Design and Process Engineering
· Designing, construction, calculation, technology of manufacturing, technical preparation of manufacturing including assembly and testing,
· Thermal and nuclear power plant devices such as steam and combustion turbines, steam generators, steam power plants and heating plants including nuclear power stations, industrial power engineering and their environmental aspects,
· Water turbines, hydrodynamic and hydrostatic pumps, piping systems, hydroelectric power plants, and pumping stations,
· Machinary and devices for chemical industry, food-stuff industry, and biotechnological treatment lines,
· Construction, modelling and theoretical studies of machines and devices for cutting, forming machines, industrial robots, and manipulators,
· Machine parts and mechanisms, methodology of designing machine elements and working mechanisms of general application with consideration of stochastic qualities of inputs, including the application of special types of machines and devices,
· Cars, vans and lorries, buses, trailers, semi-trailers, and motorcycles,
· Combustion engines for all types of vehicle drives, simulation of combustion engine thermomechanical systems, dynamics of driving gear, engine accessories, ecology,
· Machines and devices for in-plant handling of material and handling between operations, for the mining and transport of building materials, for passenger conveyance in buildings,
· Aerodynamic calculation and designing, flight mechanics, fatigue and durability of aircraft constructions, aeroelasticity of aircraft,
· Quality of machine industry production.

prof. Ing. Martin Hartl, Ph.D.

1. Advanced optimization models in circular economy

   The aim of this doctoral thesis is creating advanced mathematical models for waste management support planning taking into account the sustainable transition to the circular economy. It will include a comprehensive design for efficient waste treatment. Models will be developed based on the combination of theoretical math knowledge and industrial feedback. One of the thesis direction will be the formulation of a robust solution to the problem of plastic waste reduction in the oceans. The proper software implementation and the use of available computational power are an essential point of the complex design. Developed models will serve as decision-making support tool in waste management, will take their place in real case studies. Results will be presented at national and international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals. Following issues will be tackled: • Introduction of circular economy and its crucial factors. • Understanding of related math knowledge for modeling. • Creating mathematical models with real situation requirements included. • Proper software implementation. • Interpretation of results.

   Tutor: Stehlík Petr, prof. Ing., CSc., dr. h. c.

2. Computational modeling of process and power equipment fouling

   The aim of this doctoral thesis is the development of advanced mathematical models for computational modelling of selected fouling mechanisms occurring in the process equipment. Models will be developed based on the combination of theoretical math knowledge and industrial feedback and available experimental and operating findings. The implement ability of the developed models into computational fluid dynamics environment and the use of available computing power are an essential point of the work. Developed models will take their place in real case studies. Results will be presented at national and international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals. Following issues will be tackled: • Introduction to mathematical modeling of fouling in process equipment and implementation capabilities of CFD systems • Formulation of mathematical models of selected fouling mechanisms combining theoretical knowledge with real requirements and experimental findings • Implementation or creating CFD models using ANSYS tools • Interpretation of obtained results The candidates should have experience with computational fluid dynamics (CFD), be motivated to work in research, and be able to quickly orient themselves in new issues (good prior learning outcomes).

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

3. Numerical predictions of flow induced vibrations

   The research topic reflects the need to prevent vibrations that may affect the life of the equipment and its operational properties. Numerical simulations are used to predict operating states that may occur in various situations. One of the possibilities is the generation of vibrations due to dynamic nature of the pressure field. The crucial question is, whether it is possible to predict such an action with currently available tools and how precise. The aim of the thesis is to develop a tool for evaluation of the effects of fluid dynamics on solid structures and its validation with experimental data. The work will include CFD modelling, Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI), signal processing and evaluation of the data in frequency domain. This solution will be universally applicable to various areas of vibro / aero acoustics. The doctoral student will work on the following areas: • Creating a CFD model using ANSYS tools • FSI Task Solution - Flow Linking and Interaction with Solids • Validation of calculated data with time series measurement and processing Emphasis will be put on cooperation with industrial partners, with the aim to implement a joint research project. The candidate should have experience with computational fluid dynamics (CFD), be motivated to work in research, and be able to quickly orient themselves in new issues (good prior learning outcomes).

   Tutor: Hájek Jiří, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

4. Process integration of waste-to energy unit

   The aim of the dissertation is to develop and apply an effective system approach for a practical integrated design, resp. solution of “waste-to-energy” unit for thermal processing of mainly gaseous wastes and comparison and evaluation of received results with similar parameters of operated industrial technology of standard (i.e. non-integrated) design. The thesis will combine theoretical mathematical knowledge with requirements from industrial practice and with available experimental, resp. operating knowledge. Emphasis will be placed on clarity and practical applicability of created integration techniques, resp. procedures into industrial practice. The theoretical results obtained will be used for case studies and will be presented at national and international conferences and published in professional journals. The following points will be addressed: • Introduction to process integration, its current capabilities and potential for solving specific “waste-to-energy” units • Formulating an effective system approach for a practical integrated design, resp. solution of “waste-to-energy” unit • Applying a developed approach to a specific case of “waste-to-energy” unit and comparing the results of the developed approach to the parameters of operated industrial technology of standard (i.e. non-integrated) design • Interpretation of obtained results The candidate should have previous tentative experience with specific issue of “waste-to-energy” process solutions and also elementary awareness of process integration problematics, be motivated to work in research, and be able to quickly orient themselves in new issues (good prior learning outcomes).

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

5. Propagation of reaction fronts in solid fuel combustion

   The purpose of the thesis is to involve the student in the development of in-house simulation models, within the framework of a starting grant project. The production of energy from biomass, fossil fuels and waste often uses traditional and proven grid combustion technology. Increasing pressure to reduce emissions also forces manufacturers to look for new technical solutions to increase their competitiveness. The key to innovation and increased prestige of manufacturers are computational simulations, however, models for this technology are still developing. The doctoral student will work on the following tasks: • Creating a CFD model using ANSYS software • Model of macroscopic fuel structure • Description of macroscopic fuel structure development on moving grate • Description of the interaction of the macroscopic structure with the combustion process Interesting salary, support of an experienced team with a friendly atmosphere and cooperation with industrial partners are prepared for the applicants. The candidates should have experience with computational fluid dynamics (CFD), be motivated to work in research, and be able to quickly orient themselves in new issues (good prior learning outcomes).

   Tutor: Hájek Jiří, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

6. Rotary drum drying and calcination of granular solids - experiment and modelling

   The work will be focused on the analysis and modelling of phenomena occuring in rotary drum dryers and kilns. The work will include performing of experiments, statistical data analysis and data processing, designed to validate simulation models. Attention will be directed also towards the design and construction of experimental equipment and measurement techniques, precise process control and monitoring of operating conditions. Modelling of the processes in rotary drum dryers and kilns is closely related and thus the aim of the work will be a universal model for these units.

   Tutor: Hájek Jiří, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

7. Simulation of photobioreactors

   The purpose of the thesis is to involve the student in the development of in-house simulation models, within the framework of a starting grant project. Controlled cultivation of micro-algae for the innovative production of high value-added products is a new trend in developing biotechnologies. Optimizing the environment of these microorganisms requires, among other things, the ability to predict their growth depending on the environmental characteristics, which include a number of parameters such as availability of nutrients or lighting conditions. However, models for such applications need to be developed. The doctoral student will work on the following tasks: • Creating a CFD model using ANSYS tools • Description of the micro-algae population growth • Description of the interaction between micro-algae and light Interesting salary, support of an experienced team with a friendly atmosphere and cooperation with industrial partners are all prepared for the applicants. The candidates should have experience with computational fluid dynamics (CFD), be motivated to work in research, and be able to quickly orient themselves in new issues (good prior learning outcomes).

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

8. Up-to-date integrated systems for processing hazardous medical waste

   Medical waste with a production rate in the Czech Republic of approximately 40 kt/year is currently processed in a few types of specialized facilities. Considering relatively high calorific value of this type of waste there is a possibility to gain a significant amount of energy from this waste. This energy can be effectively utilized and reduction of fossil fuels usage can be obtained. The aim of this PhD thesis is an assessment of the possibilities of comprehensive energy management in the medical waste-to-energy unit resulting in maximal utilization of the produced energy within the waste-to-energy facility, for other needs of the facility operator or integrating the unit into the district heating system.

   Tutor: Stehlík Petr, prof. Ing., CSc., dr. h. c.