Dr. Damayanthie Eluwawalage, PhD, BA (Honours), MPHA 
An Interdisciplinary/Multi-disciplinary Researcher, Professional Historian, Research Scientist, Private Pilot, Designer, Theorist, Professor

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I am a pilot and the day I got my wings was one of the happiest of my life. Inspired all my life by aviation and space, for so long it seemed like an impossible dream. It enhanced my comprehension of human and mechanical factors as well as the correlation between human elements and technical/biological factors. Understanding an aircraft structure, principles of flight, aerodynamics of flight, flight controls, aircraft systems, flight instruments, weight and balance, aircraft performance, weather theory, airport operations, airspace, navigation, aero-medical factors and Aeronautical Decision-Making has strengthened my design aptitude and scholarship immensely.

 

Research Topic: Designing Gas Masks and Oxygen Masks for Female Aviators and Female Space Tourists

The science dealing with measurement of the size, weight, and proportions of the human head/face, focusing on aviation safety primarily.

 

Research Topic: Research on space suits and its development from Mercury Project to Shuttle Program: Researching NASA Space Suit Design Concepts/Theories and Applications

This research focuses on the history and development of space suits from Mercury to Shuttle Programs.

 

Research Topic: History of Aviation Dress

This proposed publication intends to arouse interest in one of the neglected areas of universal aviation histories over the centuries.

 

Research Topic: Space Missions and the Human Cost: Historical and Sociological Research
A research on the human cost of those successful space missions in the historical, sociological and psychological contexts.

 

Research Topic: Emerging Technologies in 3D Body Scanning and Printing: An Exploration of the Potential for a New Apparel Industry and (General) Aviation Industry Paradigm

3D Body Scanning and Printing: An Exploration of the Potential for a New Apparel Industry Paradigm: The prime drivers of Mass Customization are technology (such as initial body scanning technology), supply chain transformation and organizational restructuring.

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Research Topic: 3D Scanning and Printing: An Exploration of the Potential for a New General Aviation Industry Paradigm

To explore 3D scanned and printed aviation-related accessories and applications such as, cockpit covers, canopy covers, cabin covers, wing covers, tail covers, empennage covers, engine covers, cowling covers, full cover sets for entire aircraft, engine inlet plugs, internal heat shields or sunshades, fitted hangar dust covers, propeller covers, spinner covers and carpets etc…using three-dimensional printing technologies…

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Research Topic: Sizing Systems for the New Millennium: An investigation of the Optimized Sizing Systems Generated from Anthropometric Data

The science dealing with measurement of the size, weight, and proportions of the human body.

 

Research Topic: D-SHIELD - A Lunar Dust Mitigation Technology

Mitigating the effects of lunar dust on space suits, rovers, habitat systems and humans is a critical requirement for NASA’s Artemis program and commercial lunar exploration projects.  Space suits and equipment were severely compromised during the Apollo program with only limited surface operations.  The D-Shield lunar dust protection technology is a novel approach that leverages proven operational methods from terrestrial human & machine protective equipment, and advanced flexible materials, to create robust isolation barriers that shield sensitive equipment from dust. 

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