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HomeResearch studentsMr Sunil Jayantha Hettiarachchi
Mr Sunil Jayantha Hettiarachchi

Mr Sunil Jayantha Hettiarachchi

hettiars@lsbu.ac.uk

Mechanical Engineering and Design

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0489-270X

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I am a chartered mechanical engineer. I joined LSBU as a research student in 2018 to follow PhD, which involves with material science, surface engineering and tribology to study the behaviour of 2D materials and bio-based lubricants as additives to enhance functioning of an engine lubricant. Initially I studied for my first degree at University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, obtained post graduate diploma in mechanical engineering from City and Guilds of London Institute, and completed my MSc at University of Derby, UK.

My area of expertise is on automotive engineering, thus indirectly involved with the production of many quantities of waste crank case oil and exhaust emissions by internal combustion engines, albeit both the products are hazardous to the environment. Therefore, my obligation and enthusiasm to protect the environment has driven me to research for the ways to reduce hazardous emissions, save energy and fossil reserves by improving fuel consumption with longer component life, which could be achieved by reducing friction and wear between components of and engine. Thus, my on going research explores enhancing engine lubrication via addition of nanoparticles and bio-based lubricants as additives to engine oil.

Moreover, in early this year, 2020, I joined with University of Moratuwa as a Visiting Lecturer to fulfil my passion to share my knowledge with younger generation.

My professional bodies memberships include; member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and the Institution of Engineering and Technology, both in UK and a fellowship from the Institution of Incorporated Engineers, Sri Lanka, which has tremendous affect to boost my ethics as a professional engineer.

Master of Science

University of Derby, UK

2015
2018
Phylosophy of Doctor

London South Bank University, 103 Borough road, London SE1 0AA

2018
2022
Visiting lecturer, Laboratory adviser
Institute of Technology, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka.

There are two roles as lecturer and laboratory advisor attached to mechanical engineering division, thus main responsibilities are divided into two segments, albeit incorporated within the module learning outcomes. Modules delivering are 1) Fundamentals of Automobile technology and 2) Advanced automobile technology and laboratories under development are 1) Automobile laboratory and 2) Power Hydraulics and Fluid Machinery laboratory. Thus, main responsibilities are summarized as follows;

• Reviewing and auditing module descriptors with the assistance of the head of the department.

• Scripting and delivering lectures (online and inhouse) according to the module learning outcomes.

• Arranging presentations, tutorials, continuous assessments and examination papers as scheduled.

• Paper marking and grading

• Scripting and organizing practical experiments to suit module learning outcomes.

• Development of laboratories to enhance demonstrative and practical capabilities.

• Coordinating with head of the department for any updates or adaptation, if required for ongoing activities.

• Attending staff meetings as and when necessary.

2020
Education
Maintenance Manager
Al Naboodah National Plant and Equipment, Dubai, UAE.

Main responsibilities are to maintain the company’s plant and equipment fleet in good condition, monitor and control cost of maintenance and take appropriate action as needed, foster a well-trained and motivated staff including:

• Directing and coordinating plant maintenance within company policies and procedures.

• Maintaining clean and safe plant.

• Assisting line manager to establish and direct plant policies and procedures.

• Approval of the spare parts, material requested / ordered.

• Liaison with relevant staff to ensue deliver of parts, material in time to enhance completion of jobs in hand and delivery of products or services to the client in time.

• Participating in objective setting, plan development and performance review of plant performance.

• Initiating, implementing and managing the plant maintenance program based on the best practice in the industry, with an emphasis on planning / scheduling and preventive / predictive maintenance

• Monitoring the use of inventories of spare parts, maintenance supplies and equipment and initiating reordering when necessary.

• Ensuring the maintenance technicians are adequately trained, equipped and motivated, so that the maintenance program can be established in a safe, timely and cost-effective manner.

• Assisting line manager for determining the feasibility of asset acquisition through life cycle; procurement, operations, maintenance, parts, workshops and aftersales.

• Any ad-hoc engineering or administrative duty as requested by the line manager or management staff.

Moreover, administering workforce under my charge, writing technical and administrative reports, negotiating and collaborating with all internal and external stakeholders, as and when necessary are incorporated within my above responsibilities.

1999
2020
Commercial/industry
Institution of Mechanical Engineers
2018
Institution of Engineering and Technology
2018
Institution of Incorporated Engineers, Sri Lanka
2002
Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka
2020

London Doctoral Academy Postgraduate Research Summer School 2020
Graham, A., Ibrahim, M., Lisson, M., Henfrey, C., Alfandari, N., Ojo, G., Baragau, I., Mansfield, M., Scheel, A., Bichard, E., Hamed Aboelkhair, H., Marjan, A., Hettiarachchi, S. J., Parvin, A., Merton, S., Ahmed-Landeryou, M., Jenkins, C., Alli, U., Atanda, O. and Ganiyu, S. (2020). London Doctoral Academy Postgraduate Research Summer School 2020. London South Bank University.

Enhancing engine oil performance using nanoparticles and bio-lubricants as additives
Hettiarachchi, S. J., Kellici, S. and Bowen, D.J. (2020). Enhancing engine oil performance using nanoparticles and bio-lubricants as additives. London Doctoral Academy Postgraduate Research Summer School 2020. Online 06 - 09 Jul 2020 London South Bank University.

Chemical functionalisation of 2D materials via batch and continuous hydrothermal flow synthesis
Alli, U., Hettiarachchi, S. and Kellici, S. (2020). Chemical functionalisation of 2D materials via batch and continuous hydrothermal flow synthesis. Chemistry–A European Journal. https://doi.org/10.1002/chem.202000383

Enhancing engine oil performance using nanoparticles and bio-lubricants as additives
Hettiarachchi, S. (2022). Enhancing engine oil performance using nanoparticles and bio-lubricants as additives. PhD Thesis London South Bank University School of Engineering https://doi.org/10.18744/lsbu.92806

Nanostructured Al2O3/Graphene Additive in Bio-Based Lubricant: A Novel Approach to Improve Engine Performance
Hettiarachchi, S., Bowen, D.J., Kershaw, M, Baragau, I., Nicolaev, A and Kellici, S. (2023). Nanostructured Al2O3/Graphene Additive in Bio-Based Lubricant: A Novel Approach to Improve Engine Performance. Tribology International . 186, p. 108619. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.triboint.2023.108619

Enhancing physicochemical properties of coconut oil for the application of engine lubrication
Hettiarachchi, S., Kellici, S., Kershaw, M and Bowen, D.J. (2023). Enhancing physicochemical properties of coconut oil for the application of engine lubrication. Tribology International . 190, p. 109060. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.triboint.2023.109060