Reported by: JI Xing
Photographed by: JI Xing
Translated by: LAI Xiaoyu
Edited by: Jennifer Taylor
Updated: 2013/5/5
"Why do you want to learn composite materials?" "Why should I study composite materials?" On the morning of April 20, Professor DU Shanyi, from the Chinese Academy of Engineering and the School of Astronautics, interacted with freshman on these two topics. It brought the academician and the freshmen closer together. It started a journey introducing astronautic composite materials to the freshman through the Introduction to Astronautic Composite Materials course.
“Today’s China is big but not strong. Tomorrow’s China is big and strong. China Dream needs everyone to work hard with a strong sense of responsibility and mission.” Professor Du explained the three major trends in the research and development of composite materials, material composition, structural composite materials and expansion applications. He offered a detailed analysis of the current issues and challenges in the field of composite materials. His words were simple but profound. “We need people with comprehensive talents in the field of composite materials.” He wished that students would continue the idea of serving the country with scientific technology and a sense of innovation. He’d like students to engrave the HIT motto “Being strict in qualifications for graduates; making every endeavor in educating students” in their minds.
Time passed quietly in good classroom interactions. Some students rushed to the fore to gain more advice from Professor Du. Some students told the reporter what they had gained from the today’s lecture. "What a great master! He makes cutting-edge technology so alluring and accessible." "For me, Academician DU not only helps to open the door to science, but also gives me advice in my plans of university life." "Although my major is not composite materials, his words enlighten me a lot." "We like him very much."
Professor DU is very fond of being with young students. As much as time permits, he attends freshmen lectures in the School of Astronautics every year. He likes chat with students and he has given several lectures in the Harbin and Weihai campuses. He is also enthusiastic about popular science. He was included in a TV series called Masters Talk Popular Science, which is a part of the CCTV Great Masters program group. His topic was Mini Material, Max World.
The Introduction to Astronautic Composite Materials course is 20 hours in total. It is held in the spring semester because freshmen are settled into university life and know more about the profession after a semester to adjust. Many different lecturers are included. The lecturers include HIT Vice President HAN Jiecai, National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars winner, Chang Jiang, Scholars Program winners, Professor WU Linzhi and Professor LENG Jinsong and Chang Jiang Scholars Program winner, Professor HE Xiaodong. Students will also visit the site of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China Harbin Aeroplane Industry Cooperation Co., Ltd. They talk to experts face to face and experience the process of applying composite materials onto aviation aircraft.
The lecture
Students eagerly listen to the lecture
Student asks a question
Professor DU giving the lecture
