A blockchain-based precision subsidy authentication model for students using an improved practical byzantine fault tolerance consensus algorithm

In this study, we analysed the inherent drawbacks of traditional student subsidy certification systems, including centralised data storage, vulnerability to information tampering, and operational opacity. We explored the integration of consortium blockchains with the Inter Planetary File System as a viable foundation for constructing a decentralised certification framework. By identifying a critical flaw in the classic Practical Byzantine Fault Tolerance algorithm— namely, that malicious nodes may become primary nodes through random selection—we address this issue by establishing a dynamic node evaluation model. This model quantifies node trustworthiness through a comprehensive assessment of both long-term and short-term consensus behaviour. This research proposes an enhanced Practical Byzantine Fault Tolerance algorithm. By employing dynamic trust scores to categorise nodes into consensus, auxiliary, and synchronisation sets, it restricts master node eligibility and consensus participation to highly trustworthy nodes. A comprehensive system architecture is constructed: subsidy documents are encrypted and stored off-chain on Inter Planetary File System , with only their hash values and notarised metadata packaged and recorded on the blockchain. Verification demonstrates that this model significantly enhances consensus efficiency, reduces network communication overhead, and strengthens the system's resilience against Byzantine nodes. The final solution provides a secure, traceable, and practical framework for student subsidy management, effectively addressing core issues of trust deficits and operational inefficiency.