SRM varsity to work with DRDO for select defence research

Chennai, Dec 14: SRM University will work closely with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to undertake research in select defence sectors.

A proposal in this regard would be forwarded to the DRDO by the University, its Chancellor T R Pachamuthu and Vice-chancellor P Sathyanarayanan told UNI, on the sidelines of the inauguration of ''ICAME 2006'', an International Conference on Advances in Mechanical Engineering, at the Varsity campus at Suburban Kattakkualthur today.

''The proposals will be sent to the DRDO very soon to work closely on specific projects in the areas of mutual interest'', Mr Sathyanarayanan said.

The spontaneous gesture by the University followed DRDO Chief Controller of R and D Dr Prahlada's remark that the DRDO was willing to work with academic institutions on advanced research in defence sector.

''The DRDO has decided to set apart 10 per cent of its total budget allocation to promote research in basic sciences and universities across the country. The proposal has to come from the University for funding'', he added.

The ten per cent of the total allocation would come to around Rs 500 crorer, Dr Prahlada said.

Asked whether the DRDO has any plans to work with the SRM Varsity, which had recently undertaken research in nano-technology, he said ''We are willing to work with the universities. The proposal has to come from them''.

Responding spontaneously, Mr Pachamuthu and Mr Satyanarayanan, who were also present, said the University would soon be sending a proposal to the DRDO to undertake research on specific defence- related projects.

Earlier, inaugurating the three-day conference in which 130 delegates from 11 countries would be presenting 80 technical papers, Dr Prahlada made a detailed power point presentation highlighting the pivotal role played by mechanical engineering in various defence applications. He said mechanical engineering played a key role in development of missiles like Akash, Arjun, Agni, Prithvi, Brahmos and Nag and in the development of supersonic Light Combat Aircraft Tejas.

The fast growing aerospace sector provides more opportunites for mechanical engineers in future as most of the defence systems dominantly succeeded due to the mechanical engineering which had helped shape the product.

Besuides, mechanical engineering was widely used in non-missile applications like Sarvatra Pier System -- designing foldable bridge for Army on which a 50 tonne vehicle could pass through besides in airborne winch and sonar domes to detect submarines and objects inside the sea.

Mr Pachamuthu and Mr Satyanarayanan spoke on the relevance of mechanical engineers in various fields, including the IT industry.

Dr M Ponnavaikko, Director, Research and Virtual Education, presented a prize to final year mechanical engineering student B Vinod for the best cover design for the conference proceedings.

UNI