Key facts
- A father and son in Shanghai have built miniature models of Chinese strategic hardware in their home lab.
- Their creations include turbojet engines, pulse detonation engines, and an electromagnetic aircraft launch system.
- The father, Duan Changzhi, is a Tongji University graduate with degrees in communication engineering and law.
- His son, Duan Yanjuan, is a 13-year-old junior secondary school student.
- They have received significant media attention, including features by CCTV News and the People's Navy.
- The duo has won awards in science competitions and created popular science videos.
A father and son in Shanghai have gained widespread recognition for their dedication to building intricate miniature models of China's significant national strategic hardware in their home laboratory. Duan Yanjuan, a 13-year-old student, and his father, Duan Changzhi, have successfully replicated complex machinery such as turbojet engines, pulse detonation engines, and an electromagnetic aircraft launch system.
Duan Changzhi, who graduated from Tongji University with degrees in communication engineering and law and has self-studied astrophysics, guides his son in these ambitious projects. Their 10-square-meter home laboratory, carved out of their 63-square-meter apartment, is equipped with a 3D printer and other tools necessary for creating these detailed models. The father-son duo has invested over 200,000 yuan in their scientific endeavors, including high-end astronomical equipment.
Their work has not only garnered significant attention online, with popular science videos accumulating millions of views, but has also been recognized by official media outlets. The People's Navy produced a documentary about their story, and CCTV News has also featured their work. They have been invited to participate in science exhibitions and competitions, where their models have won awards, often competing against professional institutions.
Beyond their personal projects, the father and son are committed to public science education. They have conducted over 300 free science lectures in local communities, reaching thousands of people and inspiring interest in science and technology. Duan Yanjuan's aspiration is to study at a military science and technology institution and contribute to China's national defense.