Pune, Oct 22: An International workshop on Advances in processing of Solid Propellant Rocket motors (IWAPS 2008) will be held at the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory 
(HEMRL) here today.

The two-day workshop is being organised as part of the Golden Jubilee celebration of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Centenary Celebrations of HEMRL.

The objective of the workshop is to bring eminent scientists and technologists from across the globe together on a common platform to discuss the advances in the field of solid propellant processing in order to meet the challenges ahead for advanced futuristic propulsion systems needed for high pay loads.

HEMRL, the premiere Defence Laboratory under DRDO, Ministry of Defence has enriched research and development expertise in the area of propellants, high explosives, pyrotechnics, polymeric materials, liners / insulators and energetic materials.

The workshop will be inaugurated by Dr. A Sivathanu Pillai, distinguished scientist and Chief Controller R&D (ACE & NS). Dr SE Hasnain, Vice-Chancellor, University of Hyderabad will be guest of honour.

About 400 eminent scientists from France, Russia, Singapore, Israel, Japan, Brazil and India will participate in the workshop. They will deliberate on the present status and advances in the area of propellant mixing, casting technologies, internal ballistics, grain design, multiple thrust propulsion systems, synthesis of nano-materials and their applications, non destructive examination techniques, modelling and simulation, clean and green propellants.

Fourteen eminent scientists from ISRO, DRDO and Ordnance factories who made significant contributions for the development and processing of rocket propellants will also be felicitated during the workshop.

The HEMRL has contributed significantly for the development of high-energy materials for various weapon systems that are deployed in the Indian Armed Forces.

Hundred years of continuous efforts of HEMRL made the country self reliant in the area of development and processing of high energy materials for various missions.

Double base propellant compositions developed by HEMRL are being produced by Ordnance factories for rockets and missiles like ARROW, MILAN, KONKURS, NAG and RDPS.

Cartridge loaded composite propellant grains for RZ-61, PICHORA, PINAKA, TRISHUL and AKASH are in full-scale production.

For latest generation missile programmes like AGNI, under water missile system and air defence system, the case bonded composite propellants have also been developed. (ANI)