China has successfully developed the world's first 1,000kN electrodynamic vibration shaker system, announced the China Machinery Industry Federation (CMIF) on Monday.
The system was independently developed by Dongling Vibration, a leading Chinese mechanical environment and reliability test equipment manufacturer and overall solution service provider in east China's Jiangsu Province.
Vibration test systems are mainly used to test the reliability of equipment components by simulating real working conditions of vehicles and facilities such as rockets, satellites or planes. Such systems are indispensable for aerospace, transportation and other industries.
To date, this vibration shaker system has done testings for plane engines and a satellite weighing over 15 tonnes.
"We can only do feasibility testing of small components on 500 kN to 600 kN vibration test systems. Fatigue tests for a machine are beyond their capacity. Therefore, we are in dire need of test systems with greater forces, such as this 1,000 kN system, " said Ye Tengbo, chief engineer of Dongling Vibration.
As China has been marching towards greater achievements in aerospace, the weight and size of aerospace equipment continue to increase, and the structure becomes increasingly complex. All this means higher expectations for test system manufacturers.
"This is the first-ever 1,000 kN vibration test system in not just China but the whole world, symbolizing the latest technological breakthrough in vibration testing. We need such systems for our current and future development. For example, they are needed when we test the durability of components for aerospace vehicles, ships, rail vehicles like high-speed rail, and cars. Such testing systems are indispensable as our country is trying to develop high-end technologies. Therefore, it's fair to say that the successful operation of this system has paved the way for the high-quality development of high-end equipment in China," said Zhai Wanming, an academician from the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Experts approved world's first 1,000kN vibration shaker system developed by China
The year 2024 celebrates the 60th anniversary of China-France diplomatic ties, and it also heralds the China-France Year of Cultural Tourism, a celebration aimed at bolstering cultural and people-to-people exchanges through a series of enriching events.
During a special episode focused on this milestone, cultural experts and influencers from both nations shared insights into the depth of Sino-French cultural interactions.
The discussion, livestreamed from Shanghai on April 22, began with a historical overview, notably when then-Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai introduced President Georges Pompidou to the Yungang Grottoes, a renowned Buddhist cave site in north China's Shanxi. These caves feature intricate carvings that reflect religious and cultural syntheses from the 5th and 6th centuries.
David Gosset, founder of the China-Europe-America Global Initiative, commented on the geopolitical context of the initial outreach.
"People have to remember that we were in the middle of the Cold War, therefore, the world was divided. For a Western country like France to reach out to China, and of course vice versa, it's a beautiful moment, historical diplomatic breakthroughs, means that despite all the geopolitical difficulties, a spirit of cooperation and friendship can prevail," said Gosset.
Xie Dingwei, executive director of the Bund One Art Museum, emphasized the importance of preserving cultural heritage.
"We need to preserve these cultural heritages. We not [just] preserve the sculptures or the buildings itself, but also, it gives us a chance to see hundreds of years ago, how our craftsmanship, our architecture, our human beings, we have reached [such] high levels, which brings us to the present time these treasures, these values. This is something we really cannot afford to lose. Culture is a common language; it doesn't matter you're Eastern art or Western art, somehow they can be connected. So this is something I think it creates a communication channel between the nations," said Xie.
The cultural connection was recently demonstrated during a meeting last April between French President Emmanuel Macron and Chinese President Xi Jinping, where they enjoyed the performance of "Flowing Water" played on the Guqin by a Chinese artist, symbolizing the flowing friendship between the two nations.
"This communication on art subjects between the nations and different peoples are really, really important. It goes beyond politics, beyond the differences between the nations. But you all go to getting closer to understanding each other," said Xie.
Gosset also supported the notion of fostering unity through cultural platforms, aligning with President Xi Jinping's idea of building a community with a shared future.
"I am completely aligned with this idea. We are on the same boat. Our world is frightened by too many divisions. And I think, what is important is to support the forces that can unite us, so it can be music, and certainly museums, and you need leaders with a vision that does not separate us," said Gosset.
Six decades of China-France diplomatic relations highlighted by cultural exchange
