At the National Key Laboratory of New Metallic Materials at Beijing University of Science and Technology, a Gleeble 1500 thermomechanical simulator that has been in service for nearly forty years is still operating efficiently. This device is not only one of the earliest Gleeble systems introduced to China, becoming a “living fossil” in the field of materials science research in China, but it has also set a new record: the longest-serving Gleeble device in the world. Behind this device is a dedicated experimental technician, Senior Engineer Zhang Yan, who has devoted nearly forty years to her work. Her story is not only a research legend but also a perfect interpretation of dedication and passion.
Recently, Gleeble Company published a special report detailing the story of Senior Engineer Zhang Yan and the Gleeble 1500. In the report, Gleeble Company highly praised Zhang Yan’s work, deeply moved by her dedication and professionalism, calling her a “valuable asset to the laboratory”, and expressed sincere admiration for her outstanding performance in the field of thermomechanical simulation research over the years.
In 1982, after graduating from the Instrumentation Department of Beijing Iron and Steel Institute, Zhang Yan, filled with a passion for research, stayed at the university to teach and began to establish the thermomechanical simulation room of the National Key Laboratory of New Metallic Materials in 1987.
At that time, the laboratory was in its infancy, and it was decided to use a World Bank loan to purchase a Gleeble 1500 thermomechanical simulator, which was very advanced at the time. To master this advanced equipment, Teacher Zhang Yan traveled to the United States for two months of professional training, thus forming an inseparable bond with the Gleeble 1500.
“I have done this one thing my whole life, revolving around this device every day, conducting experiments,” Senior Engineer Zhang Yan describes her career. For nearly forty years, she has remained on the front line of experimental operations, becoming the “stabilizing force” of the laboratory.
Her work not only provided solid data support for the laboratory’s research but also offered valuable experimental data for numerous domestic and international research projects.
Early experimental equipment lacked precise temperature control, leading to unreliable experimental results, forcing researchers to repeat experiments, wasting a lot of time and resources, which troubled many researchers.Teacher Zhang Yan quickly mastered the technical points of the Gleeble 1500, ensuring the reliability and consistency of experimental data through precise temperature control and experimental operations, greatly improving research efficiency.The advanced heating and cooling mechanisms of the Gleeble 1500 allowed researchers to simulate thermomechanical conditions in the real world. Through carefully designed experimental plans, she expanded the functionality of the device, helping researchers better understand material behavior under extreme conditions and promoting the development of new alloy materials.Thanks to Zhang Yan’s efforts, the experimental processes in the laboratory were optimized, project progress accelerated significantly, saving a lot of time for the laboratory and facilitating cross-departmental collaboration, leading to the success of several major research projects.
Teacher Zhang Yan’s contributions are not only reflected in the precision of experimental operations but also in her innovative spirit.The wing-shaped samples she designed expanded the application range of the Gleeble 1500, enabling the device to conduct more types of experiments. As one of the earliest Gleeble 1500 devices in China, it has set a new record through her dedicated and meticulous care: it is currently the longest-serving Gleeble 1500 in the world. Her innovations not only provided new ideas for the laboratory’s research but also offered valuable references for peers both domestically and internationally.“Every function of the Gleeble 1500 has been used by us for over a decade, operating at full capacity every day,” Senior Engineer Zhang Yan proudly stated.Her work ethic and professional integrity have deeply influenced every colleague and student around her. Her experimental logbook has become a “treasure” for the laboratory, with students still requesting data from their graduation years, and she can always quickly find and provide detailed experimental records.Senior Engineer Zhang Yan’s outstanding contributions have not only been recognized by her colleagues at Beijing University of Science and Technology but have also received high praise from peers both domestically and internationally. She has twice been awarded the “Dedication and Excellence” medal at Gleeble user exchange meetings in recognition of her outstanding contributions to thermomechanical simulation research.In 2004, she assisted Professor Sun Zuqing’s team in completing the “Major Basic Research on New Generation Steel Materials” 973 project and was awarded the First Prize of the National Science and Technology Progress Award.This achievement not only affirms her personal capabilities but also recognizes the overall research level of the laboratory.Although she has retired, Senior Engineer Zhang Yan still remains committed to experimental operations. Her daily companionship with the Gleeble 1500 has become an indispensable part of her life. Her dedication and selfless contribution have deeply influenced every colleague and student around her. Her work ethic and professional integrity have not only set an example for the National Key Laboratory of New Metallic Materials but have also pointed the way for the younger generation of experimental technicians.
“Without the Gleeble 1500, I always feel like something is missing,” Senior Engineer Zhang Yan said with a smile. Her commitment is not only a love for the equipment but also a dedication to the research cause. Her story tells us that no matter how ordinary the position, as long as one has passion and pursues excellence, extraordinary achievements can be made in an ordinary role.
The story of Senior Engineer Zhang Yan and the Gleeble 1500 is not only a research legend but also a perfect interpretation of dedication and passion. Her work spirit and professional quality have injected new momentum into the future development of the laboratory. We look forward to seeing Senior Engineer Zhang Yan continue to contribute to the laboratory’s research endeavors in the future, and we hope that all researchers can take her as a role model to jointly promote the laboratory’s research work to new heights.
Source: National Key Laboratory of New Metallic Materials, Student Work Office,
Materials Science and Engineering
