is so advanced is that they use coke instead of charcoal. Coke burns at a higher temperature, producing purer refined iron. Uncle Thirteen might as well send someone to Shanxi to search for experts; it's rich in coal, and there might be craftsmen skilled in coking there."
Yunxiang nodded solemnly: "Your Majesty's considerations are thorough. I will make the arrangements immediately."
Half a month later, at the Ministry of Works' testing ground, the first naval gun cast in sections was finally completed.
The cannon barrel is divided into three sections, tightly connected by fine iron threads, with shallow spiral patterns engraved on the inner wall.
The craftsmen carefully loaded the gunpowder and shells, and everyone's hearts were in their throats.
"Ignite!" With Yunxiang's command, the fuse was lit.
"Boom—!" With a loud bang, the shell roared out and exploded in the distance, creating a cloud of dust on the firing range.
"Success!" the craftsmen cheered. Not only did the naval gun not explode, but its range was also increased by nearly 30% compared to before, and its accuracy was astonishing.
Yunxiang was overjoyed and immediately went to the palace to report to Emperor Yongzheng.
Emperor Yongzheng was delighted upon hearing this and personally visited the Ministry of Works.
He stroked the smooth cannon barrel and exclaimed, "Yun'er's talent is truly admirable."
The Minister of Works, Ortai, couldn't help but ask, "Your Majesty, how does the Empress possess such profound skills?"
Emperor Yongzheng smiled but did not answer, only saying meaningfully, "The Imperial Concubine is a treasure bestowed upon our Great Qing by Heaven."
With the improvement of smelting technology, the Ministry of Industry's technological level has advanced by leaps and bounds.
Lin Yun also proposed the concept of "standardized production," which allowed craftsmen to make parts according to unified standards, making the production and assembly of firearms more convenient.
On this day, the Grand Councilors gathered at the Hall of Mental Cultivation to discuss matters concerning naval construction.
Emperor Yongzheng pointed to the coastal defense map on the table and said in a deep voice, "The Westerners are eyeing us covetously; our dynasty must accelerate the construction of our navy. Do any of you ministers have any good strategies?"
Zhang Tingyu stepped forward: "Your Majesty, the Ministry of Works is now capable of casting excellent naval cannons, but the design of warships still follows the old system, and their speed is far inferior to that of Western warships."
Yunxiang reported, "Your Majesty, I believe that the most urgent task is to develop steam-powered warships. If successful, the strength of our dynasty's navy will be greatly enhanced."
"A steam-powered warship?" Li Xianfu frowned. "I've never heard of such a thing. How can it be developed?"
Yongzheng turned his gaze to Yunxiang: "Thirteenth Brother, what are your plans regarding this matter?"
Yunxiang replied confidently, "Your Majesty, as the Imperial Concubine suggested, I have ordered the craftsmen to attempt to modify the existing warships using steam engines. However..." He paused, "...the size and weight of the steam engine remain a problem."
After a moment's thought, Emperor Yongzheng suddenly said, "Summon the Imperial Noble Consort."
Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures; we can't afford to worry about anything else right now.
About fifteen minutes later, Lin Yun arrived at the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
After she bowed to the Emperor, Yongzheng told her about the predicament of steam-powered warships.
Lin Yun pondered for a moment, then asked, "Why are existing steam engines so cumbersome?"
Yunxiang replied, "The main problem is that the boiler and condenser are too large, and they require a large amount of refined iron for casting."
Lin Yun nodded: "In that case, why not try a 'high-pressure steam engine'?"
"High pressure?" Everyone asked in unison, their faces showing confusion.
Lin Yun explained, "Traditional steam engines use low-pressure steam, which is inefficient. If the steam pressure can be increased, the size of the boiler and condenser can be significantly reduced for the same power output."
Ortai worriedly asked, "But if the pressure is too high, wouldn't the boiler be more likely to explode?"
"Therefore, stronger materials and better sealing technology are needed."
Lin Yun looked at Yongzheng, "Your Majesty, I suggest sending people to the south to find rubber trees. Rubber sealing rings can effectively prevent steam leakage."
A look of approval flashed in Yongzheng's eyes: "Granted. This matter will be entirely handled by the Thirteenth Brother."
A month later, the Ministry of Works reported another victory.
By adopting high-pressure steam technology and rubber seals, the new generation of steam engines has reduced its size by nearly half while doubling its power.
With continuous breakthroughs in technology, the attitudes of the government and the public towards Western learning underwent a dramatic change.
Ministers who had previously opposed it changed their stance, and some even volunteered to send their children to Western-style schools.
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