On September 29, Chinese scientists unveiled the CHIEF1300, part of the Centrifugal Hypergravity and Interdisciplinary Experiment Facility (CHIEF). This is the world’s largest centrifuge, capable of carrying loads up to 20 metric tons while spinning at breakneck speeds.
The machine is designed to create ‘hypergravity’, any force stronger than Earth’s natural gravity. At full capacity, CHIEF aims to reach up to 1,500 times Earth’s gravity with future machines.
According to CHIEF’s chief scientist Chen Yunmin: In a hypergravity field, researchers can simulate real-world hydrogeological catastrophes, geological evolution, and extreme environments in bench-top scale models within a reasonable timeframe.
In simple words, it means scientists can fast-forward to detect extreme natural events, things that would take centuries in nature, into just a few days of experiments.
This mega-centrifuge isn’t just a cool science toy. It could help solve real-world challenges across different fields, such as:
· Deep-Earth resource extraction
· Disaster mitigation
· Underground waste disposal
· Synthesis of new materials
An underground giant
The CHIEF1300 sits in a specially designed underground chamber with a huge 21-foot-long arm. The space was engineered to reduce air resistance and overheating, making sure the machine runs smoothly.
In early tests, researchers used it to simulate earthquakes, tsunamis, and deep-sea pressure, even exploring how offshore wind farms might hold up under extreme conditions.
Chinese researchers are confident this facility will attract international attention. Chen Yunmin said he hopes to “team up with the world’s top research groups to accelerate discovery and spark innovation.” In short, China isn’t just spinning metal; here, it’s spinning the future of science with this technology.
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