Rate Professor Damith Mohotti

Professional Summary: Professor Damith Mohotti

Professor Damith Mohotti is a distinguished academic and researcher at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, Australia. With a focus on structural engineering and protective technologies, he has made significant contributions to the fields of blast and impact engineering, lightweight structures, and advanced materials for defense and civil applications.

Academic Background and Degrees

Professor Mohotti holds advanced qualifications in engineering, reflecting his deep expertise in the field:

• PhD in Structural Engineering, University of Melbourne, Australia
• Master of Engineering (MEng), University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
• Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSc Eng), University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Professor Mohotti’s research primarily focuses on:

• Blast and impact engineering, including the behavior of structures under extreme loading conditions
• Lightweight protective structures and materials for defense and security applications
• Advanced composite materials and their applications in civil and military infrastructure
• Numerical modeling and simulation of structural responses to dynamic loads

Career History and Appointments

Professor Mohotti has held several key positions during his academic and professional career:

• Associate Professor, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, Australia (current)
• Director, UNSW Defence Research Institute, focusing on defense-related research and innovation
• Senior Lecturer, UNSW, prior to his promotion to Associate Professor
• Research Fellow, University of Melbourne, Australia

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

Professor Mohotti has been recognized for his contributions to engineering and research through various accolades:

• Recipient of research grants and funding from Australian defense and engineering bodies for innovative protective technologies
• Recognition for contributions to blast-resistant design and structural engineering research

Key Publications

Professor Mohotti has authored numerous peer-reviewed papers and articles in high-impact journals. Some of his notable publications include:

• Mohotti, D., et al. (2019). 'Evaluation of impact response of lightweight composite panels for protective structures.' Composite Structures.
• Mohotti, D., et al. (2015). 'Numerical simulation of blast wave propagation in confined spaces.' International Journal of Protective Structures.
• Mohotti, D., et al. (2013). 'Plastic deformation of polyurea coated composite aluminium plates subjected to blast loading.' Materials & Design.

These works highlight his expertise in blast engineering and protective materials, contributing to both academic knowledge and practical applications.

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Professor Mohotti’s research has had a profound impact on the field of structural engineering, particularly in the design of blast-resistant structures and materials. His work is widely cited in studies related to defense infrastructure and civil protection, influencing both academic research and industry practices. Through his role at the UNSW Defence Research Institute, he bridges the gap between academic research and real-world defense applications, fostering innovation in protective technologies.

Public Lectures, Committees, and Editorial Contributions

Professor Mohotti is actively involved in the academic community through various roles:

• Regular speaker at international conferences on blast and impact engineering
• Member of editorial boards and reviewer for leading journals in structural engineering and protective technologies
• Contributor to industry workshops and seminars on defense and security infrastructure