Dr Sunil Rohan Tittagala CEng, FIMechE, FHEA, PhD, MSc, BSc (Hons), PgCert
Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering
Summary
My academic experience and expertise have an interdisciplinary focus, and encompass the fields of mechanical engineering, manufacturing, and materials technology with particular emphasis on mechanics of solids, metal-forming processes, and industrial metallurgy. As a chartered engineer, I am particularly interested in industrial problem solving related to mechanical and manufacturing sector industries.
About
As the IMechE Accreditation Lead for the Department of Engineering and Mathematics, I am dedicated to maintaining highest academic and professional standards in the delivery of mechanical-related engineering programmes in keeping with the Engineering Council - UK competence specifications. My motivation is to see SHU engineering programmes delivered to the same high standards as those in sector leading universities across the UK. I believe, given the correct academic leadership, the department is currently geared to achieve this with its talented staff resource, excellent equipment-computing facilities, and iconic teaching-learning spaces.
I have given leadership to the accreditation events in 2021 and 2015 both of which culminated in unprecedented success. The portfolio of IMechE accredited undergraduate and postgraduate flagship programmes of the department span across the academic disciplines of mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering and automotive Engineering. I believe human resource is the most vital element in the development of any institution and I have closely worked with department leadership in staff recruitment and staff mentoring activities to develop a high calibre, highly competent staff base.
With an accomplished history of achievements in responsible roles in the international higher education sector, I believe I am a strategic thinker, capable of meticulous planning and delivering high quality programmes of work with attention to detail. What I enjoy most is working in teams with like-minded colleagues who serve the institution with dedication with students at heart rather than self-development alone.
Teaching
Department of Engineering and Mathematics
As a member of the solid mechanics and dynamics subject group, my current teaching responsibilities are primarily focused on the area of mechanics of materials, a subject I have a strong passion for. Prior to a department structural change, I have been the team leader for mechanics of solids and dynamics.
With years of teaching experience, I have developed the ability to explain complex theories in solid mechanics in a simple manner and a I am a true master of the subject area. Students learn challenging subject content with interest when they are able to relate their engineering studies to prior learning, primarily in physics and mathematics, and are able to visualise the inter-connections with real engineering applications. In my approach to teaching, I make a clear distinction between acquiring subject knowledge as different from mastering subject-specific skills and developing attitudinal change. I teach with a thorough appreciation of the diverse learning styles of students with distinctly varying ability levels, and with a compassionate attitude towards learner expectations. I do not believe in making everything ‘simple’ to achieve highest student satisfaction rates. This is an entirely flawed premise; students value and begin to appreciate their learning only when intellectually challenged, but in a highly supportive environment.
I have a strong interest in developments in engineering education. Where teaching and learning in engineering education are concerned, the pandemic has presented numerous opportunities for innovation. It has been a period of intense CPD activity. Going forward, post-pandemic I will be adopting more versatile blended TLA approaches addressing the interests of diverse student groups.
Publications
Journal articles
Tittagala, S., Beeley, P.R., & Bramley, A.N. (1983). Hot work tool wear test machine. Metallurgia, 50 (10), 434-436.
Tittagala, S.R., Beeley, P.R., & Bramley, A.N. (1983). EVALUATION OF SOME NEW CAST HOT-WORK DIE STEELS USING SIMULATION WEAR TEST. Metals Technology, 10 (pt 7), 257-263.
Tittagala, S., Beeley, P.R., & Bramley, A.N. (1982). Wear test for hot-working die steels. Metals Technology, 9 (1), 434-439. http://doi.org/10.1179/030716982803286395
Conference papers
Tittagala, R., Hadidimoud, S., & Liang, B. (2016). Addressing the UK-SPEC competence levels : challenges in programme design and delivery in a diversifying engineering HE sector. Sixth International Symposium of Engineering Education, 262-270. https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/pstorage-sheffield-5641355/5572700/OAOnlineISEE2016ConfProc.20160726.pdf
Tittagala, S., Bramhall, M., & Pettigrew, M. (2008). Teaching Engineering in a Simulated Industrial Learning Environment: a Case Study in Manufacturing Engineering. In EE2008 International Conference on Innovation, Good Practice and Research in Engineering Education, University of Loughborough. Higher Education Academy Engineering Subject Centre: https://www.advance-he.ac.uk/knowledge-hub/teaching-engineering-simulated-industrial-learning-environment-case-study
Tittagala, S. (2004). Teaching Manufacturing Technology Effectively in a Diversifying Mechanical Engineering Curriculum. In Transactions of the Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka - 2004, IESL, Colombo, (pp. 389-397). Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka
Tittagala, S.R. (2003). Standardization of steel products: related issues and concerns. In Transactions of the Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka - 2003, IESL, Colombo, (pp. 175-182). IESL
Arunajith, H.D.M., Karunarathne, K.W.D., Warnakulasooriya, F.S.K., & Tittagala, S.R. (2003). Gravity die casting as an alternative route for the manufacture of tyre moulds. In The Engineering Research Unit Symposium on 'Research for Industry - 2003', Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2003. ERU, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
Arunajith, H.D.M., Karunarathne, K.W.D., Warnakulasooriya, F.S.K., & Tittagala, S.R. (2003). Gravity die casting as an alternative route for the manufacture of tyre moulds. In The Engineering Research Unit Symposium on 'Research for Industry - 2003', Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2003. ERU, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
Ganesapiragas, S., Nanayakkara, L.D.J.F., & Tittagala, S.R. (2001). Approaches for Teaching Mechanical Engineering in Sri Lanka: Use of Modelling and Simulation. In Nanayakkara, J.F. (Ed.) Proceedings of the Conference on Future Directions and Strategies in Mechanical Engineering Education – Beyond 2000, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, (pp. 102-112). Moratuwa, Sri Lanka: University of Moratuwa: http://dl.lib.uom.lk/handle/123/20062
Ganesapiragas, S., Nanayakkara, L.D.J.F., & Tittagala, S.R. (2001). Approaches for Teaching Mechanical Engineering in Sri Lanka: Use of Modelling and Simulation. In Nanayakkara, J.F. (Ed.) Proceedings of the Conference on Future Directions and Strategies in Mechanical Engineering Education – Beyond 2000, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, (pp. 102-112). Moratuwa, Sri Lanka: University of Moratuwa: http://dl.lib.uom.lk/handle/123/20062
Tittagala, S., & Senadheera, P.D.R.S. (2001). Integration of Mechatronics: Strategies and Some Case Studies. In Nanayakkara, J.F. (Ed.) Proceedings of the Conference on Future Directions and Strategies in Mechanical Engineering Education – Beyond 2000, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, (pp. 95-101). Moratuwa, Sri Lanka: Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Moratuwa: http://dl.lib.uom.lk/handle/123/20063
Tittagala, S. (2001). Manufacturing education: the industry interface. In Nanayakkara, L.D.J.F. (Ed.) Conference on Future Directions and Strategies in Mechanical Engineering Education – Beyond 2000, Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2001. University of Moratuwa
Tittagala, S., & Navarathna, N.P.N.M. (2000). Design and Construction of an Energy-Efficient Furnace for Melting Non-ferrous Alloys in Local Foundry Industry. In Proceedings of the ERU Seminar on Research for Industry - 2000, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2000. Engineering Research Unit, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
Tittagala, S., & Navarathna, N.P.N.M. (2000). Design and Construction of an Energy-Efficient Furnace for Melting Non-ferrous Alloys in Local Foundry Industry. In Proceedings of the ERU Seminar on Research for Industry - 2000, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2000. Engineering Research Unit, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
Tittagala, S. (2000). Technical Aspects and Quality Concerns of Reinforcing Steel for Construction Industry. In 19th Annual Sessions of the National Construction Contractors Association of Sri Lanka, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Tilakawardena, D., & Tittagala, S. (1996). A Nitriding Technique for Improving Die Life. In Proceedings of the ERU Seminar on Industry Related Research 1995, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, (pp. 69-78). Moratuwa, Sri Lanka: Engineering Research Unit, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
Tilakawardena, D., & Tittagala, S. (1996). A Nitriding Technique for Improving Die Life. In Proceedings of the ERU Seminar on Industry Related Research 1995, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, (pp. 69-78). Moratuwa, Sri Lanka: Engineering Research Unit, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
Tittagala, S., & Wijayathunga, V.N. (1996). Serviceability of Bolt-Nut Assemblies. In Proceedings of the ERU Seminar on Research for Industry - 1996, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 1996. Engineering Research Unit, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
Tittagala, S., & Wijayathunga, V.N. (1996). Serviceability of Bolt-Nut Assemblies. In Proceedings of the ERU Seminar on Research for Industry - 1996, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 1996. Engineering Research Unit, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
Tittagala, S. (1990). Metal-working Industry in Sri Lanka : welding, casting and metal-forming (Country Report). In Seminar on Welding, Casting and Metal-forming, Tokyo, Japan, 6 March 1990 - 9 March 1990 (pp. 301-319). Science and Technology Agency of Japan
Presentations
Tittagala, S. (2023). A Level mechanics: the interface with aerospace, automotive and mechanical engineering. Presented at: The Association of Science Education (ASE) Annual Conference 2023, Sheffield, UK, 2023
Tittagala, S. (2022). A-Level mechanics in mechanical, aerospace, and automotive engineering. Presented at: IMA Festival of Mathematics and its Applications 2022, Sheffield, UK, 2022
Tittagala, S., Hadidimoud, S., & Liang, B. (2015). Challenges in delivering the UK-SPEC learning outcomes in engineering - a non-Russell Group sector experience. Presented at: ACES Learning and Teaching Conference “Students as Partners”, Sheffield, 2015
Tittagala, S. (2005). Implementation of career guidance programmes in the university sector. Presented at: National Workshop on the Coordination of Career Guidance, National Human Resource Development Council (NHRDC) of the Ministry of Skills Development, Vocational and Technical Education, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 2005
Tittagala, S. (2004). Incorporation of social harmony concepts into the career guidance programme. Presented at: Workshop on Social Harmony Component in Higher Education, Kandalama, Sri Lanka, 2004
Tittagala, S. (2003). The role of the institutes of higher learning in modernization of the industry. Presented at: Seminar on Modern Technologies -The need for Modern Technologies and the relevant Competencies in the Local Industry, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 2003
Tittagala, S. (2001). Setting up of Industry Advisory Boards at Universities – Moratuwa University Experience (Discussion paper). Presented at: UGC – ADB (Science & Technology Personnel Development Project) joint Workshop, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 2001
Tittagala, S. (2001). Role of the Universities in Mechanical Engineering Design. Presented at: Public Seminar on Mechanical Engineering Design in Sri Lanka, The Institution of Engineers, Auditorium II, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 2001
Tittagala, S. (1999). Career Guidance Activities at the University of Moratuwa (Status Report). Presented at: Workshop for Review of Career Guidance Services at Universities, Sabaragamuwa University, Sri Lanka, 1999
Tittagala, S. (1998). Materials and Defects - Improvement of Product Quality in Industry through Non-Destructive Testing. Presented at: Seminar on Improvement of Product Quality in Industry through Non-Destructive Testing, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 1998
Tittagala, S. (1994). Electrical discharge machining (EDM) - introductory workshop on CAD/CAM. Presented at: Introductory Workshop on CAD/CAM conducted in association with the Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers Association of Sri Lanka, Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 1994
Tittagala, S. (1993). The role of coordinate measuring machines in CAM. Presented at: Workshop on Computer-Aided Manufacture, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 1993
Tittagala, S. (1993). Cutting tools in CNC machining. Presented at: Workshop on Computer-Aided Manufacture, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 1993
Tittagala, S. (1990). The technology of heat treatment. Presented at: Workshop on Heat Treatment of Steel for Small and Medium Industries, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 1990
Tittagala, S. (1985). New materials and tools. Presented at: Seminar on Robotics and Automation for Sri Lanka, Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 1985