Chapter 206: 206 - Fluid Dynamics
"Did you record the speed? Any readings?" Philip, despite his disheveled appearance, quickly inquired once he regained his composure.
"From start to finish, it's a total of six hundred meters, took 30 seconds," an alchemist glanced at their magical clock, hesitating before speaking up.
As for the latter part, due to the vehicle inexplicably losing control and breaking apart, Philip flew off directly, never having the chance to record it.
"The speed in the latter half is probably around ninety kilometers per hour," Lynn remarked, having calculated the data through the AI.
Hearing this figure, everyone present was utterly astonished. This went beyond just being fast; it was akin to flying.
"Is this the power of alchemical internal combustion engines?" Albert murmured to himself. Despite their limited understanding of alchemy, they comprehended what such speed implied.
Theodore, in particular, was astounded. A week ago, Lynn had mentioned creating some weapons to counter the impending war.
In truth, he hadn't placed much hope in it. Time was incredibly limited, and the war was unlike anything else. Even if they developed some powerful alchemical tools, it would be challenging to influence the battlefield.
Compared to that, he preferred Lynn focusing solely on advancing as to grand wizard.
However, the extraordinary speed and power of the alchemical internal combustion engine greatly shook Theodore. He envisioned a hundred of these alchemical cars, armored with steel, charging through the battlefield, an unstoppable force. Just the thought was exhilarating.
After the initial excitement, Philip and the others hurried to the overturned four-wheeled alchemical vehicle, examining it closely, trying to pinpoint the problem.
The previously broken gears directly caused the vehicle to lose control, triggering a chain reaction that severely damaged the four-wheeler. The alchemists soon engaged in heated discussions and disputes.
"Most likely, it's the cylinder you designed that's the problem. The hydrogen-oxygen explosion was too intense. I've always said we should increase the thickness of the steel," one alchemist observed after a while, noticing slight external deformities in the internal combustion engine. He suspected internal components suffered significant damage, suspecting a piston or rod failure causing the vehicle's loss of control.
Beside him, another wizard jumped up, cursing loudly. "Nonsense. My cylinder was perfectly fine. I blended the lion's blood into the steel; it can withstand high temperatures perfectly fine. It must be the gears and chains you made that are the problem..."
"And the wheels. They're all crooked. Who designed this? We've said the material needs to withstand pressure, withstand it."
The discussions and arguments continued unabated, with no one willing to admit their mistake leading to the vehicle's overturning.
Approaching, Lynn examined the vehicle carefully and sighed in dismay. "The strength of these materials is insufficient."
At the current industrial level in Iyeta, the strength of the steel produced was limited. Forcing this rudimentary four-wheeled vehicle to accelerate to ninety kilometers per hour exceeded its capacity, leading directly to its dismantling.
"Additionally, the design of the wheels is problematic. The two front wheels should be slightly smaller than the rear, which would aid in balance. We can also add a steering axis and a crossbar to the front wheel, enabling steering, deceleration, and acceleration..." Lynn continued with additional details.
Philip and the others quickly brought out design drawings to jot down Lynn's words, especially the aspects of steering and controlling speed, which were the subjects of their ongoing research.
Lydia, in particular, admired Lynn's eloquence. From crafting airships to devising internal combustion engines and now vehicle design, it seemed there wasn't anything this Dean didn't understand.
"In a few days, I'll organize some books related to fluid mechanics, all compiled by the Society of Mystical Arts' masters. If you have spare time, give them a read. You'll find them useful," Lynn said, still excited.
Philip and the others nodded, unaware of just how daunting fluid mechanics could be.
"Dean Lynn, is it the hydrogen explosion you mentioned that powers the internal combustion engine?" Albert asked, puzzled.
He couldn't grasp how this internal combustion engine converted explosions into a vehicle's driving force.
"Yes, the internal combustion engine converts heat energy into mechanical energy, using the principle of gas expanding when heated to generate thrust..." Lynn explained the internal combustion engine's principles as comprehensively as possible to everyone present.
Usually, this would be a highly classified key technology. Yet, Lynn didn't conceal it now; he was desperate for manpower. Improving the alchemical internal combustion engine required hands, designing new ironclads required hands, and researching gunpowder required hands.
He wished he could split one person into two to have enough help. If anyone could understand and comprehend, be it a wizard apprentice or a full-fledged wizard, even a regular person without magic, he'd grab them for research immediately, regardless of their status or treatment...
"Is this chemistry?" Albert nodded knowingly, despite only grasping the general idea, recognizing the intricate design of the internal combustion engine.
"No, this is chemistry coupled with physics." Lynn chuckled.
***
The experiment conducted within the Iyeta Academy spread across the Iyeta Harbor the next day, glorified by the Daily Bugle.
Everyone knew that under the city lord's leadership, those wizard lords had devised an alchemical vehicle with four wheels. It didn't just run as fast as the wind but didn't need horses or camels; it moved on its own.
Rumors soon turned increasingly outlandish. According to some exaggerated descriptions by students, the alchemical vehicle, apart from being fast, was a mighty weapon. They claimed Philip had been fired off like an alchemical cannon, possessing astounding destructive power.
These far-fetched rumors left Philip extremely embarrassed every time he was asked, unsure how to explain.
As the news was carried by trading caravans into Greenville along with the Daily Bugle, it caused an enormous stir.
Whether it was the maximum speed of ninety kilometers per hour or the rumored efficiency of the alchemical internal combustion engine ten times higher than steam engines, it was all unbelievably astounding.
The most unable to accept this were the wizards within the Alchemy Association, those dedicated to studying and improving steam engines.
The first magic revolution they were planning, could it be ending before it even began?
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