Dr Methma Rajamuni
Education
- PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Monash University
- Master of Science by Research in Applied Mathematics, Texas Tech University, USA
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering,ÌýUniversity of Peradeniya, Sir Lanka
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Career History
- ResearchÌýFellow:ÌýSchool of Science (2023-Present) & School of Engineering and Information Technology (2020-2023), ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ
- Research Fellow:ÌýSchool of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Monash University (2019-2020)
- Teaching Associate:Ìýthe 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)
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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.ÌýMy 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 ofÌýadvanced 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.
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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.
- Publications
- Media
- Grants
- Awards
- Research Activities
- Engagement
- Teaching and Supervision
- 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 ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ 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 GraduateÌýScholarship and the Faculty of Engineering Postgraduate ResearchÌýScholarship 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.
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- 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
- 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