江苏留学网

Student visitors listen to the narration of an aircraft exhibited at Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics in Jiangsu province. [Photo/longhoo.net]

A national key laboratory at Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics (NUAA) focused on the study of helicopter rotor dynamics was recently opened to some 1,100 enthusiastic visitors. 

Since its inception the lab has been dedicated to pushing the frontiers of basic helicopter research and the cultivation of high-caliber professionals. It has seen tangible fruits such as the creation of low-speed helicopter wind tunnels and various model plan rotors which grabbed the visitors' interest. 

"The lab was open only for an hour and I received three groups of visitors. Some kindergarten children showed great interest in the helicopters; their imaginations ran wild and they kept asking questions like what would happen if the rotors rotated in reverse," said Li Pan, an associate professor at the university. 

Aside from winning popularity among youngsters, grown-ups also gave a thumbs-up to the activity. 

One parent said: "the visit was a reflection of NUAA's scientific research capabilities as well as its active role in promoting social development." 

The activity was rolled out under the guidance of the Ministry of Science and Technology and the State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense. Many national key labs outside NUAA also held open days for visitors.

Visitors take a close look at an aircraft exhibited at Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics in Jiangsu province. [Photo/longhoo.net]

A staff member at the national key laboratory on the study of helicopter rotor dynamics introduces its work to visitors. [Photo/longhoo.net]