PhD Researcher · Cambridge

Lowhikan
Sivananthasarma

Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, United KingdomDepartment of Engineering,
University of Cambridge,
United Kingdom

I study the structural stability of thin-walled cold-formed steel members, with a focus on buckling behaviour, geometric imperfections, and optimisation under uncertainty. My broader research interests span structural optimisation, steel structures, computational form-finding, additive manufacturing, and optics-based measurement techniques.

01

Research

01 / PhD RESEARCH

Modal Decomposition via the Polarization Method

Developing the Polarization Method for decomposing FSM eigenmodes of thin-walled steel members into physically pure local, distortional, global, and shear/extension mode components using energy-orthogonal projections.

FSMModal DecompositionThin-Walled SteelCambridge
02 / MSc RESEARCH

Analysis & Initial Design using Structural Optimization

Developed a parametric generative design workflow integrating structural optimization and finite element analysis to produce manufacturable CAD models of civil engineering structures.

Structural OptimizationFEAGenerative DesignCAD
03 / BSc RESEARCH

3D Full-field Deformation Measurement using DIC

Developed a Digital Image Correlation algorithm and GUI to compute displacement and strain fields from mobile camera images, validated experimentally against laboratory measurements.

Digital Image CorrelationComputer VisionExperimental Mechanics
02

Publications

2024
Computers and Structures · Elsevier · Vol. 302, p. 107474
S. Lowhikan, H.M.S.T. Herath & H.M.Y.C. Mallikarachchi
Journal Paper
2022
Proc. Annual Sessions, Society of Structural Engineers Sri Lanka · Colombo
S. Lowhikan & H.M.S.T. Herath
Conference
2022
MERCon 2022 · 8th Int. Moratuwa Engineering Research Conference · Colombo
S.K.L. Gunawardhana, S. Lowhikan & H.M.S.T. Herath
Conference
2022
MERCon 2022 · 8th Int. Moratuwa Engineering Research Conference · Colombo
S. Lowhikan & H.M.Y.C. Mallikarachchi
Conference
2020
Proc. Annual Sessions, Society of Structural Engineers Sri Lanka · Colombo
N. Sujeeka, S. Lowhikan & H.M.Y.C. Mallikarachchi
Conference
03

Software

MATLAB · Open Source
FSM-Lab
A MATLAB application for buckling analysis and modal decomposition of thin-walled cold-formed steel members. FSM-Lab implements the Finite Strip Method with full modal decomposition capabilities using the Polarization Method and Nodal Force Method, supporting various cross-section geometries, signature curve generation, and visualisation of mode shapes.
GitHub Request Access
RELEASING SOON
FSM-Lab v1.0
K₁K₂
Energy Decomposition
Bending and membrane energy separated across all mode classes
L·D·G·T·S
Modal Subspaces
Local, distortional, global, transverse extension, and shear mode decomposition
σ(λ)
Signature Curves
Critical buckling load vs. half-wavelength curves for stability analyses
2D·3D
Visualisation
2D and 3D buckling mode shape visualisation for any cross-section and half-wavelength
04

About

I am a PhD student in the Structures Division at the Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, supervised by Dr Jurgen Becque. My research focuses on the optimisation of thin-walled steel structures under uncertainties, with an emphasis on structural stability and modal decomposition using the Finite Strip Method.

Before Cambridge, I completed an MSc in Civil Engineering at the University of Moratuwa, where I developed a parametric generative design workflow that produces design-informed, structurally optimised members through the integration of topology optimisation and finite element analysis. My undergraduate research produced a Digital Image Correlation system for full-field deformation and strain measurement using mobile phone cameras.

Education
PhD Engineering2023 – Present
University of Cambridge, UK
Advisor: Dr Jurgen Becque
MSc Civil Engineering2021–23
University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
Advisors: Prof. Mallikarachchi & Dr Herath
BSc Civil Engineering (First Class Hons)2016–21
University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
Get in touch

Let's talk about
structures.

Open to research collaborations or any questions — feel free to reach out.