Full-time study

4 years

doc. Ing. Pavel Rudolf, Ph.D.

Chairman :
doc. Ing. Pavel Rudolf, Ph.D.
Councillor internal :
prof. Ing. Jiří Pospíšil, Ph.D.
prof. Ing. Jan Jedelský, Ph.D.
doc. Ing. Jaroslav Katolický, Ph.D.
prof. Ing. Zdeněk Jegla, Ph.D.
Councillor external :
Ing. Milan Kořista, Ph.D. (Siemens, o.z. Industrial Turbomachinery, Brno)

The aim of the doctoral study in the suggested programme is:
• Training of creative highly educated workers in the field of energy engineering and closely related engineering fields, who will be prepared to work in research and development in industrial companies, research institutes and organizations in our country and abroad.
• To enable the doctoral student to develop talent for creative activities and further development of a scientific or engineering personality. To ensure the development of his ability to process scientific knowledge in the field of study and related fields.
• Graduates will be able to do independent scientific work, especially in the field of applied but also basic research.
• The doctoral student is guided not only to gain knowledge in the field studied, but also to its further development.
• The focus of the study is primarily on basic and applied research in the following areas: design, development and operation of energy and fluid machines and equipment, combustion, environmental engineering, process engineering, fluid mechanics, thermomechanics.
• The graduate has a very good knowledge of field theory and modern approaches in the field of computational and experimental modeling.
• The graduate has skills and abilities in the field of publishing and sharing R&D results in Czech and especially English.

• The profile of the graduate corresponds to the current state of scientific knowledge in the field of energy engineering and allows him to further develop research in the field.
• The graduate is a creative personality capable of independent and team scientific work, has sufficient skills for the preparation, implementation and management of R&D projects.
• The graduate is able to transfer results between basic and applied research and collaborate in multidisciplinary international scientific teams.
• During the study, the doctoral student will gain broad knowledge and skills in the field of fluid flow, heat transfer, design and operation of energy machines, equipment and systems.
• It is assumed that graduates will find employment as R&D workers in academic research organizations or in research institutes and departments of applied research of industrial enterprises in the Czech Republic and abroad, in ordinary and senior positions.

The graduate of the doctoral study programme in Energy Engineering will be prepared for independent and team R&D work in the academic environment, research organizations or research departments of industrial companies in the field of energy, both domestic and foreign.
The graduate will have a comprehensive view of current challenges and problems in the field of energy and will be able to respond by analysing the issue, design of appropriate models or technical measures and equipment. Therefore, they will be a suitable candidate not only for positions in the field of R&D, but also in public administration, consulting companies or managerial positions of companies focusing on energy.

See applicable regulations, DEAN’S GUIDELINE Rules for the organization of studies at FME (supplement to BUT Study and Examination Rules)

The rules and conditions of study programmes are determined by:
BUT STUDY AND EXAMINATION RULES
BUT STUDY PROGRAMME STANDARDS,
STUDY AND EXAMINATION RULES of Brno University of Technology (USING "ECTS"),
DEAN’S GUIDELINE Rules for the organization of studies at FME (supplement to BUT Study and Examination Rules)
DEAN´S GUIDELINE Rules of Procedure of Doctoral Board of FME Study Programmes
Students in doctoral programmes do not follow the credit system. The grades “Passed” and “Failed” are used to grade examinations, doctoral state examination is graded “Passed” or “Failed”.

Brno University of Technology acknowledges the need for equal access to higher education. There is no direct or indirect discrimination during the admission procedure or the study period. Students with specific educational needs (learning disabilities, physical and sensory handicap, chronic somatic diseases, autism spectrum disorders, impaired communication abilities, mental illness) can find help and counselling at Lifelong Learning Institute of Brno University of Technology. This issue is dealt with in detail in Rector's Guideline No. 11/2017 "Applicants and Students with Specific Needs at BUT". Furthermore, in Rector's Guideline No 71/2017 "Accommodation and Social Scholarship“ students can find information on a system of social scholarships.

The newly proposed doctoral study programme in Energy Engineering is being created as a new one within the institutional accreditation of the field of education "Energy". It follows on from the bachelor's degree in the specializations of the bachelor's study programme in Energy and the subsequent master's degree programmes in Energy and Thermofluid Engineering and Process Engineering. It is an education combining solid theoretical foundations in applied mechanics, design of power machines, design and operation of power systems, knowledge and skills in computational and experimental modelling in the field of power engineering and applied fluid mechanics and thermomechanics.
In the case of applicants from other faculties or universities, it is necessary that they master the above-mentioned disciplines at the level taught in these programmes.

1. A computer model of a hydrogen filling station utilizing renewable energy

   One of the obstacles to the development of hydrogen mobility is the infrastructure for hydrogen refueling; particularly in remote, sparsely populated areas. In such areas, hydrogen refueling stations, producing hydrogen from renewable energy sources, can be installed as the sparsely populated areas provide suitable conditions for installation of renewable energy sources (solar PV, wind turbines, small hydro). Such hydrogen refueling stations can also function as the electric vehicle charging stations. For this purpose, they can be supplemented with battery storage and fuel cells for the conversion of hydrogen into electricity (depending on the available power supply and other requirements). The aim is to create a computer model of such a complex refueling station with the possibility of using the model for energy optimization of the entire technology used in the filling station.

   Tutor: Charvát Pavel, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

2. A study of the flow of immiscible and multicomponent liquids

   Research of the solutions of the fluid flow of immiscible and multicomponent liquids. From this point of view, the research of liquids composed of two (or more) mutually immiscible components is a new emerging area. These liquids represent new materials, which can be utilized as lubricants, liquid seals or as fluid media in biomechanical devices. The immiscible liquids in question consist of two (or more) liquid and/or solid components (liquid-liquid or liquid-solid phases). The solid phase is represented by the particles dispersed in a carrying fluid. Their interaction with the outer environment is effected by their chemical substance, surface coating, and can be influenced by external fields. The investigation of the problem of immiscible liquids started some years ago and soon it was evident that it will have a great application potential.

   Tutor: Fialová Simona, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

3. Acoustic manifestion of hydrodynamic cavitation

   Hydrodynamic cavitation is an undesired phenomenon in operation of hydraulic machines causing pulsations, vibrations, cavitation erosion. Acoustic monitoring is one of possible diagnostic methods. Goal of the PhD thesis is obtaining correlation between acoustic footprint and cavitation erosion degree, especially using artificial intelligence elements. Investigations will be performed in laboratory of hydraulic machines and using computational modelling.

   Tutor: Rudolf Pavel, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

4. Adaptations of current and design of new equipment for modern low-carbon and sustainable energy

   The dissertation will deal with the solution of selected contributions to the adaptation of current and design of new equipment for modern low-carbon and sustainable energy. Process and power equipment (such as heat exchangers, pressure vessels, storage vessels, pipelines, etc.) have to face new challenges with the advent of low-carbon and sustainable energy (such as hydrogen technologies, biofuels, etc.). For example, supplementation, resp. the replacement of existing fuels with hydrogen means significant changes in the operating conditions of the process and energy equipment concerned, linked to production, storage, transport and consumption. Modifications or retrofit of existing equipment and the design of new, modern equipment must reflect these changed operating conditions. Expected changes in operating conditions include, for example, increased flue gas temperature behind burners, hydrogen embrittlement in transport vessels and pipelines, increased need for cryogenic applications, etc. Understanding the given issue in terms of thermal-hydraulic conditions and their impact on the safety and reliability of the equipment will be crucial for the solution of the dissertation (for specific areas of low-carbon and sustainable energy, which will be the subject of interest). Therefore, the main goals of the dissertation in selected areas of interest will include: • the search part focused on identifying the necessary operating changes, that selected modern low-carbon and sustainable technologies bring, including degradation mechanisms, computational possibilities in the area in question and their uncertainties, and the possibility of using numerical simulations for design and rating calculations and life calculations of selected equipment or their parts; • the research and development part focused on solving selected partial areas of adaptation of current and design of new equipment in terms of reflecting changed conditions, safe and reliable thermal-hydraulic and strength design or rating of selected equipment or their parts, including service life.

   Tutor: Jegla Zdeněk, prof. Ing., Ph.D.

5. Advanced models and methods in optimization of distribution network and infrastructure for hydrogen storage/filling stations

   Hydrogen and its utilization as a fuel in transportation means represent a perspective research topic with a great potential for applications. The aim of the work is to develope advanced models and to apply/adapt effective optimization methods for the design and optimization of distribution networks and infrastructure for hydrogen storage/filling stations. The topic is involved in a currently prepared research project National Hydrogen Mobility Center.

   Tutor: Klimeš Lubomír, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

6. Advanced soft computing methods in inverse heat transfer problems

   Computer simulations of engineering systems including heat and mass transfer often require the inverse identification of thermophysical properties and/or initial and boundary conditions from the transient thermal behaviour of such systems. The work is focused on the utilisation of advanced soft computing methods, e.g. neural networks, metaheuristics and artificial intelligence, to the solution of inverse heat and mass transfer problems. The topic is involved in a currently solved research project.

   Tutor: Klimeš Lubomír, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

7. Analysis and mathematical description of a vortex ring filament behavior and movement.

   Toroidal vortexes or vortex rings are one of the very stable forms of vortex filaments. Vortex rings appear very often in fluid flows, but they are not visible. There is a lot of experiments in the web which visualize vortex rings and show their interesting behavior. The aim of this thesis will be to find a mathematical or numerical solution of vortex ring movement in fluids. If it is possible, then the mutual interaction of two vortex rings will be solved.

   Tutor: Štigler Jaroslav, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

8. Capture and separation of fine particles using impaction

   The work is focused on the study of the separation of fine parts by contact with solid surfaces. Contact with surfaces can be accidental or forced by the appropriate use of inertial forces. Practically, it is an interdisciplinary problem where gas phase flow conditions are purposely created with particles so that particles collide with the wall, or particles of a particular size are concentrated in a subsection of the flow and the flow is subsequently branched. The content will be theoretical and experimental work to understand partial physical phenomena and to use them for practical applications.

   Tutor: Pospíšil Jiří, prof. Ing., Ph.D.

9. Cavitation erosion model

   Cavitation, i.e. local inception of vapor bubbles due to low pressure, can occur during operation of hydraulic machines. Consequent condensation (collapse) of the bubbles generates strong pressure pulses, which cause erosion of the machine surface. Goal of the PhD study is to create description of the vapor bubble behavior and then predict locations of the erosion and its intensity, i.e. to set up a cavitation erosion model. Model will be mainly based on numerical solution of Rayleigh-Plesset equation and CFD simulations, which describes change of the bubble radius in variable pressure field. Model will be experimentally validated in hydraulic lab of our department on exp. circuit for cavitation erosion testing and in collaboration with material engineers. Collaboration with internationally renowned teams is anticipated (UPC Barcelona, University of Ljubljan, etc.).

   Tutor: Rudolf Pavel, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

10. Cavitation on micro- and miniscale

    In connection with applications in biology, chemistry, biochemistry and medicine it is favourable to perform the experiments in smaller scales (hundreds of micrometers to milimeters), with respect to lower amount of chemicals, diagnostic methods, “dead volumes in larger circuits). Goal of the thesis is computational and experimental investigation for simpler geometrical configurations (Venturi nozzle, orifice), flow visualizations, assessing model similarities. Finally, for selected geometry, application to contaminants elimination in collaboration with chemists and biologists.

    Tutor: Rudolf Pavel, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

11. Computational modeling of the fluidized bed of combustion sources

    The topic will address the description of processes in the fluidized bed of combustion plants with a focus on the correct handling of fluid and thermal processes. The solution will use numerical modeling using control volume methods. The acquired knowledge will allow to create a more accurate computational model of a fluidized bed.

    Tutor: Pospíšil Jiří, prof. Ing., Ph.D.

12. Development of a balloon burner

    The subject of the study is an atmospheric gas multi-jet burner used for balloon flying. These burners have been developing slowly for decades and the old and proven concept today does not meet the requirements for a comfortable flight. The problem areas are in particular: to reduce water condensate from the air on the fuel exchanger tubes, black flame burnout, poor air access, Radiant heat reduction, flame geometry requirements with respect to the application, Noise reduction These are a number of conflicting requirements that require a systematic approach and a sufficient understanding of the problem. The work will include a theoretical analysis and create a mathematical-physical model of processes, including experimental verification (description, system identification) and modeled first one burner segment), later or the entire burner. Experimental and mainly simulation methods will be used in the development. The doctoral student has a task - describe phenomenologically relevant phenomena, quantify relevant quantities (by measurement, calculation) - propose promising solutions with regard to efficiency and technical, economic, legislative and other constraints. The topic has full technical and material support, especially laboratory equipment, technology and material for experiments. Partial financial support of the student from the project is expected. The topic is related to one or more existing or submitted projects and is solved in cooperation with the company BALÓNY KUBÍCEK spol. s r.o. It is assumed that several months of internship abroad, participation in technical seminars and presentations at conferences.

    Tutor: Jedelský Jan, prof. Ing., Ph.D.

13. Development of advanced spray solutions for CO2 capture

    Separation and gas cleaning applications that are based on liquid sorbents rely on efficient mass transfer in gas-liquid contactors. Liquid atomization is frequent method of increasing the interfacial area in processes where mechanical, thermal or chemical interaction of the liquid with surrounding gas takes place. Several atomizer types (pressure-swirl and twin-fluid atomizers, multi-nozzle plate, or flat-jet arrays) have been proposed and installed in spray towers particularly for CO2 capture with absorption using alkanolamine solutions and aqueous ammonia. The maximization of the interfacial area is the universal primary requirement in gas–liquid absorptive mass transfer operations. For spray scrubbing, the atomizer should produce a uniform spray with drop diameters small enough to generate large interfacial area and at the same time large enough to prevent excessive entrainment. The available literature does not answer what spraying methods suits these aspects best. Several strategies will be studied for uniform film/droplets production and mass transfer enhancement between gas and liquid phases. The main target will be reduction of the spray polydispersisty with selection of the most competitive atomization technique and its further development in line with modification of liquid rheology (non-Newtonian liquids, organic additives). Enhancement of the turbulent mixing process via external field force (ultrasonic irradiation induction, vortex flow in the spray tower) are additional options. Sensitivity of the CO2 capture process to the above aspects will be studied. The topic has full technical and material support, especially laboratory equipment, technology and material for experiments. Partial financial support of the student from the project is expected. The topic is related to an existing or submitted project. The possibility of several months of internship abroad, participation in technical seminars and presentations at conferences is expected.

    Tutor: Jedelský Jan, prof. Ing., Ph.D.

14. Digital image processing and acoustic used for measurement of fluid phenomena

    Thesis will focus on a digital image processing of video sequences and acoustic captured during hydraulic phenomena. Watching the cavitation of inlet vortices and similar phenomena, which could be caught with a high-speed camera, will be the main part of the work.

    Tutor: Habán Vladimír, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

15. Digital twin of human body for heat transfer investigation

    For evaluation of thermal effects of the environment on the human body, it is necessary to mimic the transfer phenomena on real human skin (convection, radiation, evaporation). The digital twin of the human body could determine the intensity of heat transfer to the surrounding using data from the skin of a real human body mapped to the surface of a thermal manikin. Furthermore, it is possible to determine the heat transfer coefficients, which are difficult to measure on a real human body, but form the necessary inputs for models of human thermophysiology. The aim of the dissertation is to develop a procedure / methodology for mapping real surface temperatures of the human body to a thermal manikin and a demonstrator of the digital twin of the human body, which can be used for development and testing of special protective equipment and HVAC systems.

    Tutor: Fišer Jan, doc. Ing. Bc., Ph.D.

16. Fractal geometry in fluid mechanics

    Fractal geometry is based on self-similar shapes and is very frequent in nature (e.g. plant leaves). Therefore it is suggested to use the fractal geometry for design of fluid devices and elements, where it might lead to decrease of pressure losses and pulsations, extension of the operating range or to enhancement of mixing. Fractal geometry influences origin of vortices, process of diffusion and dissipation, effects cavitation inception. Research within the PhD thesis will be extension of previous successful application of fractal geometry at our department (design of fractal orifices) and will exploit both computational simulations and experimental modelling.

    Tutor: Rudolf Pavel, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

17. Fuel nozzles of small turbine engines

    Fuel systems of small turbine engines use various methods of fuel supply to the combustion chamber, so there are different fuel nozzle designs, such as pressure swirl nozzles (simplex / duplex), evaporator tubes, spraying rings or airblast nozzles. Fuel nozzles are a very important part of the whole system, their proper function is a must to ensure sufficient engine efficiency and the fuel nozzle requirements are very high. The fuel system must deliver the exact and actually needed fuel amount to the combustion chamber. It is important to ensure good atomization and evaporation of the fuel and its mixing with the air in the entire speed range (engine control range) and especially at start-up. The work aims to classify the fuel nozzles used in turbine engines with a maximum thrust of up to 5000 N (or take-off power up to 600 kW) and to focus on a detailed description of the evaporator system and its modifications. The main subject of the work is the development and testing of the existing evaporator nozzle. The doctoral student will prepare a test stand for nozzle operation, equip it with the necessary sensors and will examine the characteristics of these systems in a given range of operating conditions (eg temperature mapping, determining the control range), assess their suitability for specific purposes and further develop the system with a focus on its problematic aspects. The tasks include: technical research and analysis of published technical solutions, their systematic comparison, evaluation of advantages and disadvantages, range of control parameters and energy requirements, description of design solutions and individual parts, analysis and physical description of their function, design and preparation of test stand for nozzle operation , functional analysis and approximate calculation of energy (heat) balance of the evaporator nozzle The topic has full technical and material support, especially laboratory equipment, technology and material for experiments. Partial financial support of the student from the project is expected. The topic is related to an existing or submitted project. The possibility of a several-month internship abroad, participation in technical seminars and presentations at conferences is expected. The work will be solved within the project and in cooperation with the company PBS Velká Bíteš. The practical part of the work will be carried out in PBS testing laboratories and in BUT laboratories.

    Tutor: Jedelský Jan, prof. Ing., Ph.D.

18. Hydraulic design of electrically-driven propellant pumps with specific concern on space applications

    Goal of this thesis is to bring design methodology for electrically-driven pumps used for pressurization of liquid green propellants used as a fuel of small rocket engines. The specific concern should be given to high rotational speed due to battery-powered electric motor, thus small impeller dimensions, cavitation protection in terms of inducer inclusion in hydraulic design, reduction of hydraulic forces, etc. Hydraulic design methodology will be verified by both CFD simulations and measurements. Measurements will be carried on scaled model with reduced rotational speed and with water as a working liquid. For CFD simulations the multiphase modelling will be used to study potential impact of propellant phase change on pump performance and cavitation resistance.

    Tutor: Rudolf Pavel, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

19. Hydrogen and hydrogen mixed fuels for internal combustion engines

    The goal is to optimize the engine and control algorithms for the possibility of burning pure hydrogen or gaseous fuels with increased hydrogen content. Mathematical models based on GT-Suite, Experiments on a single cylinder engine will be used.

    Tutor: Štětina Josef, prof. Ing., Ph.D.

20. Interference of the oscillating body and the pulsating fluid.

    In the interior of hydraulic machines there is vibration of mechanical parts and pressure pulsations in the flowing fluid. These two phenomena can not be separated from one another and must be solved together. At present, there is a frequent approach to determining additional fluid spills in mechanical parts. Methodology for determining these properties will be developed.

    Tutor: Habán Vladimír, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

21. Optimization model of battery storage for solar photovoltaic power plants

    The intensity of solar radiation incident the Earth's surface varies significantly throughout the day and all over the year. Therefore, the electricity production from solar radiation needs to be accompanied by energy storage. For short-term storage of the energy produced by solar photovoltaic power plants, battery storage systems are currently the most commonly used, as they are flexible both in terms of capacity and location. The optimal size of battery storage depends on the design parameters and operating conditions, with operating conditions being time-dependent and often random in nature. The objective of this work is to develop an optimization model for solar PV battery storage that takes into account both design parameters and operating conditions.

    Tutor: Charvát Pavel, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

22. Optimization of peristaltic pump design for medical use

    The use of peristaltic pumps is a common practice in heart surgery and dialysis. The negative effects on the flowing blood in the use of these types of positive displacement pumps are more or less known and are often neglected due to the simplicity of the device. Computational modeling of the FSI (Fluid structure interaction) task of the flexible hose and the fluid flow could help to optimize the design of the peristaltic pump, which would eliminate at least some of the negative effects on the human body. The aim will be the computational optimization of the internal spaces of the pump so as to eliminate most of the negatives in terms of understanding the flow and subsequent experimental verification of the selected model.

    Tutor: Fialová Simona, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

23. Particles emitted by combustion processes

    The topic will be devoted to the study of fine particles leaving in the flue gas stream from combustion processes. The focus will be primarily on particles emitted during biomass combustion, but will also include particles emitted during the use of alternative fuels. The topic includes theoretical and experimental work. Experimental work will focus on the identification of the concentrations and sizes of particles emitted under different combustion conditions. Materially, the topic is provided by the EU FSI BUT instrumentation.

    Tutor: Pospíšil Jiří, prof. Ing., Ph.D.

24. Preparation and combustion of liquid fuels in the combustion chambers of turbine engines

    The energy requirements of aircraft propulsion will for a long time require high-energy-density resources, ie especially turbine propulsion. The growing demands on the ecology, economics of operation and performance parameters require the continuous development of these devices, better understanding and advanced control of the processes that affect their function. At the workplace, we have long been engaged in research and development of nozzles for spraying aviation fuels into the combustion chambers of turbine engines. After solving the design of the nozzles themselves and the mechanical interaction of the spray with the surrounding gas, it is necessary to deal with other phases of the process, ie fuel evaporation and combustion, including modern trends in turbo engines. The current ambition is to create a workplace that will enable this research and development of advanced jet engines. The doctoral student will solve the preparation of the test equipment, perform experiments on it using modern optical diagnostics and in combination with CFD simulations will contribute to a better understanding of relevant processes. The topic has full technical and material support, especially laboratory equipment, technology and material for experiments. Partial financial support of the student from the project is expected. The topic is related to one or more existing or submitted projects and is addressed in cooperation with PBS Velká Bíteš. The possibility of a several-month internship abroad, participation in technical seminars and presentations at conferences is expected.

    Tutor: Jedelský Jan, prof. Ing., Ph.D.

25. Selective catalytic reduction for efficient reduction of nitrogen oxides concentration in flue gas

    The aim of the dissertation is to design an experimental unit for testing different catalysts for selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of nitrogen oxides and subsequent control of the efficiency of nitrogen oxide removal from flue gases for different types of catalysts for different operating conditions. Laboratory verification of the effectiveness of available commercial catalysts for the selective catalytic reduction of NOx, allows the evaluation of the applicability of catalysts in a particular process. Applications of selected kinetic data can be used to design a solution model of a flue gas cleaning block with emphasis on potential future applications. The thesis will combine experimental and theoretical knowledge with requirements from industrial practice. The theoretical results obtained will be used for solving research projects, for case studies, and will be presented at national and international conferences and published in reputable journals.

    Tutor: Máša Vítězslav, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

26. Separation and purification of hydrogen from waste gases

    The topic is connected to planned projects. The scope of research and development during doctoral studies will be to find ways to obtain pure hydrogen for further use. Waste gases (mine gas, coke oven gas) or gases generated by biomass gasification will serve as a source of hydrogen.

    Tutor: Baláš Marek, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

27. Solid fuel modifications for emission-free combustion

    Small heating sources burning solid fuels are one of the main emitters of particulate matter. The dissertation deals with a very topical issue, caused by the social pressure to reduce air pollution and emission burden. The scope of the thesis will be to investigate possible mechanical or thermal treatments of biomass-based solid fuels in order to achieve low particulate matter or gaseous emissions. The topic is experimental. The topic is linked to planned projects.

    Tutor: Baláš Marek, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

28. Solid particles sepration in a hydrocyclone

    Hydrocyclone separates solid particles from the dilluted paper substance using centrifugal forces. PhD thesis will focus on sensitivity analysis in connection with geometric parameters, explanation of vortical structures and conditions for achieving maximum separation efficiency. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) will be the main tool for investigations followed by experimental validation.

    Tutor: Rudolf Pavel, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

29. Study of the behavior of magnetically active liquids in capillaries

    The aim of the study will be to determine the influence of the magnetic field on the flow of magnetic liquids in capillaries and capillary-porous media and to investigate the mechanisms of flow control. Different types of magnetic fluids will be studied. It will include demonstrating the effectiveness of magnetic fluid flow control in capillaries and capillary-porous media using a magnetic field. To develop a model of magnetic fluids in capillaries to obtain the dependence of the dynamic yield strength depending on the orientation of the magnetic field. These dependences allow us to calculate velocity profiles and discharge curves of pressure-controlled MR liquid flows in capillaries and capillary-porous media in the presence of a uniform magnetic field. Design and build an appropriate experiment to verify the applicability of computational models.

    Tutor: Fialová Simona, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

30. Study of the vortex induced cavitation dynamics

    Fluid flow with appearance of vortex structures is integral part of any hydraulic machine operation. In some cases, the vortex flow might be intended phenomenon which might be necessary for proper machine function, in other cases it might be unfavorable phenomenon which might results in machine fatigue. In case that the vortex appearance is accompanied with cavitation inception (mainly due to local pressure decrease below the saturation pressure), then the significant flow dynamics develops and propagates through the whole hydraulic system. The goal of PhD thesis is to study the above mentioned phenomenon with respect to the detailed description of inception and manifestation of cavitating vortex structures. For this purpose, the advanced numerical modeling of multiphase flow will be employed together with validation using experimental measurements.

    Tutor: Rudolf Pavel, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

31. Supportive heart pump

    In the literature, a number of authors focus on the use of not only axial pumps as a heart support. However, the prerequisites for their function are often overestimated by high machine revolutions, which hide the low-quality hydraulic designs. The aim of the dissertation will be a critical evaluation of the function of existing pumps, computational modeling and design of a hydraulically optimal impeller and its experimental verification on 3D printing of the model in the laboratory.

    Tutor: Fialová Simona, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

32. System design of heat transfer equipment for the use of low-potential heat in conditions of particulate fouling

    The dissertation will deal with the development and verification of the methodology of system design of heat transfer equipment for the use of low-potential heat in the conditions of particulate fouling. The use of low-potential heat in the conditions of particulate fouling is becoming a very frequent engineering task in connection with sustainable energy, which, however, hides many difficulties in engineering practice. For example, from a technical and economic point of view, it is often necessary to first identify the optimal use of available low-potential heat based on analysis and selection of a suitable alternative (i.e., whether to use available heat for heating of water, air, thermal oil or other suitable heat transfer fluids) depending on the specific constraints of the industrial case. It is necessary to choose a suitable type of heat transfer equipment regarding the specific nature of particulate fouling and subsequently design this equipment reliably. To do this, it is necessary to have an information on the fouling properties of the particulate substance in question, which in most cases must be identified by experiment. It is therefore clear from the above information that the system approach to be developed and verified in the dissertation must consist of a precisely defined sequence of specific practical steps, including to the extent necessary not only design and calculation, but also experimental activities to achieve optimal heat transfer equipment designed "tailor-made" to the available operating conditions of a specific industrial application.

    Tutor: Jegla Zdeněk, prof. Ing., Ph.D.

33. System for continuous control of heat transfer by evaporation on the body surface

    Development of a system that will enable continuous wetting of the fabric structure (overalls / clothing) to increase heat transfer by evaporation in conditions with higher metabolic load of the body or higher ambient temperature. The aim will be to demonstrate the technical feasibility of a solution for continuous wetting of the overall clothing material in combination with a common environment and special ventilated clothing. The demonstrator will also include technology for measuring and predicting heat transfer intensity by evaporation

    Tutor: Fišer Jan, doc. Ing. Bc., Ph.D.

34. Transformation of classical hydraulic pump for exclusive operation in turbine operation

    Utilization of pump as turbine has its reasons mainly regarding to simplicity and economical aspects of implementation for small source of electricity production. The hydraulic pumps are offered in wide range of specifications with expected operating parameters for given location. Operation of pump in reverse mode has its own specifics which might be further developed so that turbine operation might be significantly enhanced. These modifications might be realized easily, but they might be also very complex leading for example to the impeller replacement for new design. The goal of PhD thesis is to carry out an analysis of possible modifications of selected pump for turbine operation and following verification using CFD calculations and experimental measurements. The economic aspects, feasibility and safety will be taken into account with respect to the achievement of maximal efficiency and reliability in broad range of operating regimes.

    Tutor: Rudolf Pavel, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

35. Transport of fibrous aerosols in transient flow and interaction of fibres with a wall

    The ability to model the flow of fibres in transient flow is needed in many engineering applications. One of them is in inhaled fibres, either toxic or pharmaceutical. The topic involves experimental visualization of flowing fibres in a channel equipped with a bifurcation in dimensions corresponding to the human trachea and the main bronchi. Interaction with a wall will be studied – mainly adhesion forces; equations for prediction of fibre behaviour during flow and contact with the wall will be derived.

    Tutor: Lízal František, doc. Ing., Ph.D.