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. Adaptive control 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. Computational modelling of mechanical behaviour of animal cells

   This actual topic aims at computational modelling of stress strain states induced in the smooth muscle cells during their mechanical testing, on the basis of published experimental results. The computational model should improve the description of the inner structure of the cell (nucleus, cytoplasm, membrane, cytoskeleton) and should enable us to model multicelloular structures and to simulate stress-strain states in the vascular wall. The changes of stress-strain states of the vascular smooth muscle cells influence pathophysiological or biochemical processes in the wall; therefore knowledge on these states can constribute to understanding of the principles of atherosclerotic and remodelation processes in the vascular wall.

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

3. Fault detection and isolation for nonlinear systems using local linear models

   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.

4. Modeling of welding process using selected elastic-plastic and elastic-viscoplastic material models

   Improvement of material input data measurement for existing nonlinear material models will be achieved by developing new measurement methods. More accurate calculation of residual stresses will be made of other possible applications of nonlinear material models, which are currently starting to develop. Verification of the suitability of material models for calculation of residual stresses will be achieved by experimental measurements using currently available methods: modified hole drilling method (VUT Brno, Brno ÚAM), X-ray diffraction (ČVUT), neutron diffraction (NRI Rez). While work is expected collaboration with the Technical University in Brno, Czech Academy of IPM, EPRI and ČVUT.

   Tutor: Junek Lubomír, Ing., Ph.D.

5. Modelling of non-elastic effects of elastomers

   The topic is motivated by properties of elastomers and composites used in production of tyres. Rubber and other elastomers show large elastic strains the computational modelling of which exploits hyperelastic constitutive models. However, under extremely large strains (up to hundreds percents) also non-elastic effects occur (Mullins’effect, plasticity, viscoelasticity) and cause significant differences between models and reality as well as secondary anisotropy of the elastomer properties. Recently constitutive models are broadly developed for description of these effects. The topic aims at anisotropic behaviour of elastomers caused by Mullins’effect, implementation and exploitation of the respective constitutive models with their eventual application at fibre composites with elastomer matrix (rubber reinforced with textile and other fibres).

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

6. 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.

7. Residual lifetime of parts with residual stresses

   The aim of the PhD thesis is determination of mechanism of crack propagation in bodies with residual stresses induced during manufacturing process. The PhD student will contribute to the better understanding of damage mechanism of bodies with residual stresses, to refine the applied methods for estimation of residual lifetime and to the safer operation of studied parts. FE system Ansys and mathematical software Matlab will be used for necessary numerical calculations.

   Tutor: Náhlík Luboš, prof. Ing., Ph.D.

8. Sandwich polymer materials failure in quasi-brittle area

   Due to increase of the long term application of the polymer materials failure in quasi-brittle area became important scientific topic. Therefore, the general goal of the work lies in the accurate description of the slow crack propagation in the case of sandwich polymeric structures taking into account residual stresses. Slow crack growth can be described by the corresponding fracture mechanics parameters and using advanced numerical modelling lifetime of the polymer structure can be predicted. The correlation between experimental data of PCCL and numerical model will be presented.

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