Reported by: Zhang Yan
Translated by: Pang Yue
Edited by: D. Parker
Date: November 16, 2017
On November 13, 2017 the one year anniversary of the death of HIT alumni Zhang Enhe, an expert in aero-engines and the chief designer of the Taihang Engine, Xu Qingze-the deputy Secretary of the Party Committee, the Secretary of the Commission for Inspecting Discipline and the chairman of the union of AVIC Shenyang Engine Design Institute and other esteemed colleagues visited HIT and donated the scale model of the Taihang Engine to the Air and Space Museum of HIT. This had been a long-cherished wish of Zhang Enhe. With HIT faculty and students in attendance, tributes were shared regarding the admirable work of Zhang Enhe. The event took place in the cultural and sports center on the second campus. Peng Yuankui, assistant to the President of HIT, together with Xu Qingze, unveiled for the model.
The Taihang Engine, developed by the schoolmate of HIT Zhang Enhe-the late aero-engine expert, won the special award of national science and technology progress award. After graduating from HIT majoring in Engine Design, Zhang Enhe, conducted design work at the AVIC Shenyang Engine Design Institute. He engaged in research and problem solving for many types of engines. Under his leadership, a team of experts brought about progress from medium thrust engines to high thrust engines, and turbojet engines to turbofan engines. They also led the way for innovation with second and third-generation engines.
Zhang Enhe received many honors, including the National May Day Medal, the National Outstanding Professional and Technical Personnel Award, outstanding contribution award of AVIC, the Scientific Pioneer of Space, Science and Technology Progress award from the Heliangheli foundation, as well as many first-class merit awards. His passion was to contribute to the Chinese power industry. He worked tirelessly for the work of aviation power until the last moment of his life on November 13, 2016.
In his tribute, Peng Yuankui shared that for years after his graduation Zhang Enhe continued to focus on HIT’s development. He made many contributions to our country and the university. Peng Yuankui hoped that students would take Zhang Enhe as an example and connect individual development to the fate of the nation and the people closely, realizing ideals in the practice of Dream of the Chinese nation with socialism with Chinese characteristics and creating a beautiful life.
After the ceremony, two HIT alumni Sui Yanfeng, deputy Dean of the systems engineering department and Tian Dake, engineer from the pre-research department of AVIC Shenyang Engine Design Institute also paid tribute to the work of Zhang Enhe with the faculty and students.
“Taihang Mountain is the ridge of the world.” The first Chinese high thrust turbofan engine is called Taihang. Its meaning is obvious. It was developed in response to the dire need for national defense, not just for the sake of development itself. In 1993, while inspecting the engine, Zhang Enhe climbed a 2-meter test-bed. He fell with his head hitting a beam. He fainted with a twelve centimeter wound to the back of his head bleeding profusely. He was taken to the hospital and received five stitches. After the rescue he asked whether the breakage to the engine had been repaired. In the development of the Taihang Engine, Zhang Enhe and his team experienced many difficulties. It was their perseverance and devotion to the engine industry and the cause of national defense that made them keep dreaming and working. The Taihang Engine which they developed successfully adopted 32 advanced techniques, 56 new materials and 50 advanced manufacturing technologies, pushing forward technologies in design, test, materials and production.
“Designing this type of engine and cultivating a generation of new experts, manager Zhang not only successfully developed the engine, but also trained a team of innovative people. The talented members of the Taihang Team have been the core for the aero-engine of China.” Zhang Enhe gave special attention to the development of young people in particular. In 2007, he won the Science and Technology Progress Award from the Heliangheli foundation. He donated all of the cash prize (200 thousand Hong Kong Dollars), to establish and endow the Youth Scientific Innovation Award. His purpose was to encourage young people to strive to make progress and dare to innovate.
Zhang Enhe’s cautious attitude of seeking the truth, integrity of hard-working and open-minded noble character exerted great influence on generations of workers. He was a model of a conscientious, meticulous, diligent worker. He handed down these traits to his students as they shouldered the responsibilities of the Chinese aero-engine cause.
Various leaders from the School of Energy Science and Engineering, the HIT museum and the State-Owned Assets Management Department and faculty members of basic science attended the activity.
Activity on the spot
Unveiled for the model
Told the deeds of the schoolmate Zhang Enhe
The group photo of leaders of HIT and the guests
