China is building the world’s first floating artificial island. This island weighing 78,000 tonnes can move from one place to another in the sea if needed. It has been made so strong that it can withstand even a nuclear blast. The size of this island is as much as China’s new Fujian aircraft carrier. 238 people can stay on this island for four months.

It can operate without supply for 4 months, which is more than many nuclear aircraft carriers. It is set to be launched in 2028. The name of this platform is 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 needed from nuclear blast?

Scientists working on this project said that this floating island is being made to stay in the sea in every season and for a long time. It has very important rooms like power, communication and navigation. Therefore it is necessary to protect them from nuclear blast.

Platform size and capacity

This platform will be 138 meters long and 85 meters wide. Its main deck will be 45 meters above the water. Its twin-hull design makes it handleable even in seas with waves up to 69 meters high. It can move at a speed of 15 knots and can withstand typhoons up to Category 17.

Will new metamaterial save from nuclear blast?

Thick and heavy steel plates are usually installed to protect against nuclear blast. But this platform should be light, so scientists adopted a new method. He has created a sandwich bulkhead, which consists of a mesh of very small metal tubes. This structure converts the strong shock of the explosion into slow and controlled pressure.

This 60 mm thick panel was found to be stronger than heavy steel armour. In the test, this structure withstood a blast of 177 kilopascal, which is enough to destroy many buildings. This reduced shock by 58% and stress on the structure by 14%.

Can also be used in military operations

It has been called a scientific research platform, but China’s military nuclear safety standards have been used in its design. This shows that it is being prepared for both civil and military uses. This platform can be deployed in disputed maritime areas such as the South China Sea. It can also act as a command centre, monitoring station and logistics hub.