Researcher

Dr Methma Rajamuni

My Expertise

  • Computational fluid dynamics
  • Fluid-structure interactions
  • Ember storm modelling
  • Optimization 
  • Flow-induced vibrations of bluff bodies

Fields of Research (FoR)

Mechanical engineering, Applied mathematics, Fluid-structure interaction and aeroacoustics

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Biography

I am a passionate research scientist, applied mathematician, and mechanical engineer dedicated to exploring dynamic systems. Specifically, I focus on investigating intricate fluid-structure interactions and the phenomena of ember storms during bushfires. My passion lies in utilizing nature-inspired insights to drive technological advancements for the betterment of our world. A key aspect of my research involves strengthening computational...view more

I am a passionate research scientist, applied mathematician, and mechanical engineer dedicated to exploring dynamic systems. Specifically, I focus on investigating intricate fluid-structure interactions and the phenomena of ember storms during bushfires. My passion lies in utilizing nature-inspired insights to drive technological advancements for the betterment of our world. A key aspect of my research involves strengthening computational technologies to tackle the inherent complexity of various problems. Through high-fidelity computer simulations, I aim to enhance our comprehension of natural phenomena and find solutions to real-world challenges.

My research is primarily centred around computational fluid dynamics. I have been strengthening the fundamental understanding of the flow-induced vibration phenomenon of bluff solid bodies from various perspectives. I have developed several efficient and stable numerical techniques to study complex fluid-structure interactions. I am investigating the dynamics of ember storms during bushfires and exploring sustainable methods to mitigate ember hazards in the wildland-urban interface. My expertise spans a wide range of areas, including:

  • Utilizing computational fluid dynamics to investigate dynamical systems, including fluid-structure interactions, flow-induced vibrations, wake unsteadiness, bluff-body aerodynamics, birds and insect flight dynamics, ember storms, acoustics, and environmental flows.
  • Development of advanced numerical techniques to study complex dynamical systems, with experience in utilizing immersed boundary methods, lattice Boltzmann methods, spectral element methods, and finite volume methods.
  • Research interests in systems and control, optimization, robotics, and bio-mathematics.

 

I am an enthusiastic tertiary lecturer who is passionate about integrating my research into teaching materials. With teaching experience in mechanical and aerospace engineering, as well as mathematics and statistics subjects, I strive to provide engaging and relevant education that bridges theory and practical applications. My goal is to inspire and empower students by connecting classroom concepts with real-world applications, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the subjects I teach.

Scholarships of $35,000 (AUD) are available for PhD applicants who achieved H1 (High Distinction) in their undergraduate programme and/or have completed a Masters by Research. If you are interested, please contact me at m.rajamuni@unsw.edu.au.


My Grants

  • In 2023, as the sole Chief Investigator (CI), I was awarded the competitive NCI Adaptor Allocation Grant, amounting to 250 KSU equivalent to $12K annual income, for the project titled "Effects of near-surface turbulence on ember storms in cleared areas near the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI)".
  • In 2023, I received seed funding of $27K from UNSW Canberra for the project "A joint problem of robust and resilient maintenance and maintenance workforce planning under uncertainty: A unifying framework for the ADF."
  • In 2015, I was awarded both the Monash Graduate Scholarship and the Faculty of Engineering Postgraduate Research Scholarship from Monash University to pursue my doctoral studies.
  • In 2011, I was awarded a scholarship for the MPhil/PhD programme under the higher education for the twenty-first-century project by the Ministry of Higher Education, Sri Lanka.

 


My Qualifications

Education

  • PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Monash University
  • Master of Science by Research in Applied Mathematics, Texas Tech University, USA
  • Bachelor of Science in Engineering, University of Peradeniya, Sir Lanka

 

Career History

  • Research Fellow: School of Science (2023-Present) & School of Engineering and Information Technology (2020-2023), UNSW Canberra
  • Research Fellow: School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Monash University (2019-2020)
  • Teaching Associate: the University of Melbourne (2019-2020), Monash University (2015-2020), Texas Tech University, Texas, USA (2011-2014)
  • Lecturer: the University of Peradeniya, Department of Production Engineering, Sri Lanka (2009-2011)

 

 


My Awards

  • 2018, Monash Engineering Women's Leadership Award to attend the Future Women Leaders Conference at Monash University.
  • 2014, 1st Place in Annula Graduate Student Poster Competition from Multi-Disciplinary Category 1
  • 2010, Manamperi (Engineering) Award for the Best Engineering Undergraduate Project of Sri Lanka 2008

My Research Supervision


Areas of supervision

  • Computational fluid dynamics
  • Fluid-structure interaction of bluff bodies
  • Vortex-induced vibration of bluff bodies
  • Ember storms
  • Environmental flows
  • Optimization
  • Computational Methods development
  • Sport aerodynamics

Research projects

  1. Long-range ember translations during bushfire events
  2. Computational study of ember storms in the wildland-urban interface
  3. Airflow in heterogeneous forest canopies
  4. Seed dispersion in forest canopies
  5. Fluid-structure-acoustic interaction of bio-inspired flapping wings
  6. Passive and active controllers to suppress/enhance flow-induced vibration of bluff bodies
  7. Flow-induced vibration of offshore structures, for example, offshore windfarms, underwater submarines, marine turbines, buoys, oil conduits and platforms
  8. Why do birds fly in various flight formations?

Currently supervising

  1. Enhancement of the subcritical flow boiling heat transfer in microchannel by the flow-induced vibrations - Mohammed Ibrahim

My Teaching

  • ZEIT4007 Rotorcraft Engineering
  • ZEIT2503 Fluid Mechanics
  • ZPEM1301 Mathematics 1A / ZPEM1303 Engineering Mathematics 1A
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Location

Room G36, Building 26, Canberra Campus

Contact

+61 2 5114 5370