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.
doc. Ing. Zdeněk Jegla, Ph.D.
Councillor external :
Ing. Milan Kořista, Ph.D.

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 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.

2. Active control of flow with strong vortex structures

   In the off-design operating modes of turbomachines, strong vortical structures occur (e.g. vortex rope in the hydraulic turbine draft tube, inlet recirculation at the pump suction) which deteriorate the operating parameters (lower efficiency, characteristic curve instability, cavitation, pressure pulsation, etc.). One option to counteract this is the use of active control based on liquid injection. The aim of this dissertation is to investigate these possibilities using both computational simulations and experimental modelling. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

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

3. Adsorption research for the capture of carbon dioxide and oxygen within carbon capture technologies

   Gas separation is a very dynamically developing area, and in the future, classical energy will not be able to do without it. Separation will be necessary for oxy-combustion as well as for the subsequent cleaning of flue gases and handling of carbon dioxide. The topic of the dissertation focuses on this area, the specific focus will be determined on the basis of the progress of the research works and the obtained grant funds.

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

4. 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 running research project National Hydrogen Mobility Center.

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

5. Advanced soft computing methods in inverse heat transfer problems

   In many applications involving heat transfer, boundary conditions or material properties that lead to the desired thermal behaviour of the system need to be determined inversely. Thus, these are indirect (inverse) problems in which conditions, which cause a particular response of the system, need to be determined from the such response. An inverse solution to heat transfer problems is a challenging task since these problems are ill-posed and a small deviation or error in the input data causes a significant change in the output data. In the past, iterative methods (e.g., the Levenberg-Marquardt method) were mainly used for solving inverse problems. In recent years, however, there has been an increase in the use of soft computing methods that allow a more efficient search for a sufficiently accurate solution. Soft computing methods in this respect include e.g. nature-inspired metaheuristic algorithms, neural networks or fuzzy logic. The aim of the topic will be to propose or suitably modify existing computational algorithms, implement them efficiently and verify their functionality in solving inverse heat transfer problems. The topic is a part of a running research project funded by the Czech Science Foundation.

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

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. Cryogenic cooling and gas separation

   In the context of the search for sources of hydrogen for energy use, it is necessary to search for and explore new methods of gas separation and purification. One prospective route is condensation, whereby individual components can be separated from gas mixtures at very low temperatures to produce high purity hydrogen. It would then also be possible to use generated or waste gases as sources of hydrogen. The work of the PhD student would mainly include the design of cryogenic exchangers and other necessary components of the technology and the solution of operational problems, e.g. freezing.

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

9. 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 is multidisciplinary. It has full technical and material support, especially laboratory equipment, technology and material for experiments. Partial financial support of the student from the project is assumed. The topic is related to an existing or submitted research project. Several months of internship at a foreign institution with the intention of strengthening international cooperation, participation in technical seminars and presentations at conferences are foreseen. The supervisor will be contacted by the applicant and the details of the study will be discussed prior to admission.

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

10. Development of spray systems for application of nanoparticle surfaces

    Nanocoatings, with thicknesses below 100 nm, are used in a wide range of applications where surface properties need to be modified while maintaining the original dimensions. Nano-coatings are widely used especially as protection against abrasion and IR radiation, the advantage of coatings is greater chemical and corrosion resistance, the possibility of altering friction and thermal resistance. Different methods can be used to deposit nanoparticles, such as X-ray lithography, nanografting, electroplating or spray coating. The main requirement is ease of application, low and homogeneous layer thickness over the entire surface. This dissertation focuses on the formation of nano-coatings by spraying, where the final quality of the coating is influenced by the chemical composition of the solution, the concentration of the nanoparticles, the type of atomization device chosen and the interaction of the aerosol with the surrounding environment before application to the surface. The resulting quality of the applied layer may not exhibit optimal parameters if the spray equipment is not properly selected or if the application conditions are inappropriate. The aim of this work is to assess the effect of aerosol formation (grid atomizer, ultrasonic atomizer, dual media atomizer) and ambient conditions (humidity, temperature, flow rate) on the quality of the deposited layer for the chemical solutions used with a wide concentration of nanoparticles. The topic is multidisciplinary. It has full technical and material support, especially laboratory equipment, technology and material for experiments. Partial financial support of the student from the project is assumed. The topic is related to an existing or submitted research project. Several months of internship at a foreign institution with the intention of strengthening international cooperation, participation in technical seminars and presentations at conferences are foreseen. The supervisor will be contacted by the applicant and the details of the study will be discussed prior to admission.

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

11. Effect of the sealing gap on the operation of the hydraulic machine

    The sealing gap is the space between the rotor and the stator separating fluid of different pressures. The design of the sealing gap is closely related to the efficiency of the machine and the dynamics of the rotor. The aim of the PhD study will be to model the sealing gap and optimize the sealing gap with respect to the efficiency and rotor dynamics. Another objective of the thesis will be the diagnosis of sealing gap in terms of their failures, where we can encounter an increase in roughness in the sealing gap area due to impurities in the fluid or due to the loosening of the sealing ring.

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

12. Energy recovery for higher heads and low discharges

    Water supply networks are equipped with pressure reducing valves that reduce the pressure in front of the tapping points to safe values. When using e.g. pumps in turbine mode, the pressure reducing valves can be removed and the previously pressure-reduced energy can be used to generate electricity. Unfortunately, there are a large number of sites with relatively high heads and low flow rates where conventional turbine mode pumps are not suitable. The aim of this dissertation will be to investigate how to recover pressure energy most efficiently in these conditions and to design a hydraulic machine for these conditions. The research will be carried out within the framework of an international research project.

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

13. Full characteristics of the hydraulic machine

    Pumps or turbines are designed for the specific conditions under which they run with optimal performance. However, in connection with an ever-expanding operating range or during transient events, these machines also get far away from the normal operating range for a certain period of time. The doctoral study will focus on the determination of the full characteristics of a hydraulic machine from both static and dynamic (vibration, instability) perspectives. Measurements of machines with different specific speeds will be carried out.

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

14. Heat transfer enhancement under fouling conditions

    Practical implementation of the current trend of optimal use of waste heat in industrial processes and energy brings a number of challenges and limits - typically spatial (i.e. equipment dimensions vs. available space) and operational (for example, permissible pressure losses). This requires the deployment of a suitable thermally intensified technical solution, most often using one of the available elements of passive heat transfer enhancement. The most problematic from this point of view is the use of waste heat in conditions of working substances with a high fouling tendency. The aim of the dissertation will be experimental research and computational modeling of the heat transfer enhancement possibilities of passive intensification elements under fouling conditions (compared to clean surfaces) in real industrial operations. The topic is part of the solution of key research projects.

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

15. Heat transfer in a porous bulk medium

    The issue of thermal energy accumulation develops the areas of low-temperature accumulation in soil and high-temperature accumulation in loose materials. In this context, there is a need for a detailed description of the heat transfer between the grains of the bulk medium, which is characterized by different porosity and different grain contact in specific applications. A detailed description of heat transfer from a solid wall to a loose medium also requires attention. The given topic of study will be focused on the experimental identification of heat transfer in a porous loose medium and the mathematical description of heat transfer in this medium. The topic will be shaped by problems processed within the framework of solving related research tasks.

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

16. Instabilities arising during flow around solid body

    Excitation and instabilities occur when a fluid flows around a solid body. Probably the most well-known excitation is from karman vortices, or instabilities such as stream breaking, fluttering or galloping on the body. The aim of this dissertation will be to model these phenomena, conduct experimental investigations and propose measures to prevent these instabilities or to exploit these oscillations for energy gain.

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

17. Investigation of hydrodynamic cavitation and supercavitation for water treatment device CaviPlasma

    The CaviPlasma device combines hydrodynamic cavitation and low-temperature plasma discharge to clean wastewater from biological pollutants (bacteria, cyanobacteria) but also from residues of pharmaceuticals, contraceptives, pesticides, etc. The aim of the dissertation is to optimize the hydraulic part, i.e. to investigate the optimal generation of cavitation or supercavitation to ensure effective elimination of contaminants. A combination of CFD simulations and experimental research in a hydraulic laboratory using high-speed visualisation will be used. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

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

18. Lifetime consumption of a water machine depending on the power output

    The lifetime of the individual parts of a water machine (blades, blade housings, bearings) is closely related to the operating condition. The influence of cavitation or machine vibration is very important, where especially low power, but also overload, significantly consume the lifetime of individual parts. The aim of the dissertation will be to determine the consumption of the lifetime of individual parts as a function of performance. Measurements on a large water turbine are planned within the project.

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

19. Methods for dynamic simulation of energy storage systems

    For the quality control and optimization of the effective function of energy storage systems (heat, cold, electricity, hydrogen), it is necessary to harmonize the functional parameters of all components and the whole system, both in individual stable operating points and especially in transient states, where the dynamic properties of the system components play an important role. The dissertation focuses on methods for describing and simulating the dynamic properties of energy storage systems with the aim of describing the dynamic behaviour of these systems and developing procedures for their simulation. The broader goal is then the possibility of virtual optimization of the systems behavior and the basis for predictive control.

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

20. Methods for dynamic simulation of heat transfer systems

    For quality control and optimization of energy efficiency of heat transfer systems (cooling circuits, heat pumps, heat/cool transfer by heat transfer fluids) it is necessary to match the functional parameters of all components and the whole system both in individual stable operating points and especially in transient states where the dynamic properties of the components play an important role. The focus of this dissertation is on methods for describing and simulating the dynamic properties of heat transfer systems with the aim of describing the dynamic behaviour of these systems and developing procedures for their simulation. The broader goal is then the possibility of virtual optimization of the systems behavior and the basis for predictive control.

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

21. Modelling and optimization of complex structures for heat transfer intensification

    Efficient heat transfer and optimal design of heat exchangers are among important areas related to the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of a wide range of devices in which heat transfer intensification is required. In the past, technologies for the design and manufacturing of heat exchangers have been limited to conventional methods. However, in recent years there has been significant development of additive manufacturing, which involves 3D printing of metallic materials. This method of fabrication opens up entirely new possibilities for the production of heat transfer structures with very complicated topologies to maximize the heat transfer area (e.g. the use of gyroids). The aim of this topic will be to develop computational models for simulations of the thermal behaviour of complex structures for heat transfer intensification and to optimise their performance with the use of soft computing methods. In this respect, it is expected to use mainly nature-inspired algorithms and metaheuristics such as genetic algorithms or particle swarm optimization. According to already published studies, these methods have considerable potential to solve this type of problems efficiently. The topic is part of a currently evaluated OP JAK project.

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

22. Non-combustion particles emitted by cars

    When cars are in operation, fine particles are emitted as a result of the wear of brakes, tires and the road. These particles represent a significant health risk, especially in urban environments. The transition to electromobility entails an increase in the weight of cars and more dynamic starts. Both mentioned trends contribute to the increase in abrasive emissions of fine particles, the production of which manufacturers are forced to limit. As part of the treatment of the mentioned topic, measurements of the emitted concentrations of particles will be carried out, their sizes will be identified and the characteristics of the particles such as morphology and elemental composition will be determined. The primary focus will be on particles emitted from car brakes. The solution will be provided experimentally by the equipment facilities of the Energy Institute.

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

23. Optimization model of battery storage for local hydrogen production from renewable sources

    Renewable energy sources are foreseen to become the main energy source for hydrogen production in the future. Renewable energy sources are inherently variable in terms of energy supply and battery storage appears to be the most suitable way of short-term electricity storage in this respect. Prior to the development of the infrastructure for hydrogen production and distribution, hydrogen will mainly be produced locally. The optimal size of battery storage for local renewable hydrogen production depends on a number of design parameters and operating conditions, many of which are time dependent and even random. The objective of the work is to develop an optimization model of a battery storage system for local renewable hydrogen production accounting for time-variable and random input parameters.

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

24. Optimization of energy harvesting device based on vortex induced vibrations

    Energy harvesting from vortex induced vibrations (VIV) is a promising option for power generation for pressure, flow, vibration or water quality sensors with the aim of digitizing the water network. The aim of this dissertation is to design and optimize such a device to ensure maximum operating range under flow rate variations and the highest possible efficiency of kinetic energy conversionunsetady to electrical energy. The research will be carried out in a broad international collaboration within the Horizon Europe project and will rely on computational modelling of unsteady flow and intensive exp. research in the hydraulic laboratory. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

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

25. Optimization of hydraulic turbine diffuser with strongly swirling flow

    Vortex rope is an undesired effect associated with the off-design operation of a Francis turbine. It is the result of instability of the swirling flow leaving the runner and is manifested by strong pressure pulsations, deterioration of efficiency, or cavitation. One of the ways to suppress the formation of the vortex rope is to influence the boundary conditions at the inlet and outlet or possibly by proper shaping the walls of the draft tube or the runner hub. The aim of this dissertation is to investigate the stability of the flow and how it can be influenced by a suitable change in boundary conditions. In particular, computational modelling of the flow and subsequent experimental validation will be used.

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

26. Physical sanitation of seeds as protection against fungal diseases and pests

    The dissertation thesis deals with the highly relevant field of physical sanitation of seeds to treat seeds and create or deepen their protection against fungal pathogens and various types of pests. In the field of modern environmental and sustainable agriculture, there is a shift from the techniques of seed pickling and the use of chemicals for overall seed treatment. European legislation currently restricts the number of active substances for plant treatment in general, and this also applies to active substances used as components of seed mordants. Physical methods, including thermal sanitation, primarily considered for their relative simplicity, can substitute chemical seed treatment methods. This work aims to obtain practically applicable knowledge for maintaining profitable agricultural and food production by introducing adaptation measures in the form of physical treatment of different types of seeds and to develop suitable procedures for technological equipment for seed sanitation by a method that will replace the currently commonly used chemical treatment method. Within the thesis, a Ph.D. candidate needs to find the appropriate method and regimes of physical treatments to eliminate undesirable surface microflora while avoiding unacceptable degradation of seed function and properties (e.g. germination, moisture, growth disturbances, etc.). The work will be very much oriented towards the experimental area. The thesis is expected to involve modern design of experiment (DOE) methods and deeper statistical data processing (e.g. Minitab software). The thesis outputs will allow the design and a gradual scale-up of the technological equipment into an industrially applicable solution for seed treatment in conventional agriculture or even for seed treatment used for food applications.

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

27. Self-excited oscillation utilization in power engineering

    The problem of the movement of a body caused by a flowing medium will be solved. Body and region boundary conditions will be chosen so that self-excited oscillation occurs for a given body and region configuration. A mathematical model will be built and an analysis of the stability of the flow and movement of the body will be performed. The solution will be performed for both compressible and incompressible media. From the point of view of energy use, the influence of the magnetic field will also be determined by analyzing Maxwell's equations. Commercial software will be used in terms of flow and magnetic field, as well as implemented own procedures. Optimization of the selected system will be carried out in terms of self-excited oscillation of the body in the fluid.

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

28. Separation and purification of hydrogen from waste gases by steam or dry reforming methods

    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.

29. The use of acoustic emission in the diagnosis of fluid machinery

    The operation of a fluid machine can be monitored using accoustic signals, cavitation on the blades or in the interior of a turbine or pump can be observed. The aim of the PhD thesis will be to determine the potential of acoustics in monitoring fluid machinery, in terms of monitoring cavitation and selected machine damage such as material loss on blades, bearing wear or cracks. The work should be based on neural networks and artificial intelligence in processing the measured data.

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

30. Transport of fibrous aerosols in flow with high velocity gradients

    Fibrous aerosol particles exist in the form of asbestos or man-made nanofibres. They can ba produced in biodegradable form as carriers of inhaled therapeuticals. Flow mechanics of such fibres is a complex taskm which has not been mastered so far. Especially transport of fibrous particles in flow with high velocity gradients requires combination of experimental and computational tools. For solution of this topic, the equipment of laboratory of aerosols will be used.

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