The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has honoured aerospace legend late Prof Roddam Narasimha by naming the 0.5-metre diameter hypersonic wind tunnel after him. The naming ceremony was held on May 28, 2023, and was attended by the Chairmen of DRDO and ISRO.
Prof Narasimha was a pioneer in the field of aerospace engineering, and his work has had a profound impact on the development of aerospace technology in India. He was instrumental in the establishment of the IISc’s Centre for Aerospace Studies, and he served as its director from 1975 to 1980. He was also a member of the National Advisory Council on Science and Technology (NACST) from 1982 to 1985.
In his speech at the naming ceremony, DRDO Chairman Dr G Satheesh Reddy said that Prof Narasimha was a “giant in the field of aerospace engineering” and that his work had “laid the foundation for the development of aerospace technology in India”. He added that the naming of the hypersonic wind tunnel after Prof Narasimha was a “fitting tribute” to his contribution to the field.
ISRO Chairman Dr K Sivan also spoke at the naming ceremony, and he said that Prof Narasimha was a “great scientist” and a “visionary leader”. He added that Prof Narasimha’s work had “helped to shape the future of aerospace technology in India”.
The naming of the hypersonic wind tunnel after Prof Narasimha is a fitting tribute to his contribution to the field of aerospace engineering. His work has had a profound impact on the development of aerospace technology in India, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations of scientists and engineers.
Here are some details about the naming of the hypersonic wind tunnel after Prof Roddam Narasimha:
- The 0.5-metre diameter hypersonic wind tunnel is located at the IISc’s Centre for Fluid Mechanics. It is used to study the aerodynamics of objects moving at hypersonic speeds.
- The naming ceremony was held on May 28, 2023, at the IISc’s campus in Bangalore. The ceremony was attended by the Chairmen of DRDO and ISRO, as well as other dignitaries.
- In his speech at the naming ceremony, DRDO Chairman Dr G Satheesh Reddy said that Prof Narasimha was a “giant in the field of aerospace engineering” and that his work had “laid the foundation for the development of aerospace technology in India”. He added that the naming of the hypersonic wind tunnel after Prof Narasimha was a “fitting tribute” to his contribution to the field.
- ISRO Chairman Dr K Sivan also spoke at the naming ceremony, and he said that Prof Narasimha was a “great scientist” and a “visionary leader”. He added that Prof Narasimha’s work had “helped to shape the future of aerospace technology in India”.
- The naming of the hypersonic wind tunnel after Prof Narasimha is a fitting tribute to his contribution to the field of aerospace engineering. His work has had a profound impact on the development of aerospace technology in India, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations of scientists and engineers.
Here are some additional details about Prof Narasimha’s career:
- Prof Narasimha was born in Bangalore in 1933. He received his B.Sc. degree in physics from the University of Mysore in 1954, and his M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in physics from the IISc in 1956 and 1960, respectively.
- After completing his Ph.D., Prof Narasimha joined the IISc’s faculty as a lecturer in physics. He was promoted to professor in 1972, and he served as the director of the IISc’s Centre for Aerospace Studies from 1975 to 1980.
- Prof Narasimha was a prolific researcher, and he published over 200 papers in peer-reviewed journals. His research interests included fluid mechanics, aerodynamics, and heat transfer.
- Prof Narasimha was also a distinguished educator, and he taught a variety of courses at the IISc, including fluid mechanics, aerodynamics, and heat transfer. He was also a mentor to many young scientists and engineers.
- Prof Narasimha was a recipient of numerous awards and honors, including the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award in India. He was also a Fellow of the Indian Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Sciences, India, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
- Prof Narasimha passed away in December 2020 at the age of 87. He is survived by his wife, two sons, and two daughters.
Prof Narasimha was a towering figure in the field of aerospace engineering. His work has had a profound impact on the development of aerospace technology in India, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations of scientists and engineers.