On May 9, a delegation led by Dean Cui Hongzhi of the School of Materials Science and Engineering visited the National Deep Sea Center for collaborative discussions.
Yu Kaiben, Director of the Center’s Personnel Department, welcomed the delegation for their third visit and briefed them on the progress of their collaboration, as well as the applications of the Jiaolongmanned submersible in deep-sea geology, biology, and gene bank research in recent years. He noted that the Jiaolong, China’s independently developed deep-sea manned submersible, is capable of conducting scientific exploration and resource surveys in extreme deep-sea environments, with its success relying heavily on advancements in new material technologies. He expressed hope for continued cooperation between the two parties on key materials and technologies related to the Jiaolong and Deep Sea No. 1. Submersible pilots Fu Wenbin and Zhao Shengya provided detailed accounts of material-related issues encountered during multiple diving missions involving the Jiaolongand Deep Sea No. 1 equipment and tools, identifying several technical needs.
Professor Cui Hongzhi’s team analyzed the damage to critical components such as the Jiaolong’s landing frame and manipulator valve cover plates. Considering the titanium alloys, aluminum alloys, copper alloys, and other materials used, as well as the unique deep-sea operating conditions, they proposed systematic solutions—ranging from flaw detection to corrosion- and wear-resistant material design, and further to laser and plasma surface strengthening technologies—while outlining specific implementation plans. Additionally, they explored feasible solutions to address the needs raised by the pilots, including materials for ice-load-resistant corrosion and wear in the bow of Deep Sea No. 1, as well as thermal insulation and lightweight materials for the cockpit.
Both parties also discussed future collaborations on domestic substitution of equipment materials, joint research, resource sharing, and talent development. They look forward to leveraging their respective strengths for broader and sustained cooperation to advance marine equipment materials and cultivate talent. The delegation toured the Jiaolong simulator, equipment, and failed components, gaining firsthand insight into operational conditions, material damage, and technical requirements.
Text/Photos: Chen Hao, Zhang Hongwei
