From the thirteenth year of Yongle, Ma Zhicai was promoted by Zhu Zhanji and was responsible for assembling the first simple lathe, and Ma Zhicai became a mechanical expert in the Ming Dynasty.

He, an expert, has gone from a high position from the ninth rank to the sixth grade, bringing not only glory, but also huge pressure.

In order to maintain his advantages and the glory of the Ma family, he did not dare to slack off, and he has been rushing to the front line of various mechanical improvements in the past few years.

He has been involved from the first lathe, the first grinder, the first linkage lathe, the first heavy-duty die casting machine.

During the three years that Zhu Zhanji went to the West, he and a group of craftsmen from the Ministry of Industry were able to make the steam engine exert a smoother power than the waterwheel through the improvement of the steam engine.

It's just that without Zhu Zhanji's permission, today's steam engine technology is still stuck in the research institute, and even in the die-casting factory of the internal supervision, only an experimental steam engine is installed.

The principle of the steam engine is actually very simple, that is, to use the power generated by the water vapor discharge after the water is boiled to drive the operation of the machinery.

The difficulty was to seal the steam transmission pipes and to establish a reliable linkage device that could make use of the power of the steam engine.

When the waterwheel linkage mechanism is gradually perfected, in fact, this linkage device is not difficult.

However, the mere use of copper pipes to perfect the pressure delivery of steam took dozens of craftsmen three years of painstaking research.

They used copper pipes, copper sandwiches with wood chips to seal the gasket, plus screws and nuts that have begun to be used in large quantities, so that the kinetic energy of the steam engine was finally fully utilized.

When Zhu Zhanji entered the large warehouse of the research institute, the heating had been going on for a while, the pressure was gradually rising, and several pressure reducing valves above the tank of the steam engine began to jump in turn.

Although there is a reminder from Zhu Zhanji, now the craftsman has made a room temperature mercury thermometer according to Zhu Zhanji's prompt, but he cannot make a high-voltage test gauge.

But this should not underestimate the wisdom of the ancients, although they could not make a precise pressure gauge, but they were able to test the pressure through different pressure reducing valves.

Above the tank, there are five pressure reducing valves of different weights, and after the fourth pressure reducing valve jumps up, it means that the pressure is enough to maintain the fire.

If the fifth jumps, it is necessary to start extinguishing the fire, reducing the fire and not letting the pressure in the pressure chamber become too high.

Because he didn't grasp the proportions well at the beginning, despite Zhu Zhanji's reminder, he still exploded once, and two people died on the spot.

Under normal circumstances in ancient China, the development of the steam engine would have stopped. But this is what Zhu Zhanji requested, not to mention the death of two people, that is, the death of two hundred, two thousand, this matter will continue to be developed.

Zhu Zhanji is also not familiar with the steam engine, although this equipment is simple, but how to turn air pressure into power is by no means a layman's fantasy can be realized.

In contrast, he was more familiar with single-cylinder diesel engines, because when he was a child, he also had a walk-behind tractor at home, and he often helped his father repair them, so he knew how diesel engines worked.

But he didn't expect that the steam engine was also related to the cylinder, and the power conversion of air pressure could only be achieved through the cylinder.

Before he had never seen the power conversion of the steam engine, Zhu Zhanji occasionally thought of this invention, and he had been thinking about how the steam engine converted air pressure into power, but he had never figured it out.

But now that he saw the real thing, he completely understood.

The working principle of the so-called steam engine is similar to that of the internal combustion engine, and the cylinder block, pistons, air intake, and exhaust ports of the internal combustion engine are also available.

The piston is stamped by air pressure, and the connecting rod and crankshaft are driven, and then the energy can be converted into power.

Seeing this scene in front of him, he had no doubt that the appearance of the internal combustion engine was actually based on the principle of the steam engine.

It's just that after the technological level reached maturity in later generations, the internal combustion engine naturally appeared.

The steam engine in front of me connects the gas through the copper pipe to the two simple cylinders, and through the reciprocating motion of the pistons, the two pistons go up and down at different times, driving the operation of the machinery.

Because the steam engine has constant torque, reversible, and reliable operation, it is more reliable than the power of the water wheel, and it will not affect the operation of the machinery due to the influence of hydraulic power.

What surprised Zhu Zhanji even more was that Ma Zhicai added a clutch device to the steam engine according to the working principle of the lathe, and also used different gear ratios to provide different options for the power of the steam engine at different speeds and torques.

This is equivalent to putting on wheels and turning it into a car!

This really surprised Zhu Zhanji, he didn't expect them craftsmen to reach this step at all.

However, it is understandable to turn your head and think about it, because Daming did not grope little by little, but under the guidance of Zhu Zhanji, lathes, mechanical textile machines, and stamping machines appeared first, and then the steam engine was invented.

Since the steam engine was used to replace the waterwheel, then these people naturally took into account the applicability of the steam engine.

Lathes, drilling machines, grinding machines need to be fast, textile machines need slow speeds, stamping machines also need slow speeds, and high torques are also needed.

So in order to replace the waterwheel, they naturally considered the practical application of the steam engine.

So now, Zhu Zhanji is also considering whether to build a small train line in Yingtianfu.

The application of the train also needs to be constantly explored, and the size, pressure, gravity, shock absorption, including braking, etc., all need to be perfected little by little.

Nowadays, the economic and trade exchanges between the Ming Dynasty and other countries are still based on the initiative of the Ming Dynasty, and as long as the technology of the steam engine is covered with a layer of mystery, it is not afraid that it will soon be stolen by other countries.

There was a buffer time of a few years, and the technology of Daming's steam train was gradually improved, and by the time they could make a steam engine, Daming's train would already be able to run.

Moreover, there is a patent for this weapon that can be used.

This steam engine was invented by my Daming, you want to make it, come and learn from me. If you dare to make it yourself, don't blame my army for going straight to the door to fight you.

Thinking of this, Zhu Zhanji originally wanted to keep the steam engine technology secret for the time being, but now he doesn't care.

"Ma Aiqing, is the technology of this steam engine mature?"

Ma Zhicai did not become flamboyant because his niece married Zhu Zhanji, and still maintained his original nature as a low-level technical officer. "Your Highness, the power of this steam engine is related to its own size, to the thickness of the wall of the pressure tank, and the size of the outlet pipe.

Different specifications can have different power, and the force is more stable than water pressure. The only thing that is not as good as the waterwheel is that it consumes peat, and some parts are easy to break. ”

Of course, Zhu Zhanji also knew these shortcomings, but the advantages of the steam engine over the waterwheel were too great. Waterwheels can only be built at the water's edge, and they must have enough water power. But the steam engine can be used anywhere......

After Zhu Zhanji asked, he learned that because he was not instructed, the steam engine is still in the verification stage and has not been launched.

However, the textile workshops, casting yards, coal mines in Huaibei, and silk reeling factories all have a steam engine of different sizes in use.

With the steam engine, the problem of water accumulation in coal mines can be well solved, and the coal output of coal pits has also increased greatly.

However, in the Ming Dynasty, all technology is still in the service of politics, and without Zhu Zhanji's consent, even if the Huaibei Coal Mine wants to buy a few steam engines at a high price, the Ministry of Industry does not agree.

Last summer, Zheng Heng returned to Yingtianfu, saw the steam engine, and immediately realized that the steam engine could play an important role in the transmission of copper ore.

But even if he, Wu Anhou, came forward, the Ministry of Industry still didn't give him face.

In fact, the Ministry of Industry also wants to launch the steam engine as soon as possible, which is different from the waterwheel technology, but it can bring huge benefits to the Ministry of Industry.

Seeing the eager expressions of the officials present at the Ministry of Industry, Zhu Zhanji sighed.

According to this development, it is necessary to divide the officials of the Ministry of Industry, and the officials of the Ming Dynasty must not be allowed to become officials and businessmen one by one.

Being both an athlete and a referee yourself will only make a mess of the industrial market.

But Zhu Zhanji will never let go of this market, and he wants to let the development technology of the entire country be controlled in the hands of the state, or the royal family.

Moreover, the Ministry of Industry now has the big financial road of cement, the fat gap of road construction, and the patent of the money-making weapon, which is bound to become bigger and bigger.

Drawing the line between officials and officials and businessmen as soon as possible can also make future management smoother.

After figuring out this idea, Zhu Zhanji gathered everyone to the main hall.

First of all, of course, he did not hesitate to praise, praised everyone, and promised to give all those involved in the development of the steam engine a promotion.

Then, he said to the two scholars of the Ministry of Industry, Wu Zhong and Song Li: "After three years of testing, the steam engine can now be popularized. However, except for mines and workshops controlled by the imperial court, they could not be sold to merchants in the short term. ”

Song Li nodded and said, "Just the textile workshops and machinery factories of the imperial court are enough for the craftsmen of the Ministry of Industry to produce for several years. ”

Zhu Zhanji shook his head and said: "What you said is too conservative, it is far from enough to rely on the craftsmen of the Ministry of Industry, because the places where the steam engine is really needed are far more than these mines and workshops, as well as ships......"

A young Jiupin official couldn't help but stand up excitedly, wanting to say something, but suddenly realized his recklessness, didn't dare to speak, and stood there with a red face.

Li Qing, the waiter of the Ministry of Works, reprimanded: "Presumptuous, now that His Highness is discussing matters with all the lords, how can you have room to speak?" ”

The deputy head of the young institute bowed to the end, bowed down and said, "Please forgive your subordinates for being happy to see Your Highness, and they are out of honor for a while. ”

Li Qing wanted to say more, but Zhu Zhanji said with a smile: "Today is to speak freely and find a perfect plan, since this deputy has something to say, the stock will also give you a chance to speak." ”

The official looked at Li Qing's face, and when he nodded slightly, he dared to speak: "Your Highness, Wei Chen had the idea of installing a steam engine on a ship two years ago, and designed different transmissions for flat-bottomed boats and sharp-bottomed boats. I just heard His Highness say that the steam engine was going to be loaded on the ship, so Wei Chen lost his temper for a while. ”

Zhu Zhanji glanced at Li Qing, who was still with a straight face, shook his head with a smile and said: "Li Aiqing, today is not a court meeting, I just hope that all the ministers can express their own opinions and learn from each other's strengths, so strict, but they don't dare to speak." ”

Li Qingnai is a northerner and is tall. He was sharp during his study in Guozijian, and was valued by Zhu Yuanzhang, and acted as a student of Guozijian as the right capital of Yushi, and was later awarded the Wailang of the Criminal Department, and was promoted to the prefect of Shaoxing Prefecture.

In the first year of Yongle, he was promoted to the rank of squire of the Criminal Department, when many noble military ministers ordered their children and their families to trade salt and became a scourge to the people.

He was upright, and continuously investigated and punished Xin Chengbo and Zhao Yi for killing Yunfu without authorization and stealing and selling military salaries; The governors Tan Qing and Zhu Chong were greedy and indulgent, greedy for ink. After that, he impeached the governor of Fei Wang Xian, Liang Ming for being greedy and cruel, and Cao De, the governor of Dezhou, for greedy money, etc., and dozens of high-ranking officials were dealt with by him.

In the position of the left deputy capital, he was jointly impeached by officials because of his personal relationship with Ji Gang, but Zhu Di was still reluctant to punish him, and only moved him to the Ministry of Works.

Of course, the former squire of the Ministry of Industry was not as good as the Imperial History of the Left Deputy Capital, but now the Ministry of Industry is rich in oil and water, and he also needs a black-faced minister like him to deter officials.

Originally, Zhu Di wanted to promote him to the secretary of the Ministry of Industry, but because Wu Zhong was driven back to the Ministry of Industry, he was still in the position of a waiter.

Li Qingchang said: "Your Highness, even if officials at all levels are allowed to express their opinions, they cannot abandon the rules. The officials can put the rules on display, and if their highness wishes, they can call them back, but they cannot make their own opinions. The imperial court has just implemented new rules of deliberation, and even the adults must follow the rules, how can they ......"

Zhu Zhanji hurriedly interrupted him and said: "What Li Aiqing said is very ......"

Li Qing felt Zhu Zhanji's intention to maintain, and he stopped talking nonsense, and took a long time again. "Your Highness, please continue to ......"

Seeing him sitting upright like a clock, looking down with sharp eyes, everyone didn't dare to make a sound anymore.

Zhu Zhanji continued: "If the steam engine is installed on the ship, as long as there is peat, even if there is no wind and headwind, the ship can sail unhindered. In addition, Gu also intended to install the steam engine on the rail car, so that in the future, the coal transportation from Huaibei would not need to be pulled by the people one by one. ”

There was an uproar below, and Wu Zhong asked, "Your Highness, this steam engine is so huge, how can the wheels afford it?" ”

Zhu Zhanji smiled and asked: "What if it is a steel wheel?" ”

"The Road ......"

Zhu Zhanji nodded and said: "Gu has already thought about this problem, if the road is made of wooden rails below, the wooden rails are inlaid with iron sheets, and the iron wheels run along the fixed tracks, it may work?" ”

The officials groaned, considering the possibility.

Nowadays, steel production is insufficient, and it is somewhat impractical to use complete rails. The earliest rails were actually also wooden, with a thin layer of iron inlaid on them, which did not affect the use, but the damaged rails needed to be replaced frequently.

Zhu Zhanji said: "Lonely desire to build a track around the city in Yingtianfu, powered by a steam car, can be ridden by the people of the city. You can carefully refer to how wide and how big the car needs to be built on this track. Lone only requires that one carriage after another be connected to accommodate more than 200 people. ”

Zhu Zhanji's words were not a discussion, but an order.

At such a time, no one doubted Zhu Zhanji's determination, and their angle of considering the problem changed.

From whether such a track and such a car can be built has become that it must be built.

After assigning the new task, Zhu Zhanji asked Li Liang to accept the various application suggestions written by each of them, and he was about to leave.

The Mechanical Research Institute is just one of the research institutes he inspected, and there are other research institutes that have to be visited one by one.

Of course, Li Qing and the others are also accompanied by them one by one, but middle-level managers are not qualified to accompany Zhu Zhanji everywhere, because they are not qualified to understand the different research institutes, and can only know some things that they study.

Everyone has different ideas, and the notes they write are biased towards their own research and invention, which is also the common task of each of them.

Zhu Zhanji tried his best to ensure that everyone's suggestions were personally read, and he needed to understand everyone's research progress in this way, whether the research was meaningful and effective.

In this way, he was able to grasp the direction of the entire institute.

Moreover, the whimsy of many people of this era can also trigger him to recall some forgotten memories.

In the Institute of Chemistry, thanks to the invention of the microscope, many chemical dyes, including sulfuric acid and saltpeter, were able to break through the barrier of knowing what is happening and not knowing why.

However, without the support of theory, much knowledge cannot form a systematic study.

For example, in the study of dyes, most people only rely on experience to invent them, and they don't know why different substances can be mixed together to change into different colors.

Now they have a better understanding of the properties of dyes through microscopic observations, but they don't know how to look at the nature of things from a molecular, atomic point of view.

Zhu Zhanji won't either, so he can't come up with a good idea.

Of course, he knows the importance of three acids and two alkalis, but he has no concept of how to create three acids and two alkalis, so how can he guide others?

He had heard that Nobel had synthesized safety explosives from nitroglycerin and diatomaceous earth, but he didn't even know how nitroglycerin was made, what diatomaceous earth was, and how did he know how modern explosives were produced?

Therefore, when he came here, he could only look at it and encourage everyone.

Because of the air test three years ago, today's chemical research institute has become a strange experimental base, and everyone is obsessed with the separation of air, and many side products have been developed.

For example, aluminum alloy has been developed by them, but the products that come out of this laboratory have not formed an effective processing process at all, and there is still a long way to go to achieve mass production of aluminum.

At the end of the day, he came to the Gewu Research Institute.

Because machinery, steel, textiles, shipbuilding, and other categories of lattice are classified, the main role of the Gewu Research Institute is not to invent and create, but to organize physical theoretical knowledge.

Before Zhu Zhanji went to sea, Ma Di sorted out a set of basic physics textbooks, but at that time, Zhu Zhanji was going to go to sea, and these knowledge had not yet been popularized.

During his trip to sea, Zhu Zhanji also read a set of basic knowledge textbooks compiled by Ma Di. Although these bodies of knowledge are not yet fully established, they already have a framework.

In this book, Madi asks many unknown questions and writes them all into the book.

(Dizzy, I will write some basic physics things later, and the writing is unsatisfactory, so I deleted it all and wrote it again tomorrow.) There won't be a lot of content like this, and the next chapter will soon turn to the investigation of the case. ）