Materials Science

Engineering advanced metallurgical systems, continuum mechanics, and sustainable composites from first principles. Leveraging scientific Python, Abaqus FEA, and computational algorithms to bridge physical material science with modern computational precision.
About Me
I am a Materials Science & Engineering Graduate from the University of Moratuwa (UoM), specializing in physical metallurgy, continuum mechanics, and sustainable composite synthesis.
My engineering philosophy is rooted in rigorous physical fundamentals: "Microstructure dictates properties, first principles govern design."
Whether engineering Super Duplex stainless steel marine propulsion shafts, synthesizing pozzolanic rice-husk-ash composite mortars, simulating non-linear elasto-plastic contact mechanics in Abaqus, or conducting industrial QA/QC testing under ASTM/SLS protocols—my focus is delivering robust, fail-safe physical engineering solutions.
Computational Multiplier: To supercharge materials engineering, I leverage code as an analytical accelerator—writing automated Python algorithms for geotechnical layer stratification, coding Arrhenius kinetic solvers, and building modern educational web applications.
Materials & Metallurgy
UoM B.Sc. Eng (Hons) Degree
FEA & Continuum Simulation
Abaqus · Solid Edge · COMSOL
5+ Yrs Physics Pedagogy
Physics Academy Lead Mentor
Computational Code
Scientific Python · Automation



Materials & Metallurgical Engineer
University of Moratuwa · B.Sc. Eng (Hons)
Engineering Arsenal
Bridging fundamental Materials Science and Continuum Mechanics with modern computational algorithms, IoT hardware, and industrial quality standards.
Materials Science & Metallurgy
Alloy Systems, Heat Treatment & Standards
Physical metallurgy, phase transformation control, non-destructive testing, and ASTM/SLS industrial compliance.
Continuum FEA & Simulation
Multi-Physics & Structural Mechanics
Continuum-scale elasto-plastic contact modeling, non-linear stress analysis, and material selection optimization.
Computational Science & Python
Engineering Algorithms & Data Pipelines
Scientific computing in Python to automate engineering workflows, kinetic solvers, and data analysis pipelines.
IoT & Smart Instrumentation
Embedded Microcontrollers & Telemetry
Microcontroller firmware, wireless telemetry protocols, and automated sensor-actuator interfacing.
Technical Portfolio
Detailed briefs and technical methodologies from my University of Moratuwa degree, industrial engineering training, and independent system architectures.

Corrosion-Resistant Marine Propulsion Shaft
Comprehensive Design Project (CDP)
Complete engineering of a 1.6m marine propulsion shaft coupled to a CAT 3406C engine: Ansys Granta Ashby selection (Super Duplex SAF 2507), Abaqus FEA, and cathodic protection.

Lightweight Ferrocement Mortar (FYP Thesis)
RHA & Polypropylene Fiber Modified EPS Mortar
B.Sc. Final Year Research developing sustainable lightweight composite mortar. Utilized Rice Husk Ash for ITZ densification and PP fibers for Griffith crack-bridging.

FEA of Spur Gear Contact Mechanics
Continuum Scale Elasto-Plasticity in Abaqus
Continuum scale finite element simulation in Abaqus CAE analyzing non-linear contact stresses and tooth root plastic strains, validated against Hertzian theory.

Kinetics of PVC UV Stabilization
Mathematical Modeling & Python Degradation Calculator
Solved coupled degradation kinetics for Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) stabilized with Tinuvin 770 (HALS). Developed custom Python GUI tool to compute outdoor lifespans.

Perovskite Solar Cell Simulation
SCAPS-1D Photovoltaic Quantum Modeling
Simulated next-generation FTO/ZnO/Perovskite/Cu2O/Au solar cells in SCAPS-1D, mathematically proving the trade-offs between absorber thickness and carrier recombination.

Quantum Mechanics of Tunneling Field Effect Transistors
Sub-Bandgap Device Physics Overcoming the 60 mV/dec Limit
Theoretical device physics research modeling Wentzel-Kramers-Brillouin (WKB) quantum tunneling probability, band-to-band tunneling (BTBT), and ambipolar suppression in sub-10nm TFETs.

XRD Analysis of Historical Paper Deacidification & Ageing
Cellulose Crystallinity & Nanostructural Forensic Preservation
Forensic materials science research using 2D/1D X-Ray Diffraction to quantify cellulose Crystallinity Index (CI) and Crystallinity Ratio (CR) following artificial thermal ageing and chemical deacidification.

Osseointegration & Surface Engineering of Dental Implants
Topographical SLA Etching & Hydroxyapatite Bioactive Coatings
Biomaterials research on structural osseointegration of Titanium and Zirconia implants: Sandblasted Large-grit Acid-etched (SLA) surface roughness, plasma-sprayed Hydroxyapatite (HA), and BMP-2 proteins.

Graphene Supercapacitor Fabrication & Electrochemical Analysis
EDLC Electrodes with Ultra-High Specific Capacitance
Synthesized nanostructured graphene EDLC electrodes leveraging $2630\text{ m}^2/\text{g}$ theoretical surface area. Performed Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) and Galvanostatic Charge-Discharge (GCD) testing.
Academic Modules & Curriculum
161+ credits completed across 8 semesters. Explore detailed course syllabi, accredited learning outcomes, and technical domains spanning advanced metallurgy, continuum mechanics, computational modeling, and industrial management.
Project Portfolio & Technical Summaries
Comprehensive academic project briefs, research methodologies, and engineering outcomes (Abaqus FEA, Super Duplex marine shaft, FYP composite mortar, IoT MediBox, and more).
Curriculum, Modules & Syllabus Outlines
Official course specifications, module descriptions, weekly lecture/lab hour allocations, evaluation breakdowns, and Washington Accord learning outcomes across all 8 semesters.
All Academic Semesters (Semesters 1 — 8)
Comprehensive accredited engineering curriculum encompassing 46 specialized modules spanning fundamental physical sciences, advanced metallurgy, solid state devices, continuum mechanics, computational algorithms, and industrial management.
Fluid Mechanics
Fluid statics, hydrostatic thrust on curved and planar surfaces (dams, gates), buoyancy, metacentric stability of floating bodies, and conservation of mass, momentum, and energy in pipe networks.
Properties of Materials
Fundamental atomic bonding, Bravais lattices, crystal defects, mechanical behavior (stress-strain, hardness), electrical conduction, and degradation mechanisms across metals, ceramics, and polymers.
Mechanics
Statics and dynamics of engineering assemblies: shear force and bending moment diagrams (SFD/BMD), pin-jointed trusses, rigid body 2D kinematics, impulse-momentum, and single-degree-of-freedom vibrations.
Programming Fundamentals
Algorithmic problem-solving, structured programming with Python, data structures, file I/O, modular functional decomposition, and basic embedded microcontroller hardware control.
Electrical Fundamentals
Linear DC circuit analysis with Kirchhoff's laws, single-phase AC theory, phasors, three-phase balanced systems (Star/Delta), and domestic wiring regulations and protective devices.
Mathematics
Complex numbers, vector algebra, matrix algebra (eigenvalues, Gaussian elimination, diagonalization), real analysis, Taylor series, Riemann integration, and first/second-order linear ODEs.
Fundamentals of Engineering Design and Workshop Practice
Holistic engineering design process, customer requirement elicitation, weighted decision matrices, hands-on workshop fabrication, and embedded hardware prototyping for innovative consumer products.
Thermodynamics and Phase Equilibria
Laws of classical thermodynamics, Gibbs phase rule, Clausius-Clapeyron equation, free energy-composition curves, binary phase diagrams (eutectic, peritectic), and electrochemical equilibrium.
Fundamentals of Materials Science and Engineering
The materials paradigm, interatomic bonding energies, unit cell geometry, reciprocal lattices, Ewald sphere, Brillouin zones, non-crystalline/semicrystalline states, and functional materials for sensors/actuators.
Engineering Drawing & Computer Aided Modelling
Orthographic and isometric projections, sectional views, assembly drawings, interpenetration curves of solids, development of surfaces, and 3D parametric solid modeling in CAD environments.
Basic Electronics for Engineering Applications
Semiconductor diodes, BJT and MOSFET transistor switching/biasing, op-amp signal conditioning circuits (amplifiers, comparators, integrators), A/D-D/A conversion, and digital combinational logic.
Methods of Mathematics
Numerical root finding, numerical calculus, multivariate calculus (Jacobians, Hessians, Lagrange multipliers), double integrals, first-order PDEs, and probability distributions.
Visual Programming
Graphical user interface (GUI) development, event-driven programming on the .NET framework, forms and controls, exception handling, data binding, and relational database connectivity.
Language Skills Enhancement
Advanced professional English, technical discourse synthesis, technical presentations, engineering process descriptions, and graphical data interpretation.
Ferrous Metals and Alloys
Extractive metallurgy of iron and steel, blast furnace thermochemistry, plain carbon steels, alloy steels, cast irons, TTT/CCT transformation kinetics, and solution annealing heat treatment protocols.
Polymer Science and Technology
Polymer chemistry, step-growth and chain-growth polymerization mechanisms, Carothers equation, copolymerization kinetics, molecular weight averages, rubber compounding, and shaping operations.
Mechanical Behaviour of Materials
Continuum stress-strain tensors, yield criteria (Tresca, Von Mises), Griffith fracture mechanics, stress intensity factors ($K_{IC}$), high-strain-rate dynamics, Goodman-Gerber fatigue life, and creep.
Communication Skills
High-level academic research synthesis, literature review methodologies, oral technical defense, interpersonal team dynamics, and structured engineering reporting.
Applied Electricity
Single-phase and three-phase transformers, induction motor torque-speed curves, DC machines, stepper motors, industrial electric lighting, resistance/arc welding transformers, and power factor correction.
Differential Equations
Series solutions (Frobenius method), Legendre polynomials, Bessel functions, Laplace transforms, Fourier series, and canonical classification of second-order PDEs (Hyperbolic, Parabolic, Elliptic).
Calculus
Vector calculus (div, grad, curl), line/surface/volume integrals, Green's, Stokes', and Divergence theorems, complex analysis, Cauchy-Riemann equations, Cauchy's integral theorem, and residue calculus.
Numerical Methods
Linear system solvers (LU decomposition, Cholesky), non-linear systems, spline curve fitting, numerical optimization (steepest descent), Runge-Kutta ODE solvers, and shooting/finite difference BVP methods.
Solid State Materials
Engineering quantum mechanics, time-independent Schrödinger equation, Drude model, Fermi-Dirac statistics, density of states, reciprocal space, Brillouin zones, band theory, and semiconductor physics.
Kinetics of Materials
Chemical kinetics, reaction rate laws, Arrhenius temperature dependence, Fick's 1st and 2nd laws of solid-state diffusion, interdiffusion, Kirkendall effect, and nucleation and growth kinetics.
Ceramic Engineering
Ceramic powder synthesis, comminution, particle size characterization, colloid rheology, slip casting, extrusion, sintering kinetics (solid-state, liquid-phase), glazes, and advanced electro/bioceramics.
Polymer Engineering
Statistical rubber elasticity, Mooney-Rivlin theory, linear viscoelasticity models (Maxwell, Kelvin-Voigt), time-temperature superposition (WLF equation), polymer melt rheology, and spherulite morphology.
Fundamentals of Machine Elements Design
Stress flow in machine parts, stress concentration, ISO limits and fits, design of power transmission shafts, belt drives, spur gears (Lewis beam strength), keys, splines, bolted/welded joints, and rolling bearings.
Mechanics of Machines
Kinematic velocity and acceleration diagrams for planar mechanisms, Coriolis acceleration, epicyclic gear trains, static and dynamic balancing of rotating shafts, and harmonic vibration transmissibility.
Embedded Systems and Applications
Microcontroller architectures (ARM Core, ESP32), C/C++ firmware, sensor interfacing (I2C, SPI, UART), PWM actuator control, wireless telemetry (MQTT, Wi-Fi), and PCB layout design rules.
Linear Algebra
Vector spaces, linear combinations, bases, dimension, inner product spaces, Gram-Schmidt orthogonalization, linear transformations, Cayley-Hamilton theorem, and QR matrix factorization.
Applied Statistics
Discrete and continuous distributions, confidence intervals for means and variances, hypothesis testing ($Z, t, F, \chi^2$), contingency tables, goodness-of-fit, and simple/multiple linear regression.
Machine Design
Complete design of complex mechanical transmissions: tractive power sizing, geometric gear progression, case-hardened alloy steels, shaft fatigue (Soderberg/Goodman), SKF bearing schedules, and production drawings.
Characterization of Materials
Powder X-ray Diffraction (XRD, Bragg's law, structure factors), FTIR vibration spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, atomic absorption, thermal analysis (DSC/TGA), and electron microscopy (SEM, TEM, EDS).
Degradation and Failure of Materials
Electrochemical corrosion thermodynamics (Pourbaix diagrams), Evans polarization diagrams, localized corrosion (pitting, crevice, intergranular), high-temperature oxidation, cathodic protection, and forensic failure analysis.
Metal Forming and Joining
Plastic deformation mechanics, yield criteria in metal forming, bulk processes (forging, rolling, extrusion, wire drawing), sheet metal forming (deep drawing), fusion welding metallurgy (HAZ), and defect inspection.
Industrial Metallurgy
Foundry operations (sand casting, investment casting, die casting), metal solidification dendritic kinetics, gating and riser design, powder metallurgy compaction/sintering, and metal additive manufacturing.
Latex Science and Technology
Natural rubber field latex composition, colloidal stabilization/destabilization, concentration techniques (centrifugation, creaming), latex compounding, prevulcanization, and dipped/foam goods manufacture.
Industrial Training (Internship)
24-week industrial internship at Consulting Engineering & Contractors (Pvt) Ltd. (CEC). Trainee Material Engineer on an RDA road rehabilitation project in Homagama. Civil materials QA/QC, asphalt plants, and Excel VBA automation.
Engineer and Society
Engineering ethics, IESL professional code of conduct, societal and environmental impact assessments (EIA), occupational health and safety (HSE) management systems, and sustainable development goals.
Materials Modelling
Multi-scale materials modeling: continuum scale Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Molecular Dynamics (MD) atomistic simulations, potential energy functions, and Density Functional Theory (DFT) quantum calculations.
Introduction to Psychology
Cognitive psychology, emotional intelligence, organizational behavior, interpersonal relationship dynamics, stress management, and psychological factors in leadership and decision-making.
Comprehensive Design Project (CDP)
The pinnacle engineering capstone: complete, from-scratch design of a 1.6m marine propulsion shaft for a CAT 3406C marine engine. Ansys Granta Ashby material selection (Super Duplex SAF 2507), Abaqus FEA, and cathodic protection.
Continuum Scale Numerical Simulation of Material Systems
Applied Finite Element Analysis (FEA) using Abaqus CAE: direct stiffness methods, iso-parametric element formulation, elasto-plastic material definitions, contact mechanics, and mesh convergence validation.
Selection of Materials for Engineering Applications
Ashby material property charts, performance indices, multi-constraint optimization, shape efficiency factors, microstructural architecture, and techno-economic material selection strategies.
Design and Fabrication of Polymer Products
Design criteria for extruded and molded plastics/rubbers: rubber springs, tires, seals, injection-molded components, hollow blow-molded containers, plastic gears, and molding troubleshooting.
Total Quality Management (TQM)
Quality philosophies (Deming, Juran, Ishikawa), 7 basic quality control tools, statistical process control (SPC), quality circles, cross-functional improvement teams, and international standards (ISO 9001).
Engineering Economics
Time value of money, discounted cash flows, Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR), macro-economic shadow pricing, and sensitivity risk analysis.
B.Sc. Final Year Research Project (Thesis)
Comprehensive 3-semester capstone research project: 'Synergistic Effects of Rice Husk Ash and Polypropylene Fiber on Modified Expanded Polystyrene Cement Mortar'. Lab mix formulation, ASTM testing, and failure mechanics.
Energy Materials
Photovoltaic physics, SCAPS-1D perovskite solar cell simulation, lithium-ion battery electrochemistry, graphene supercapacitor fabrication, cyclic voltammetry, and high-temperature superconductors.
Biomaterials and Medical Implants
Biocompatibility, bone histology, metallic orthopedic alloys (316L SS, Co-Cr-Mo, Ti-6Al-4V), osseointegration, sandblasted acid-etched (SLA) surfaces, plasma-sprayed Hydroxyapatite, and cardiovascular stents.
Cleaner Production
Industrial environmental auditing, material balance and resource flow diagrams, waste cause analysis (Ishikawa diagrams), Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), green chemistry, and circular economy strategies.
Compounding and Testing of Polymers
Polymer mixing thermodynamics, mixing indices, compounding machinery, nano-composite dispersion, elastomer blends (NR, SBR, EPDM), and standardized mechanical/thermal testing protocols.
Dies and Moulds for Polymer Processing
Die and mold steel metallurgy, hardening treatments, compression/transfer mold design, blow mold pinch-off, extrusion die land/die swell geometries, and multi-cavity injection mold runners and cooling circuits.
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)
Physical principles and standards for industrial Non-Destructive Testing: Ultrasonic Testing (UT), Radiographic Testing (RT), Magnetic Particle Testing (MPI), Dye Penetrant Testing (DPT), and Eddy Current Testing.
Technology Management
Strategic management of technology, technology-strategy alignment, R&D commercialization pipelines, organizational innovation cultures, technology transfer agreements, and National Innovation Systems (NIS).
Japanese as a Foreign Language
Hiragana, Katakana, and basic Kanji writing systems, conversational expressions, Japanese business and engineering etiquette, and social/cultural frameworks in Japan.
Professional Journey
Hands-on QA/QC engineering in civil road infrastructure paired with 5+ years of pedagogical leadership and educational software development.
Trainee Material Engineer (QA/QC)
Completed a rigorous 24-week industrial internship on a major Road Development Authority (RDA) rural road rehabilitation project, bridging laboratory materials science with large-scale civil construction.
Key Highlights & Impact
- Supervised Asphalt Plant operations (Batch & Drum counterflow systems) and monitored Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) integration.
- Conducted extensive laboratory and field QA/QC testing adhering strictly to ASTM and BS standards (sand cone compaction, bitumen extraction, aggregate grading).
- Engineered automated Excel VBA architectures and custom Python algorithms to instantly process Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) field data and automate Requests for Inspection (RFI) documentation.
- Achieved all 12 Washington Accord Program Outcomes (POs) and was awarded an A- grade for MT3993 Industrial Training.
Physics Consultant & EdTech Developer
Founded and scaled an advanced G.C.E. Advanced Level Physics consulting practice, mentoring hundreds of students by teaching through first-principles engineering logic rather than rote memorization.
Key Highlights & Impact
- Engineered a custom serverless cloud Learning Management System (LMS) deployed at physics-academy.vercel.app to automate student tracking, homework submissions, and resource delivery.
- Pioneered the 'Physics with Tech' concept: integrated software simulations in the classroom to demonstrate abstract mechanics, wave theory, and electromagnetism in action.
- Maintained dual excellence: successfully balanced full-time engineering undergraduate studies at UoM (161 credits completed) while leading a high-impact tutoring practice.
- Mentored students to achieve top island ranks and gain admission to prestigious engineering faculties.
Academic Services
Tailored learning experiences designed to

Lead Instructor & Founder
Eng. Sandun Premakumara
University of Moratuwa · B.Sc. Eng
Learn Directly from an Engineering Mindset
High school physics is often taught as an intimidating catalogue of disconnected equations. As a Materials Science & Engineering graduate, my mission is the polar opposite: to teach physics the way real engineers solve real-world problems.
First Principles Deconstruction
Master every derivation from scratch so you never rely on mechanical rote memorization.
5+ Years Proven Track Record
Extensive experience preparing students for island-level ranks and university engineering entrance.
AL Physics Group Classes
Comprehensive coverage of the G.C.E. Advanced Level Physics curriculum. Focus on structured theory, problem-solving strategies, and past paper discussions.
- Small Group Attention
- Theory & Revision
- Monthly Tests & Analytics
Individual Consulting
One-on-one sessions tailored to your specific needs. Ideal for clarifying complex concepts, intense exam preparation, or bridging knowledge gaps.
- Personalized Pacing
- Focused Doubt Clearing
- Flexible Scheduling
Student Success Stories
What students say about the Physics Academy
“Sir explains complex physical concepts with engineering logic instead of just making us memorize formulas. It completely changed my perspective on Physics.”
A/L Physics Student
Colombo
“The foundation I got from Sandun Sir's Physics classes helped me immensely in my first year engineering mechanics and thermodynamics modules.”
Engineering Undergraduate
University of Moratuwa
“The online platform and past paper analytics are amazing. I can track exactly which areas I need to improve, and the live sessions are highly interactive.”
A/L Physics Student
Kandy
Get In Touch
Whether you have a question about materials engineering, want to discuss a project, or just want to say hi, my inbox is always open.