The curriculum concentrates on the comprehensive study of materials properties and failure processes from the point of view of physics and physical metallurgy. Students should develop capability to apply their knowledge in inventive manner to new technologies and materials, such as plasma spraying, special methods of thermo-mechanical and thermo-chemical treatment, etc. Special attention is paid to the degradation processes and to the synergetic effects of various materials properties on material failure. The subjects of study are metallic and non-metallic materials, e.g., structural ceramics, polymers, amorphous and nanocrystalline materials and intermetallics.
The Ph.D. programme requires proficiency in mathematics and physics at the MSc. degree level obtained from Faculty of Science or Faculty of Mechanical Engineering.

prof. RNDr. Miroslav Liška, DrSc.

1. Ab initio study of phase stability of transition metal alloys

   Relative stability of phases for different binary alloys can be successfully studied with help so called first-principle or ab initio simulations. These methods are based only on basic postulates of quantum mechanics and do not need any input experimental data. Obtained results will be used as input data for advanced thermodynamic modeling. Dissertation work will be focused on estimation of equilibrium structural parameters and heats of formations for different alloys and their relative stability with help of ab initio calculations. The PAW method implemented in simulation package VASP will be used these work. For study of disordered or doped alloys the EMTO-CPA method will be used.

   Tutor: Zelený Martin, Ing., Ph.D.

2. Hi entropy alloys strengthened by particle disperzion

   The high entropy alloys receive considerable amount of attention these days as promising materials in many application fields. This topic shall explore in the realm of BCC hi entropy alloys with the aim of materials for hi temperature applications. For this, the materials shuld also be stengthened by particle disperzion.

   Tutor: Jan Vít, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

3. Interactions of substrate and polycomponent metal systems during metal-ceramiics bonding

   Joining of ceramic materials using metallic alloys usually involves melt of the metallic alloy that reacts with the substrate to reate the bond. The work will deall with chracterising of these interactions and with design of metallic systems that would not ude high temperature metl for creation of the bond.

   Tutor: Jan Vít, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

4. Metal matrix composites prepared by powder metallurgy route

   The study is aimed at gaining sufficient understanding and experimental knowledge about composite formation based on light metals matrix (Ti, Al etc.) containing fine particles and/or fibers, prepared by selected densification/compaction procedures and following heat treatments. In order to pursue the aim there is a need for a thorough study of the powder preparation procedures including mechanical alloying, deposition process by cold gas dynamic spraying of metallic powders in comparison with the traditional compacting methods and characterization of the texture, microstructure quantification, phase content of the deposits and finally, also selected mechanical properties. As a result suggestion for fabrication procedures for the metal matrix composite with defined properties and good application potential will be supplied.

   Tutor: Dlouhý Ivo, prof. Ing., CSc.

5. Metal-ceramic coatings for high temperature aplications of intermetallics and superalloys

   The topic deals with preparation of metallic coatings, optimization of preparation and subsequent oxidation parameters and characterisation of oxidarion resistance of the obtained final coatings. The aim of the study is a technology proposal for coating technique using classical layed deposition techniques and also non.traditionall techniques using partiall pre-oxidation of the surface layer.

   Tutor: Jan Vít, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

6. Microstructural stability of ultra-fine grained Ti alloys

   The subject of PhD study is focused on studying the structural and sub-structural changes in ultra-fine grained materials, prepared by severe plastic deformation, under cyclic loading conditions and during thermal exposition. The results obtained during this research work should contribute to better understanding of the stability of (sub)grain boundaries of UFG materials, for which the microstructural instability is an inherent attribute. Electron backscattering diffraction (EBSD) will be used for evaluation of microstructural changes as a main tool.

   Tutor: Pantělejev Libor, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

7. Surface treatment technology of metallic materials and its applications using electron beam

   Review of the possibilities for effective use of electron beam, especially with regard to the parameters of pro-Beam system installed in laboratories NETME Centre, for the surface modifications and coatings development. In another part of the application of selected technologies on the surfaces of steel parts to increase their resistance to oxidatation, wear and/or corrosion. Note: Application of electron beam technology can be modified during the first year of study, according to the specific requirements of the application domain, or actual projects of the centre.

   Tutor: Foret Rudolf, prof. Ing., CSc.