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China is building the world’s first floating artificial island. Weighing 78,000 tons, this island can be moved from one place to another in the ocean if needed. It has been built so strong that it can withstand a nuclear blast. The island is the size of China’s new Fujian aircraft carrier. 238 people can live on it for four months.
It can operate without resupply for four months, which is more than many nuclear aircraft carriers. It is scheduled to be launched in 2028. This platform is named Deep-Sea All-Weather Resident Floating Research Facility. It has been included as a national scientific project in China’s 14th Five-Year Plan. Shanghai Jiaotong University (SJTU) and China State Shipbuilding Corporation are working together on its design.
Why is protection from nuclear blasts needed?
Scientists working on the project explained that this floating island is being built to remain at sea in all weather conditions and for extended periods. It houses critical components such as power, communications, and navigation, making it crucial to protect them from a nuclear explosion.
Platform Size and Capacity
The platform will be 138 meters long and 85 meters wide. Its main deck will be 45 meters above the waterline. Its twin-hull design makes it maneuverable even in seas with waves up to 69 meters high. It can travel at speeds of 15 knots and withstand typhoons up to Category 17.
Will a new metamaterial protect against a nuclear explosion?
Thick and heavy steel plates are typically used to protect against nuclear blasts. However, this platform needs to be lightweight, so scientists adopted a novel approach. They created a sandwich bulkhead, a mesh of tiny metal tubes. This structure converts the powerful shock of an explosion into a slow and controlled pressure.
This 60mm-thick panel was found to be stronger than heavy steel armor. In tests, the structure withstood a blast of 177 kilopascals, enough to destroy many buildings. This reduced the shock by 58% and reduced the stress on the structure by 14%.
Can also be used for military purposes
It is described as a scientific research platform, but its design utilizes China’s military nuclear safety standards. This indicates that it is being developed for both civilian and military uses. The platform could be deployed in disputed maritime areas such as the South China Sea. It could also serve as a command center, surveillance station, and logistics hub.
