Full-time study

4 years

prof. Ing. Jiří Burša, Ph.D.

Chairman :
prof. Ing. Jiří Burša, Ph.D.
Councillor internal :
prof. Ing. Luboš Náhlík, Ph.D.
prof. Ing. Jindřich Petruška, CSc.
prof. Ing. Miroslav Raudenský, CSc.
doc. Ing. Jaroslav Katolický, Ph.D.
prof. RNDr. Michal Kotoul, DrSc.
prof. Ing. Ivo Dlouhý, CSc.
doc. Ing. Robert Grepl, Ph.D.

The study programme in Applied Mechanics is focused on the preparation of highly qualified experts with the prerequisites for scientific work, mastering modern computational and experimental methods in the field of body mechanics, including specific areas of mechatronics and biomechanics. The aim of the study is to provide students with the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical experience in the field of mechanics corresponding to the topic of doctoral studies. To achieve the set goals and profile, students complete the subjects prescribed by their Individual Study Plan, which creates a theoretical basis for mastering the topic at the highest level. They then prove their practical mastery of the topic by passing the State Doctoral Examination and preparing and defending the Doctoral Dissertation.

Graduates of the doctoral program Applied Mechanics have highly specialized professional knowledge and competencies, especially in modern computational and experimental methods in the field of applied mechanics, or mechatronics or biomechanics, and their use in research and development in technical and medical. At the same time, it has professional adaptability, which gives great chances for employment in research and development, as well as in the field of technical calculations and managerial positions. This is evidenced by graduates working not only in academia and private research, but also in small computer and software companies, including leadership and management positions in design, computing and development departments or sales offices of international companies. With the penetration of computer modelling and support into the field of medicine, the application of biomechanics can be expected not only in this interdisciplinary sphere of research and development, but also in newly emerging positions of computer support in hospitals and clinical workplaces.

The graduate of the doctoral programme in Applied Mechanics has highly specialized professional knowledge, but also professional adaptability, which gives great opportunities for employment in research and development, as well as in the field of technical calculations and managerial positions. This is evidenced by graduates working not only in academia and private research, but also in small computer and software companies, including leadership and management positions in design, computing and development departments or sales offices of international companies. With the penetration of computer modelling and support into the field of medicine, the application of biomechanics can be expected not only in this interdisciplinary sphere of research and development, but also in newly emerging positions of computer support in hospitals and clinical workplaces.

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 doctoral study programme in Applied Mechanics is a continuation of the currently accredited follow-up master's study programme in Applied Mechanics and Biomechanics. However, it focuses more generally on graduates of subsequent master's degree programmes in various fields of mechanics and mechatronics, or mathematical, physical or materials engineering, the graduates of which are able to continue in the third stage of study and obtain the scientific degree of Ph.D. demonstrate the ability of scientific work.

1. Adaptive control and state estimation of dynamic systems using local linear models

   The thesis will deal with research in the field of control and identification of nonlinear dynamic systems using methods based on the idea of local linear models (Lazy Learning, LWR, RFWR). The identificated inverse dynamic model will be used as a feedforward compensator in the structure of a composite regulator. The results of the research will be verified experimentally with real systems available in the Mechatronics laboratory (education models, automotive actuators, etc.) using the Matlab/Simulink computational environment and available hardware resources. Implementation in the form of an electronic control unit with a microcontroller is expected.

   Tutor: Grepl Robert, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

2. Adhesive forces and deagglomeration of fibrous aerosol particles

   The interaction between fibrous particles, their agglomeration, and the mechanisms for their redispersion are applicable in many fields. Significant potential exists, for example, in the area of drug carriers and deagglomeration in inhalers. This work is interdisciplinary in nature and requires combining knowledge from mechanical engineering, chemistry, mathematics, biology, and pharmacy. The goal is to develop precise models for calculating fiber interactions, quantifying and modeling adhesion forces and deagglomeration processes. Collaboration with foreign institutions, such as the University of Delaware, the Centre for Energy Research Budapest, and others, is anticipated.

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

3. Analysis of influence of blood flow in arteries on development of atherosclerosis

   This is an actual biomechanical topic, included in the solved project Mebiosys. It continues the works done within the framework of recent doctoral theses, which improved significantly the level of FSI analyses of blood flow in arteries and opened the possibility to investigate its impact on initiation of atherosclerotic changes in critical parts of arteries. The objective of this specific topic is to identify the quantities and parameters with significant impact on initiation of atherosclerosis.

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

4. Autonomous navigation of mobile robot in outdoor open spaces

   Autonomous navigation of mobile robots in an open outdoor environments is on of the challenges in the use of artificial intelligence methods to ensure reliable operation, especially of agricultural machinery with a high degree of autonomy. Autonomous movement of such machine in an environments withoud easily detectable features, such as highly common open fields, forests or other agricultural areas, represents a great challenge for applied artificial intelligence methods. The design of a suitable sensor system, data fusion and decision-making process is the main focus of interest in presented thesis.

   Tutor: Věchet Stanislav, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

5. Computational modelling of electromechanical activity of cardiomyocytes in failing hearts

   The aim of this work is to supplement the existing models of cardiac ventricular cells with a mathematical description of cellular mechanical activity, to mathematically formulate the changes in membrane ion transport and excitation-contraction coupling in myocytes of failing hearts, and to explore the consequences of these changes for the electromechanical activity of cardiomyocytes by means of computational modelling.

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

6. Computational modelling of impact of reduction of membrane t-tubules on electro-mechanical activity of cardiac cells

   The membrane of cardiac cells contains a system of tubules (t-tubules) that enable the spread of electrical excitation from the surface to the interior of the cells and subsequently initiate processes leading to cell contraction. T-tubules, therefore, play a key role in the electromechanical activity of cardiac cells. Chronic heart diseases are accompanied by a loss of t-tubules but a detailed mathematical analysis of the effect of their reduction on cell contractility is still lacking. The aim of this work is to supplement the existing models of cardiac ventricular cells with a mathematical description of cellular mechanical activity and to simulate the effect of pathological reduction or remodelling of t-tubules on this activity.

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

7. Design and optimization of self-cleaning radial fans for industrial applications

   The research focuses on the design and optimization of self-cleaning radial fans that efficiently separate airborne particles during operation without requiring filters or additional separation components. The goal is to reduce operational costs, improve cooling efficiency, and minimize maintenance in high-dust industrial environments, such as air-cooled electrical machines, heat exchangers, or industrial ventilation systems. The study will include numerical simulations of airflow behavior in the fan geometry, as well as the design and experimental testing of a physical prototype. The work will also evaluate the energy efficiency, durability, and environmental benefits of this fan type compared to conventional air handling systems.

   Tutor: Kotrbáček Petr, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

8. Development and experimental verification of deformation model of steel strip during continuous heat treatment

   Nowadays it is trend to produce high-grade steels without the need for a large percentage of expensive admixtures such as nickel, chromium, titanium, copper, aluminum, etc. This is achieved by appropriate heat treatment in continuous steel production. During the heat treatment, there is a significant but undesirable deformation of the steel, in which the phase changes (changes in the metallographic grid) occur during this process. The steel deforms during the heat treatment and the resulting product often does not reach the required geometry - most often flatness. Poor flatness causes, among other things, major problems in post-processing such as surface treatment, or causes problems in passing through the conveyor system. The aim of this work is to create a complex model that will describe in detail the processes that occur during continuous heat treatment of steel sheets. This model will allow to better understand the processes that occur here and will help optimize cooling to achieve better flatness of the final sheets. During the work, the measurement and simulation of the heat transfer coefficient during cooling of hot plates, measurement of the impact forces from the cooling nozzles, the study of the coolant flow on the curved surface and its effect on the cooling change are expected.

   Tutor: Pohanka Michal, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

9. Development of compact IoT sensing systems

   This PhD thesis focuses on research and developing Internet of Thing devices (IoT) for sensing mechanical and electrical quantities, and data processing directly at the measurement place and time. The wireless IoT system will be adapted from the perspective of the amount of transmitted data and with an emphasis on electrical energy consumption. The developed IoT system will work autonomously and provide data on the operation and wear of a specific machine component. Data processing directly in IoT of an embedded component, so-called edge computing, is necessary for the reduction of transmitted data, e.g. Big Data. The thesis aims to develop a methodology for integrating mathematical models into the data processing of IoT that will evaluate sensed signals on-site and will send only the results of the analysis. The thesis is in accordance with the concept of digitization and digital twins for predictive maintenance.

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

10. Dynamic analysis of hybrid rotors of high-speed machines

    The aim of the work is to research the design method of selected types of rotors of electric high-speed drives, including verification experiments. High-speed rotors can be implemented with various concepts and each of them contains an electromagnetic part that serves as an active drive. This part of the rotors is the most critical for many reasons, as it contains the driving part, which is usually the same or larger in diameter than the bearing journals. Another critical part is the connecting part of the working stage, which, however, is not always an integral part of the rotor. The electromagnetic part contains active elements that are fixed against centrifugal and axial forces by various structural elements, and it is these structural elements that are limiting factors for maximum speed, power, service life and affect the rotor dynamics and stability of the rotor.

    Tutor: Návrat Tomáš, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

11. Exploitation of structural FE models of healthy and cancer cells in simulations of their mechanical response

    This actual topic aims at computational modelling of mechanical behaviour of living cells when tested in vitro. The recently created computational model represents the inner structure of the cell (nucleus, cytoplasm, membrane, cytoskeleton) and should be enhanced with other mechanical properties. It will be further exploited in simulations of the influence of changes in cell cytoskeleton arrangement on its mechanical response under different conditions.

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

12. Fatigue behavior of metallic meta-material structures fabricated by 3D printing

    The thesis will focus on solving the problem of fatigue behaviour of 3D printed metallic meta-material structures, which due to their unique architecture exhibit unusual physical properties such as negative Poisson's ratio, negative thermal expansion, specific permeability, etc. The production of these complex structures is often only possible using additive technologies, which, however, entail the problem of changing the mechanical properties of the material compared to traditional manufacturing methods. This fact then limits possibilities of computationally based design and assessment of ,e.g., the fatigue life of a given component under planned operating loads, since the material properties of the structure after 3D printing are not standardly available. The aim of this work will therefore be to develop a methodology for predicting the fatigue behaviour of 3D printed metallic structures, taking into account factors such as printing technology, lay-up direction or material porosity and possibly others. This research will combine computational and experimental methods in order to obtain reliable fatigue characteristics of additively manufactured materials that can be used in the actual design of arbitrary structures. The obtained material models will be verified on specific meta-material structures again both computationally and experimentally.

    Tutor: Ševeček Oldřich, Ing., Ph.D.

13. Fatigue Failure of Welded Joints in Thermoplastic Structures

    Thermoplastics are repeatedly meltable plastics, a property widely utilized for joining plastic components. Plastic pipes are commonly welded using butt fusion or electrofusion fittings. Flat thermoplastic components can be joined using extruders, which deposit molten plastic directly into the weld area. This process creates geometric details similar to those found in steel sheet joints. Unlike metals, thermoplastics do not undergo significant structural transformations during heating and solidification. Additionally, no filler material with a different composition is introduced into the weld. However, the properties of such joints may still differ from those of the base material. Welds are often geometrically complex areas where discontinuities, defects, and stress concentrations can occur factors that must be considered in structural design. Currently, there is no comprehensive methodology for assessing the fatigue properties of ther-moplastic welded joints. The proposed thesis will focus on the durability and failure mechanisms of these joints, aiming to develop a systematic evaluation approach. The research will combine experimental work – measuring fatigue properties and crack propagation – with numerical simulations.

    Tutor: Hutař Pavel, prof. Ing., Ph.D.

14. Fault detection and isolation for nonlinear systems

    Application of poweful microcontrollers allows implementation of advanced supplementary functions. One of an important areas of recent development are algorithms for detection, isolation and management of faults in mechatronic systems. This work will deal with the development of new algorithms based on local linear models and soft computing methods. Theoretical and simulation results will be verified on real systems available at Mechatronics laboratory (edu models, automotive actuators etc.). The modelling in Matlab+ is expected as well as the experimental use of Real-Time Rapid Prototyping dSPACE.

    Tutor: Grepl Robert, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

15. Heat transfer from the interaction of external fluid flow with porous structures

    Exposure of metals to the ambient atmosphere results in the formation of metal oxides on their surface. This process is further enhanced at elevated temperatures, and the resulting microstructure is a porous structure filled with voids of varying sizes and shapes. Metal oxides are inevitable in many metallurgical processes. Knowledge of the thermal behavior of such a porous material is therefore essential. The student will develop a strategy to process CT images of the porous material into a 3D geometry suitable for modeling of physical phenomena using FVM. The student will develop a multiphase CFD model to investigate how the external fluid flow interacts with the porous structure. The numerical results will be supported by experimental investigations by his colleagues using their heat transfer measurement metric.

    Tutor: Boháček Jan, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

16. Heat treatment of 3D printed metal parts for aerospace

    Heat treatment of metal parts produced by additive manufacturing (3D printing) is an integral part of this production. The heat treatment of these parts is absolutely necessary to achieve a higher quality of the final product, which leads to an increase in its added value, which is crucial for the practice. This research focuses on identifying and characterizing suitable heat treatment regimes. The student will have the opportunity to participate in research on the heat treatment process of super alloys such as Titan and Inconel, intended for demanding conditions and in the field of aviation and cosmonautics (space industry).

    Tutor: Kotrbáček Petr, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

17. Innovative laser cleaning techniques for high-temperature oxide removal in industrial applications

    The objective of this thesis is to explore and optimize the laser cleaning process for removing high-temperature oxides from steel surfaces. The student will conduct an experimental analysis of the effects of various laser parameters on the efficiency of oxide removal and surface quality. The work will also include an assessment of the economic feasibility of the proposed method compared to conventional cleaning techniques.

    Tutor: Kotrbáček Petr, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

18. Lifetime Prediction of Additively Manufactured Polymeric Structures

    One of the main advantages of additive manufacturing is the ability to produce highly complex geometries. This makes it possible to consider the use of shape – optimized components or custom – designed solutions in various fields, including biomechanics and metamaterial structures. While conventional manufacturing methods still surpass additive technologies in terms of speed and cost – effectiveness for mass production, many of these intricate shapes cannot be produced by traditional means at all. For the broader application of additively manufactured components, it is crucial to understand their behavior under long – term loading and the mechanisms of failure so that these factors can be accounted for during the design phase. However, knowledge in this area remains limited. The situation is further complicated by the wide variability of materials used and the significant sensi-tivity of mechanical properties to specific manufacturing conditions. The proposed dissertation will focus on the fatigue properties and failure mechanisms of additively manufactured polymeric components. The research will be based on a combination of experimental methods, primarily targeting long – term mechanical properties, and numerical simulations of specific structures.

    Tutor: Hutař Pavel, prof. Ing., Ph.D.

19. Machine learning methods for walking control of mobile robot in outdoor spaces

    Walking robots, especially quadrupeds or humanoids, are coming to the fore in the field of machine learning methods application for the development of adaptive walking methods with respect to environmental constrains. The design of robust walking control with the possibility of real-time adaptation to the surrounding conditions and terrain profile is the main topic of this thesis.

    Tutor: Věchet Stanislav, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

20. Modelling of size effect on the plasticity and ductile fracture of additively manufactured nickel-based superalloy 718

    The mass reduction and additive technologies at the same time give rise to complex geometries, often thin-walled. Then, the size effect can be significant in some parts, which is necessary to follow not only in the plasticity but also in the ductile fracture. The work will focus on measurement of size effect and its computational modelling, including the implementation of machine learning on Inconel 718.

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

21. Optimization of the water nozzle for cooling cylindrical surfaces

    Several years of studies have shown that there are no water nozzles on the market that are optimized for cooling cylindrical surfaces. The goal of the work is to optimize the internal geometry of the water nozzle in order to achieve an effective distribution of water on the cylindrical surface, and thus the most efficient cooling. The optimization will require simulation of single-phase flow inside the nozzle and two-phase flow when the liquid flows in free space (in air). Prototypes will be made for the designed nozzles, which will then be verified using laboratory experiments. The distribution of impact pressure from water falling on a flat surface will be measured using the experimental equipment that the laboratory is equipped with, and thus the correctness of the calculation model will be verified. The effectiveness of the cooling of the cylindrical surface will be verified on an experimental device that the laboratory is also equipped with. During optimization, the use of an industrial tomograph to study the internal structure of the water jet is also assumed.

    Tutor: Pohanka Michal, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

22. Phase changes during thermal processes in micro-channels: Challenges and their solutions

    Polymer heat exchangers with micro-channels are a competitive alternative to conventional metal devices. In addition to lower weight, they also offer a significantly lower carbon footprint. Heat transfer through polymer exchangers can be advantageously intensified by using the phase change of the working medium. The student will examine in detail the processes of phase changes in polymer micro-channels and their influence on heat transfer. He will identify limits and solve technical problems in implementing the system in a real application.

    Tutor: Boháček Jan, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

23. Predictive maintenance for custom production machines

    Predictive maintenance combines the processing of large quantities of measured data with machine and plant process models to obtain accurate wear data for machine parts and potentially achieve significant economic savings. Currently, it is an intensively used, applied and researched topic of science and research. The topic of the thesis is related to a specific TACR project, which we are working on together with TOPCORE. The methods and tools of Predictive Maintenance will be applied by the PhD student to a mixing system for the preparation of potato starch based glue.

    Tutor: Grepl Robert, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

24. Role of Residual Elements from Recycled Scrap on a Heat Transfer

    Transitioning to zero-carbon steelmaking requires a comprehensive understanding of the surface-related impacts of this shift. The surface quality of advanced steel grades is essential for mechanical performance, corrosion resistance, aesthetics, and downstream processes, all dependent on precise control of alloying and processing conditions. However, incorporating residual elements from recycled scrap—driven by circularity requirements—introduces complexities that alter oxide scale behavior during steel processing. The presence of oxides with a low thermal conductivity is generally considered as a thermal barrier on a steel surface. However, in a certain industrial application, it was observed that the oxide layer unexpectedly changed a cooling intensity. The goal of the thesis is to describe the influence of scrap residual elements on heat transfer by characterization of the average Thermal insulance coeffcient.

    Tutor: Hnízdil Milan, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

25. Simulations of ductile fracture of the 2024-T351 aluminium alloy at high strain rates

    The aluminium alloy 2024-T351 is widely used in aerospace, for example. However, material failure occurs at high strain rates in accidents, which has not yet been satisfactorily studied. Therefore, the work will focus on computational modelling of ductile fracture at various stress states and strain rates.

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

26. Study of deformation processes in HCP alloys under complex stress state

    Magnesium and titanium alloys are important structural materials in hi-tech applications such as aerospace or medical industry because of their superior combination of low density, mechanical strength, corrosion resistance and biocompatibility. Nowadays, with the boom of additive manufacturing technologies, material properties need to be specifically designed for particular applications. Therefore, it is necessary to completely understand the processes that drive the behaviour of materials. The magnesium and titanium alloys have an HCP crystal lattice. Such atomic ordering resulting in a complex plastic deformation mechanism, including slip and twinning. Studying these phenomena is challenging as they combine a wide range of temporal and spatial scales from the atomic level to material grain size. The thesis focuses on investigating plastic slip and twinning under complex loading conditions at the micro level and suggesting ways of controlling these processes to achieve the required macroscopic mechanical properties. The analysis will be based on the combination of theoretical and experimental approaches. The theoretical part will include numerical simulations based on the finite element method and advanced theories of plasticity, and the experiments will be based on nanoindentation techniques that are able to create complex stress states.

    Tutor: Šiška Filip, Ing., Dr.