The Ph.D. study focuses on the following fields of mechanics:
· Mechanics of solids. Theory of modelling mechanical systems, constitutive material relations with emphasis on non-linear behaviour, limit state conditions of materials and structures, mechanics of composites, biomechanics, analysis of stress, deformation and dynamic behaviour of selected groups of bodies (including composite bodies), inverse problems of mechanics of rigid bodies, modelling of stress and deformation in selected technological processes (forming), theory of experiments in interactive driving and mechatronic systems, dynamic of vehicles and of machinery, solution of selected problems in vibroacoustics.
· Mechanics of liquides and gases. Flow theory of compressible and incompressible fluids. Flow of gases and vapours. Nonstacionary flow and impact. Orientation on the flow in hydralic machines and heat engines.
· Thermomechanics. Theory of heat and substance transfer. Application of interferometry and other modern experimental methods. Thermodynamic problems of metallurgy and foundry technologies and heat treatment. Applications in the field of design of thermal power-generating machines. Inverse problems of heat transfer.

prof. Ing. Jiří Burša, Ph.D.

1. Computational simulation of sheet forming in development of tools and processes of car body parts production

   The topic is prepared and solved in a close cooperation with Skoda Auto, which participates in funding the study and offers a work position after it is successfully finished. The theme represents a broad area of problems that can be solved by a parallel work of more students. Partial problems to be solved include questions of optimal design of geometry of products, tools, material and process parameters and their influence to spring-back, stability of dimensions, workability and damage of both products and tools. Each student will work on a specific problem, which have a common goal to improve computational modeling and integrate it fully to virtual design of new products and processes.

   Tutor: Petruška Jindřich, prof. Ing., CSc.

2. Crack propagation in bodies modelled in the framework of higher order continua with material gradation

   The conventional continuum mechanics theories have been used adequately when the length scale of the deformation field is much larger than the underlying micro-structure length scale of the material. As the two length scales become comparable, the material behaviour at one point tends to be influenced more significantly by the neighbouring material points. Such situation occurs in proximity of various defects and becomes particularly important in the field of nanotechnology, where the assumption of a smeared-out elastic continuum, central to classical continuum mechanics, is no longer valid at the nanoscale where the discrete atomistic nature of matter becomes apparent. The correlations of the elastic fields of defects may then lead to an elastic response that is size-dependent and nonlocal in character. In case of functionally graded materials an interaction between strain gradient effects and material gradation occurs. The goal of the thesis is to analyze crack problems in functionally graded materials considering that the two length scales mentioned above are comparable to each other. The topic is also on the agenda of submitted GACR grant proposal and the prepared project proposal within the “OP VVV – excellence science scheme Key Enabling Technologies: Advanced Materials and Nanotechnologies“.

   Tutor: Kotoul Michal, prof. RNDr., DrSc.

3. Parameters and state estimation of dynamic model using optimization methods

   The work will be focused on research and development of state and parameter estimation of dynamic model in real-time. Application area includes e.g. traction stability systems. The simulation modelling in Matlab+ environment is supposed to use as well as experimental work with Real-Time Rapid Prototyping hardware dSPACE, which is currently de facto standard in automotive industry. Theoretical results will be practically verified on particular real model of four wheeled vehicle.

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