Dr. Darshana Rathnayaka

With over 10 years of experience as a structural engineer, Dr. Darshana Rathnayaka Mudiyanselage has designed and delivered composite structures in the civil infrastructure sector including buildings and bridges, as well as the energy sector, particularly in tidal turbine blade systems, in 3 continents.

Dr. Rathnayaka also performs as a Research Associate in Design and Testing of Composite Structures at The University of Edinburgh, where he is engaged in cutting-edge research in advanced materials and structural performance. He is invested in using research-based solutions for improving costs of infrastructure projects.

Years Experience

3

Continents

In

Over

10

Technical Lead, Materials Engineering

Our Experts' Projects

Technology winner of the 2019 Berd-FEUP Prize for Innovation in Bridge Engineering.

Novel double-skin tubular arch (DSTA) bridge system developed for vehicle access and used in two pedestrian bridges in South China University of Technology (SCUT). Designed in collaboration with the University of Queensland, ARUP, RocketC, and Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Based on hybrid double-skin tubular members (DSTMs), with an FRP outer tube, steel inner tube, and concrete core to give a lightweight, durable, low-cost, and quick to construct design.

DSTA Bridges at SCUT

China

Oil Seal Manufacture Improvement

Ecuador

Design optimisation of oil seals through an in-house specialized oil seal manufacturing process. Process allows for fault diagnosis to eliminate premature part failure, and for the ideal press configuration, optimum operating conditions, and quality control measures to be identified. A set of principles for future fault diagnosis and remedies was also set in place.

Production costs were reduced by providing the client with guidelines on material handling, mixing, milling and moulding.

Thermoplastic Polymerisation Reactor

UAE

Thermoplastic liquid composite polymerisation and infusion reactor for Technology Innovation Institute (TII) in Abu Dhabi.

Strengthening of Structures

Australia

Design of FRP bridge strengthening systems for multiple bridges in Queensland, Australia.

Systems characterised by reduced construction and maintenance costs and times compared to conventional strengthening methods.

Pre-heater Tower and Supporting Structures

Australia, Switzerland and India

Analysis and assessment of pre-heater towers and design of supporting steel and reinforced concrete structures for cement plants in Australia, Switzerland and India.

Significant cost reductions were achieved in factory construction through structural optimization of the structural elements.

Modular Railway Overpass

United Kingdom

2.4 m wide, carbon fibre and strand mat modular railway overpass for a client in the transport sector.

The overpass is characterised for its high durability, light weight and ease of transportation and installation when compared to conventional steel systems.

Thermal Expansion Extrusion Minimisation on Seals

United Kingdom

Testing and investigation of thermal expansion properties of seals to reduce extrusion of the seals out of glands over large temperature changes.

Devised heated barrel test for material. Measured instantaneous thermal expansion coefficients at different temperatures and filler contents. Established definite strategy for control of thermal expansion using silica nanofillers.

Supervision and report scrutiny of activities at third party test facility for an aeronautical industry client; the deliverables included the production of test reports on classic laminate tests. Tests carried out for client's requirements including Substructure compression, compression-after-impact, notched specimen, bolt pull-through and bearing assessments. A SEM study of various laminate drilling techniques was also carried to compare hole quality.

Damage Tolerance of Aerospace Composites

United Kingdom

News

Led by Dr. Eddie McCarthy, a new state-of-the-art tidal turbine blade has been manufactured in Scotland for the first time — and at a lower cost than previous versions. According to its developers, this innovation could help reduce the levelised cost of tidal energy.

FastBlade leader Dr Eddie McCarthy, said: “This project represents a major step change in our group’s capacity to manufacture tidal blades at reasonable size scale (around three metres long) at a reasonable speed ... we have found a faster, cheaper route to manufacture than the usual tidal blade fabrication."