From Li Bing, a technician at Factory 7416 under the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, has dedicated over three decades to this unique profession, becoming a symbol of courage and commitment.
Dangerous Profession: “Carving Explosives”
Solid fuel, a crucial component in rocket engines, plays a decisive role in the trajectory and accuracy of missiles. However, to ensure that the fuel surface meets standards, technicians must use special knives to refine every tiny detail. This work is compared to “working in a pile of explosives” because just one small mistake, such as the knife touching the metal casing or creating excessive friction that causes static electricity, can lead to fires and explosions.
Li Bing, known as “the master carver of explosives”, began this work in 1987 at the age of 19. He recounts that he first joined the workshop at his mother’s suggestion, where she had previously worked. However, his early experiences left a lasting impression on him, driving him to hone his skills to perfection in order to minimize risks.
Solid fuel is an essential component in many types of rocket engines, especially in ballistic missiles. It is a unique mixture that includes both fuel and oxidizer, tightly combined into a solid mass.
Expert in Shaping Engine Surfaces
The job of shaping the fuel surface requires not only absolute precision but also keen sensitivity and years of experience. In fact, solid fuel is not uniform in structure; it contains many coarse particles, making cutting and smoothing the surface extremely challenging. A cut that is too deep or leaving behind a knife mark can prevent the fuel from burning as intended, damaging the engine or even leading to explosions.
Throughout his 30 years in this field, Li Bing has continuously trained himself. He developed techniques such as precise cutting and carving, while also creating a series of specialized tools. With each operation, just a touch of his hand allows him to determine the necessary precision for the fuel to meet the design specifications. The products he modifies always achieve a 100% compliance rate.
Not only limited to manual skills, Li Bing also researches and improves working tools, helping to reduce risks and increase work efficiency. He has designed and registered numerous national patents in China, including products affectionately referred to by his colleagues as “Li Bing Knives.”
To create a perfect solid fuel surface, Li Bing must use handheld tools and work under extreme pressure. A small mistake in this process can lead to serious consequences, from damaging the engine to triggering unwanted explosive reactions.
Facing Danger to Innovate
Despite technological advancements such as CNC technology providing some support, many crucial steps still require human touch. Li Bing not only participates in operational processes but also contributes to machinery improvements, proposing over 20 technical changes to better align equipment with production requirements.
Success in technology application has increased work efficiency, but for Li Bing, ensuring safety remains the top priority. Once, during the development of a main engine, two consecutive test failures forced the research team to directly excavate the fuel from the engine to identify the cause.
This process was extremely dangerous, as the technicians had to work in cramped spaces, surrounded by tons of explosives with pungent chemical odors. Each person could only endure a maximum of 10 minutes inside. However, Li Bing, despite being the youngest member of the team, volunteered to work longer to assist his colleagues.
The profession of “carving explosives” is not just a job; it is a lesson in bravery, dedication, and responsibility. This serves as inspiration for generations, not only in China but worldwide.
For over three decades, Li Bing has been not only a technician but also an innovator, a pioneer always seeking to improve and modernize production processes. He has played a significant role in enhancing China’s technological autonomy, especially in the field of solid rocket motor manufacturing.
| Solid fuel is one of the core components of rocket engines, notable for its stability, ease of use, and long storage capability. The main components of solid fuel include oxidizers, fuel, and binders. Oxidizers, such as ammonium perchlorate (AP) or potassium nitrate (KNO₃), provide oxygen to sustain combustion in an oxygen-deficient environment, while the fuel, often metal powders like aluminum (Al), produces significant thermal energy. The binder not only helps these components bond tightly but also acts as an additional fuel, with common materials like polyurethane or hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB). |
