On January 11, 2025, a delegation led by Dean Cui Hongzhi of the School of Materials Science and Engineering visited Weichai Power Co., Ltd. for research and discussions on research collaboration and student employment opportunities. The visit included exchanges with senior executives from Weichai Power, including:Dou Quanli, Deputy Minister of Strategic Planning Department, Pang Bin, Dean of the Large-Bore Engine Research Institute, Wang Fengshuang, Deputy Dean of the Central Research Institute, and Jiang Ailong, Materials Research Engineer at the Craftsmanship Institute.
Tour of Weichai Technology Exhibition Hall
Dean Cui Hongzhi briefed the delegation on the School of Materials Science and Engineering’s profile, emphasizing research directions aligned with Weichai Power’s technological needs and recent achievements. She highlighted the school’s ongoing efforts to implement the guiding principles of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important letter to Ocean University of China on its centenary anniversary, focusing on scientific and technological development and national strategic demands to strengthen its roles in research, talent cultivation, and social services. Praising Weichai Power as a world-class manufacturing model enterprise, Dean Cui commended its employees for their unwavering focus, resistance to impetuosity, and steady, innovation-driven progress toward global leadership. Building on prior collaborations, she expressed hope to expand partnerships in areas such as scientific and technological innovation and student career development.
Discussion and Exchange
Dou Quanli, Deputy Minister of Strategic Planning Department, extended a warm welcome to Dean Cui Hongzhi and the delegation. He led them on a tour of the Technology Exhibition Hall, providing insights into Weichai Power’s development history, corporate profile, and key aspects of large-bore engine products, including: materials design for critical components application requirements in extreme operating conditions and service life assurance through advanced engineering. Mr. Dou expressed gratitude to the School of Materials Science and Engineering for its contributions to scientific research breakthroughs and talent cultivation at the company, emphasizing his hope to strengthen future collaborations in technology innovation and talent exchange. Pang Bin, Dean of the Large-Bore Engine Research Institute, detailed the technical specifications of large-bore engines, highlighting requirements for material strength, friction and wear resistance, and high reliability in heavy-duty applications. Wang Fengshuang, Deputy Dean of the Central Research Institute, outlined the institute’s mission and objectives, expressing appreciation for the school’s prior research guidance. He proposed deepening cooperation in joint R&D projects and graduate student internships to address emerging challenges in powertrain materials and green manufacturing.
Group Photo
The two sides engaged in detailed discussions on corrosion, wear, galling, and fouling issues related to core engine components, including: cylinder blocks/liners, pistons, bearing shells, fuel injectors, and exhaust after-treatment substrates. Solutions for service life enhancement and processing technology improvements were explored for different materials and components. Subsequently, the two sides exchanged views on the following long - term cooperation directions: project collaboration in advanced materials R&D, exchange of researchers between academia and industry, student employment programs tailored to industry needs. Faculty members and graduate students from the School of Materials Science and Engineering participated in the research and discussions.
Text/Photos: Du Qing
