Date:15/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/15/stories/2008051550610200.htm

Andhra Pradesh

NSTL expo draws huge crowds

Staff Reporter

VISAKHAPATNAM: Scores of students from various colleges and some schools in the city thronged the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) on Wednesday to watch the models of torpedoes, educational robots, models of warships and helicopter fire control systems kept on display in connection with the National Technology Day celebrations.

The students milled around the exhibits and were all ears as the scientists explained the significance of the models. Some were seen taking notes as the scientists briefed them about the models. An Autonomous Underwater Vehicle, Advanced Light Torpedo, Anti-torpedo Defence Systems, conventional warship and stealth warship of the future caught the attention of the gathering. The highlight of the expo was a fish developed using torpedo technology. The fish danced to a song much to the delight of children. The model, fitted with sensors and microprocessors, moved its tail, fins and lower jaw.

The huge cavitation tunnel facility inspired awe among the students. Additional Director Ch. Surayanarayana was seen explaining to the visitors that the facility was used to validate design and acoustic performance of models of ships. NSTL Director V. Bhujanga Rao and Associate Director C.P. Ramanarayanan went round the stalls.