Thamasha Hopes Her Career Will Inspire More Women Engineers

Wed, 16 October, 2024

Thamasha Samarasinghe hopes her PhD and career in industry will help to inspire the next generation of women in engineering.

Earlier this year, NSRIC PhD graduate Dr Thamasha Samarasinghe IMechE reached a new milestone in her career. After successfully defending her PhD Thesis, Thamasha is now working as Design Analyst Engineer at Advanced Innovative Engineering (AIE) Ltd in the UK.

AIE specialises in manufacturing rotary engines for aerospace applications, as well as the design and development of Wankel-type rotary engines for aerospace, automotive and marine applications.

Thamasha’s role primarily focuses on analysing engine designs using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA). Her responsibilities include conducting CFD simulations to evaluate airflow and thermal characteristics within engine designs. This helps optimise performance, efficiency, and reliability for aerospace, automotive, and marine applications. Additionally, Thamasha performs structural analysis through FEA to assess how engine components respond to various loads and stresses, identifying potential failure points and enhancing durability and safety.

Talking about her new journey, Thamasha said, “Securing my first job as a Design Analysis Engineer at AIE. It marked an exciting new chapter in my career, showcasing the skills I developed during my PhD journey and the invaluable industry collaboration I experienced.”

“As a woman in STEM, I hope to inspire and empower others to pursue their passions in engineering, proving that with dedication and tenacity, we can break barriers and drive innovation in our fields."

Thamasha began her professional journey as a lecturer at the University of Moratuwa in Sri Lanka before enrolling in the industry-focused PhD programme at NSIRC, with sponsorship from Lloyd's Register Foundation. After completing her PhD research, she joined Brunel Composites Centre (BCC) and later joined AIE.

Her PhD Thesis on “Design and development of composite panels with variable thermal conductivity for Li-ion battery modules” addresses critical challenges related to thermal management and has significant relevance to the industry due to the growing demand for efficient energy storage solutions, particularly in electric vehicles and renewable energy applications.

By optimising the thermal conductivity of composite materials, the findings of her research can enhance the performance and safety of Li-ion batteries, leading to longer lifespans and improved energy efficiency.

Talking about her research Thamasha said, “The collaboration with TWI UK Ltd. provided practical insights and validation of my work, ensuring that the research aligns with current industry needs and standards. This integration of academic knowledge with industrial application positions my study as a valuable contribution to advancing battery technology and its applications across various sectors, including aerospace, automotive, and energy.”

In September 2024, Thamasha presented and published her research on "Optimising Thermal Performance: A Novel Approach to Battery Cooling in Electric and Hybrid Vehicles" at the 18th UK Heat Transfer Conference (UKHTC 2024) at the University of Birmingham, UK. Currently, she is in the process of writing a journal publication on her PhD research. This upcoming publication aims to share the findings and insights and contribute to the field of thermal management in energy storage systems.

Thamasha's journey and achievements in the field of thermal management and energy storage systems is truly inspiring. She has not only excelled in her academic pursuits but also made significant contributions to the industry. Visit NSIRC website to learn more about upcoming PhD opportunities.