Next, Chu Ze prepared to study the next important component of the cylinder after the successful trial production - the piston.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the cylinder has been successfully trial-produced, and we are now going to concentrate on the production of the piston." Chu Ze greeted.

"Yes! The precision of the piston directly affects the performance of the steam engine, and we must be very careful. When all the craftsmen heard this, they all agreed.

"What the prince said is that the piston must be highly smooth and tight in order to slide in the cylinder, and there must be no gaps that cause steam leakage." An old craftsman said.

"That's right, the manufacturing process of the piston directly determines the power output and thermal efficiency of the steam engine." Another craftsman chimed in.

"It's a really crucial issue." Chu Ze nodded and said, "The first thing I thought of was the precision casting process, what do you think?" ”

"Precision casting? That's a good idea! When all the craftsmen heard this, they all agreed.

"A relatively complete piston prototype is made first with precision casting, which can greatly reduce the amount of machining in the later stage." Another craftsman said.

"That's right! Precision casting can indeed produce a relatively regular initial shape, which lays a good foundation for the subsequent improvement of machining accuracy. Everyone agreed with the proposal.

"Okay, looks like we have a consensus!" Chu Ze said with satisfaction: "You can quickly demonstrate the process flow and precautions of precision casting, and see if you can quickly grasp it." ”

"Obey the king!" The craftsman gladly agreed, and he couldn't wait to show off his virtuosity.

So he started the precision casting demonstration under the eyes of everyone, and perfectly demonstrated the difficult pouring, heat treatment and other processes.

"Superb! Your precision casting skills have been perfected. The craftsmen were dazzled and impressed by him.

"Haha, the operation just now is just a piece of cake, I hope you don't see it!" The craftsman waved his hand modestly.

"Well, with this superb precision casting technology as the foundation, the production of piston prototypes is guaranteed.

Chu Ze nodded with satisfaction and praised: "All craftsmen are really talented, with you here, the steam engine production will definitely be successfully completed." Now that the boiler, transmission gears, cylinders and pistons have been successfully prototyped, our focus is on the last few important components. ”

The craftsmen hurriedly said that they would live up to their mission and have unique ingenuity, and they would successfully complete the manufacture of the steam engine.

One of the old craftsmen leaned over and whispered: "Lord Wang, since the boiler and cylinder have been completed, the next most critical thing should be the connecting rod system." It converts the linear motion of the piston in the cylinder into the rotary motion of the gear, which can be said to be the key to power output. ”

Chu Ze nodded approvingly: "Lao Zhang is right, without a perfect connecting rod mechanism, the power generated by the cylinder cannot be effectively transmitted. The design and fabrication of this system is not easy. ”

After that, Chu Ze recruited several young craftsmen to explain in detail the working principle of the modern connecting rod mechanism.

The craftsmen listened intently, asking their own questions from time to time.

"I see, I see!" A young craftsman suddenly realized: "The crank linkage mechanism can smoothly realize the conversion from linear motion to rotary motion. This transmission method is undoubtedly the best solution for us at present! ”

"That's right!" Chu Ze praised: "You comprehend quickly, it seems that the design of the connecting rod system will be handed over to you." A few other young people will also help, and I am sure that you will be able to make the best transmission mechanism! ”

"Yes! Obey the king's orders! Several young craftsmen quickly responded and confidently devoted themselves to the design of the linkage system.

After much deliberation, they finally designed a highly efficient crank linkage.

To ensure its strength and longevity, they chose high-strength cast steel and carefully strengthened key areas.

"Alright, the design is finally complete!" The young craftsman in charge of the design said excitedly.

"Remarkable! Your design is outstanding. After reading the design drawings, Chu Ze couldn't help but praise again and again: "With this superb design as the foundation, the production of an efficient transmission system is just around the corner." Let's go ahead and start building the actual linkage based on this design! ”

"Yes! We will do our best! Several young craftsmen agreed and continued to devote themselves to this important work.

After the gradual manufacture of the crank linkage, the craftsmen have seen the dawn of success.

Finally, it's time for assembly and commissioning.

"Come on, let's start assembling the fruits of our hard work and creating this steam engine like no other!" Chu Ze said inspiringly.

"Yes! It's going to be perfect! "The craftsmen are unswerving.

As a result, everyone quickly entered the state and carried out the assembly work in an orderly manner.

The boiler, cylinder and transmission system are precisely connected one by one.

Chu Ze watched the craftsmen assemble the various parts in an orderly manner, and silently thought about the follow-up work in his heart.

"Alright, the assembly is almost complete, and we now have to think about adding a chimney." Chu Ze said: "The chimney should be set behind the head of the locomotive to exhaust the exhaust gases produced by the combustion of the boiler. ”

"I see, the chimney is also very important." The craftsmen nodded yes.

"That's right, it's directly related to the smoke exhaust effect of the locomotive." Chu Ze explained: "The nose of modern locomotives is equipped with a special smoke exhaust device on the top of the chimney, which can forcibly guide the exhaust gas to be discharged upwards without affecting the driver. This point requires special attention in the design. ”

After hearing this, the craftsmen said that they understood that they would design the chimney very scientifically and reasonably.

A young craftsman asked, "May I ask the prince, what should be the diameter of the chimney?" What should be the appropriate material? ”

"You're asking a good question." Chu Ze said approvingly: "Let's do a simple calculation......"

Chu Ze took out a pen and paper and began to explain in detail the working principle of the modern smoke exhaust system for the craftsmen, as well as the calculation of the optimal size of the smoke exhaust pipe according to the boiler power.

The young craftsman listened very carefully, interjecting from time to time to offer his own ideas.

"It turns out that I still have to consider so many parameters, and the scientific nature of the smoke exhaust system is so strong, which really broadens my horizons!" The young craftsman sighed.

"Haha, your question is good, and I was inspired by it." Chu Ze said with a smile: "With you smart talents, there will never be any omissions in our locomotive design." ”

"Thank you for teaching!" The young craftsmen were inspired by Chu Ze's praise and became more actively involved in this arduous and meaningful work.

With the full cooperation of Chu Ze and the craftsmen, they quickly designed and produced a scientific and reasonable steam locomotive smoke exhaust system, which occupies an important position behind the front of the locomotive. (End of chapter)