Professional Summary
Interface of experiments and modeling
I develop robust simulation workflows and translate lab-scale findings into practical tools for composite and soft-material systems, with reproducible computational pipelines.
Finite Element Modeling
Bio-Composites
Wood Drying and Infiltration
FEniCSx
Abaqus UEL
Python Automation
EU Consortia
Research-Led Teaching
Finite Element Modeling
Bio-Composites
Wood Drying and Infiltration
FEniCSx
Abaqus UEL
Python Automation
EU Consortia
Research-Led Teaching
Technical Skills & Updates
Core stack
GitHub Contributions
Reproducible, open-source tools spanning FEM solver workflows, experimental data pipelines, and research documentation.
- Documented case studies solving 1D, 2D, and 3D PDEs with FEniCSx, including diffusion problems, convergence validation, and parallel VTK visualization. FenicsX-Implementation-Examples →
- Python/Tkinter GUI for parameter-driven simulation matrix plotting, developed alongside the microdroplet characterization study in Polymer Composites (2023). Interface-for-simulation-matrix-plotting →
- Python scripts automating Abaqus input file generation, parallel batch job execution, and ODB result extraction for high-throughput FEM campaigns. abaqus-automation-inp-and-odb →
- Five ready-to-compile LaTeX Gantt chart templates for research project scheduling, from minimal single-column layouts to team resource-based timelines. LateX-Gantt-Chart-Templates →
Current Projects
Active research
- Hygroflax — M-ERA.NET EU consortium on hygroscopic behavior of flax-fibre composites, with TU Wien and international partners.
- Wood multiphase modeling — Custom FEniCSx UEL workflows for drying and infiltration phenomena in softwood, in collaboration with VTT and TU Wien.
- Short-fibre RVE automation — Python/Julia (Ferrite.jl) pipeline from CAD import and RVE generation to full FEM analysis for short-fibre composites.
Publications
Selected publications
- Zubair, J., Dsouza, R., Javanshour, F., Kakkonen, M., Tanhuanpää, O., Pournoori, N., Malafeev, K. et al. “Determination of interfacial parameters using micro-peel testing and cohesive zone modelling for wood fibre-polylactic acid composite.” Materials & Design (Elsevier), 116258, 2026.
- Dsouza, R., Belt, T. & Fortino, S. “LFNMR-informed multi-phase moisture modelling of wood biodegradation by Coniophora puteana.” Forests (MDPI), 2026.
- Dsouza, R., Harjupatana, T., Miettinen, A., Brandstätter, F., Harju, A., Venäläinen, M., Möttönen, V. et al. “Multi-phase model for moisture transport in wood supported by X-ray computed tomography data.” Wood Science and Technology (Springer), 59(2), 2025.
- Simonini, L., Kakkonen, M., Dsouza, R., Kanerva, M., Mahmood, H., Dorigato, A. & Pegoretti, A. “Tailoring the interfacial properties of glass fiber-epoxy microcomposites through a self-healing poly(ε-caprolactone) coating.” Composites Science and Technology (Elsevier), 110991, 2025.
- Dsouza, R., Kakkonen, M., Prapavesis, A., Sarlin, E., Antunes, P., Van Vuure, A.W., Kallio, P. & Kanerva, M. “Does a polymer film due to Rayleigh-instability affect interfacial properties measured by microbond test?” Composite Interfaces (Taylor & Francis), 32(2), 2025.
- Dsouza, R., Di Vito, D., Jokinen, J. & Kanerva, M. “Mutual dependence of experimental and data analysis features in characterization of fiber–matrix interface via microdroplets.” Polymer Composites (Wiley), 44(11), 2023.
- Laurikainen, P., Dsouza, R., Kakkonen, M., Kanerva, M. & Sarlin, E. “Exploring the role of fibre sizing to the fatigue of glass fibre composites using a novel, reliable micro-fatigue test.” Composites Part A (Elsevier), 107425, 2023.