I can upgrade the shelter-Chapter 828 - 726: Xi Yao, the Artificial Intelligence

Since the direction was determined, naturally results could be quickly obtained.

A report was soon placed in front of Chen Xin.

Foam metal is indeed a very good material, with a certain degree of strength and ductility. Its internal foamy structure can absorb impact energy like ordinary foam materials, which gives it broad application prospects.

However, in construction, this material is more used in laminated composite materials and is not used independently.

After all, even though the strength of foam metal is not poor, between a piece of foam metal and a solid metal ingot, it is clear that the latter can withstand more static force.

Foam metal can be used for support; in scenarios like aircraft fuselages and offshore oil rigs, thin-walled cylindrical shells tend to be easily damaged under load. However, if the shell is supported by continuous foam metal coils, the structure has greater strength than an unreinforced central shell of the same diameter and size.

But those are special application environments, and the requirements for high-strength, lightweight materials needed for dome support structures are different.

However, Chen Xin did not mind this. The fact that foam metal materials are not strong enough to be used as main materials does not mean they cannot be used.

Because foam metal material itself is not meant to be used as a standalone material. 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

"Can using foam metal as filler, with other high-strength materials as the framework, create support pieces that meet the dome structure’s support requirements and also reduce costs?" Chen Xin voiced his idea and inquired to others.

"Theoretically, it should be possible, but whether it can be done specifically still requires testing, and the specific selection of materials needs to be tested." A materials science researcher responded to Chen Xin’s inquiry.

Hearing this answer, Chen Xin nodded and said, "Then go ahead and do it. Conduct the necessary experiments and tests, and give me a result as soon as possible."

———————————————

Even though Chen Xin did not provide any additional assistance, the researchers quickly came up with a feasible solution.

"After testing, we’ve confirmed that using high-strength materials as a framework and foam metal as filler can indeed replace the originally used high-strength lightweight steel. Although the total weight of the dome is still 30% heavier, the strength and weight can meet the design requirements." A researcher submitted their test report to Chen Xin.

Since Chen Xin upgraded the Research Center’s supercomputer, everyone now uses tablet computers for file transmission instead of paper, giving the Research Center a decidedly sci-fi feel.

Chen Xin browsed through the submitted report quickly, turned to the final results, and took a careful look before asking, "The total weight of the dome increased by 30%. Can this weight meet the design requirements? Have you confirmed with the design department?"

"It’s been confirmed. The design department states that using our current plan, the safety range for the dome’s total weight is 45% more than the original weight. If key parts are reinforced and the structure optimized, this figure can increase to 60%. With our current plan, it’s already meeting the requirements." The researcher responded to Chen Xin, with a slight but uncontrollable excitement on his face.

"What about the cost?" Though the new plan meets structural strength and weight requirements, Chen Xin was more concerned about the cost issue.

The researchers clearly understood that cost was the primary reason for developing this plan, so they responded, "Our current plan reduces cost by about 60% compared to the original design, fully meeting the requirements to support the construction of two Domes concurrently."

Hearing this, Chen Xin nodded in satisfaction and said, "In that case, submit the report to the design department and modify the design drawings according to this plan. I hope to see the updated design drawings soon."

"Yes, Academician, we will complete it as soon as possible." The researcher nodded before leaving Chen Xin’s office.

After the researcher left, Chen Xin leaned back in his chair and let out a long sigh.

He tapped twice on the desktop, pulling up the design drawings for Dome City, projecting them, and mumbled, "Since the cost of building Dome City is no longer an issue, we can completely follow my previous idea to build a cluster of cities."

One dome can be one urban area, and connecting multiple domes forms a ’big city.’

Hmm... It seems there is no need for multiple domes. One large dome and a few small domes combined also form a city. The large dome can serve as the main functional area, and the small domes as residential areas..."

As Chen Xin muttered to himself, the projection on the table changed according to his thoughts.

"Academician, from the perspective of urban planning and construction costs, one large dome with several smaller domes attached is a more suitable solution." A voice sounded in the office, and a blue female face appeared on Chen Xin’s desk.

This was the artificial intelligence installed after upgrading the Research Center’s supercomputer. Besides providing computing power support to all research departments and researchers in the Research Center, she was also the steward of the entire center.

With cameras and various electronic devices installed throughout the Research Center, the entire center was under her control. Chen Xin shared some of his control privileges with this AI, allowing her to handle various center affairs according to pre-set guidelines.

Except for matters requiring Chen Xin’s personal confirmation and handling, all affairs within the Research Center are now managed by this AI, serving a role similar to Tang Tang, but with far superior efficiency and attention to detail.

Of course, the AI’s handling of affairs tends to be somewhat rigid, strictly following the pre-set procedures and guidelines, lacking the flexibility and adaptability of humans.

As to why she was suggesting ideas to Chen Xin, he activated her auxiliary function, just allowing her to calculate the cost-effectiveness of his concepts.

"Xi Yao, compute whether a dome built according to this structure could be supported." Chen Xin adjusted the projection on the desk and issued a new instruction to the AI.

"Yes, Academician." Accepting Chen Xin’s instruction, Xi Yao commenced a new calculation.