study programme

Design and Process Engineering

Original title in Czech: Konstrukční a procesní inženýrstvíFaculty: FMEAbbreviation: D-KPI-KAcad. year: 2024/2025

Type of study programme: Doctoral

Study programme code: P0715D270017

Degree awarded: Ph.D.

Language of instruction: Czech

Accreditation: 18.2.2020 - 18.2.2030

Mode of study

Combined study

Standard study length

4 years

Programme supervisor

Doctoral Board

Fields of education

Area Topic Share [%]
Mechanical Engineering, Technology and Materials Without thematic area 100

Study aims

The main goal of the doctoral study programme is, in accordance with the Higher Education Act, to train highly qualified and educated professionals who are capable of independent scientific, research and creative activities in the field of design and process engineering. The graduates are equipped with knowledge and skills that enable them to work at Czech or international academic institutions or research institutes. The programme focuses on theoretical knowledge as well as practical experience in the field of doctoral studies. Cooperation with international research institutes is highly supported. The study programme is designed to fulfil demands and meet societal and industry requirements for highly educated and qualified professionals in the fields of design and process engineering.
Doctoral study programme is primarily based on research and creative activities of doctoral students. These activities are intensively supported by student participation in national and international research projects. Research areas include design (analysis, conception, design of machinery, vehicles, machine production and energy) and process engineering (analysis, design and projection of processes in the engineering, transport, energy and petrochemical industries).

Graduate profile

A graduate of the doctoral study programme is a highly qualified expert with broad theoretical knowledge and practical skills, which enables him/her to carry out creative and research activities both independently and/or in a scientific team. The graduate is acquainted with current findings in the field of design and process engineering and is able to apply the knowledge in his/her research or creative activities. The graduate is also able to prepare a research project proposal and to oversee a project. At the same time, the graduate is able to make use of theoretical knowledge and transfer it in practice. Moreover, the graduate can adapt findings from related disciplines, cooperate on interdisciplinary tasks and increase their professional qualifications. The graduate participation on national and international researches and cooperation with international research institutions contributes to higher level of their professional competences. This experience allows graduates not only to carry out their own scientific activities, but also to professionally present their results, and to take part in international discussions.
The graduate can demonstrate knowledge and skills in three main areas and the synergy produces great outcomes.
1. Broad theoretical knowledge and practical skills closely related to the topic of the dissertation (see below).
2. Professional knowledge and skills necessary to carry out scientific work, research, and creative activities.
3. Interpersonal and soft skills and competencies - the graduate is able to present their ideas and opinions professionally, is able to present and defend the results of their work and to discuss them and work effectively in a scientific team or to lead a team.
According to the topic of the dissertation, the graduate will acquire highly professional knowledge and skills in mechanical engineering, in particular in design and operation of machines, machinery, engineering processes and vehicles and transport vehicles. Thanks to the broad knowledge and skills, graduates can pursue a career in research institutes in the Czech Republic and abroad, as well as in commercial companies and applied research.

Profession characteristics

A graduate of the doctoral study programme is a highly qualified expert with broad theoretical knowledge and practical skills, which enables him/her to carry out creative and research activities both independently and/or in a scientific team. The graduate is acquainted with state-of-the-art findings in the field of design and process engineering and is able to apply the knowledge in his/her research or creative activities. The graduate is also able to prepare a research project proposal and to oversee a project. At the same time, the graduate can make use of theoretical knowledge and transfer it in practice. Moreover, the graduate can adapt findings from related disciplines, cooperate on interdisciplinary tasks and increase their professional qualifications. The graduate typically finds a job as a researcher, academic personnel, computer scientist or designer. The graduate is also well equipped with skills and competences to perform well in managerial positions.

Fulfilment criteria

See applicable regulations, DEAN’S GUIDELINE Rules for the organization of studies at FME (supplement to BUT Study and Examination Rules)

Study plan creation

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”.

Availability for the disabled

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.

Issued topics of Doctoral Study Program

  1. Advanced proactive multiparametric on-line and off-line diagnostics of electric drives of machinery

    The topic of the dissertation is focused on dealing with advanced proactive multiparametric on-line and off-line diagnostics of electric drives of machinery, authoritative evaluation of obtained data, storing the Internet of Things and subsequent active data processing with feedback influence on electric drive and machinery. The obtained results will be verified in selected engineering companies.

    Tutor: Hammer Miloš, doc. Ing., CSc.

  2. Analysis and optimization of business data with the use of artificial inteligence methods

    The application of artificial intelligence methods for data optimization is appropriate for problems that are difficult to solve by classical deterministic mathematical methods or where the application of exact computational methods requires an unreasonable simplification of the problem. Obtaining optimal data by modern artificial intelligence methods is an important task in data classification and prediction. The PhD student will use the following approaches to solve the mentioned task: Analysis of artificial intelligence methods, analysis of algorithms for data classification and prediction.

    Tutor: Šťastný Jiří, prof. RNDr. Ing., CSc.

  3. Analysis and search of local DNA structures

    The project represents the develop of a specialized software platform for DNA sequence analysis with focus on large volumes of data that will include required algorithms for search of structures like quadruplexes and for protein motifs analyses with visualization tools. Proposed software will be implemented as a web service and will be used for characterization and evaluation of the local DNA structures in DNA sequences with the focus to possibility to analyse whole genomes and different local DNA structures.

    Tutor: Šťastný Jiří, prof. RNDr. Ing., CSc.

  4. Ball screw durability prediction of a CNC milling machining center

    During the operation of the CNC machining center, especially when machining the customer's workpiece, its feed axis is often heavily stressed. This stress is not only caused by cutting forces, but also by the place of clamping the workpiece. It happens that only a certain part of the working part of the ball screw is stressed and excessive wear is identified here, which significantly affects the durability of the ball screw. The goal of the work is to determine the prediction of the residual durability of the ball screw using a system approach and thereby prevent the production of non-conforming parts.

    Tutor: Holub Michal, doc. Ing., Dipl.-Ing, Ph.D.

  5. Design of a tool for analysis and prediction of technological data

    Modern methods for analyzing and predicting technological data include artificial intelligence methods. These methods should be applied to problems that are difficult to solve by classical deterministic mathematical methods or where the application of exact computational methods requires an unreasonable simplification of the problem. Obtaining optimal data with modern artificial intelligence methods and algorithms is an important task in data analysis and prediction. The PhD student will use the following approaches to solve the mentioned task: Analysis of artificial intelligence methods, analysis of data prediction algorithms.

    Tutor: Šťastný Jiří, prof. RNDr. Ing., CSc.

  6. Optimization and application of cavitation nozzle technology: surface cleaning, erosion testing of materials, wastewater treatment, medical applications

    The cavitation jet utilizes the principle of the formation of a cloud of cavitation bubbles at the mouth of the cavitation nozzle immersed in the liquid. The cavitation bubbles then collapse on the surface of the body (e.g. a dirty surface) or inside the liquid (for water purification applications), accompanied by significant pressure pulses and other effects. The aim of this dissertation is to describe the behaviour of the cavitation nozzle using computational modelling (multiphase CFD model) and advanced experimental techniques (mainly high-speed camera) and to optimise the nozzle for the selected application. The thesis will build on previous extensive research.

    Tutor: Rudolf Pavel, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

2. round (applications submitted from 16.09.2024 to 27.10.2024)

  1. Aircraft parachute recovery system opening shock reduction

    The goal of study and thesis should be analysis and design of device(s) for aircraft parachute recovery system opening shock damping/reduction. Currently interconnection between fuselage and cannopy of parachute system is covered by high safety factor by regulatiuons. This increases substantially weight of structure. On the other hand also loads on canopy during opening could be reduced. Both effects will lead to decrease of total aircraft weight and improved efficiency with increased reliability and probability of safe recovery of aircraft and passengers. The study should be focused on theoretical modeling and simulation of dynamic phenomena during parachute opening with focus of loads distribution during peak shock transfered to lugs on airfcame. This should be combined with experimental study of different materials with high energy absorption capability to minimize weight of damping element for required loads. All future certification requirements should be kept in mind.

    Tutor: Jebáček Ivo, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

Course structure diagram with ECTS credits

1. year of study, winter semester
AbbreviationTitleL.Cr.Com.Compl.Hr. rangeGr.Op.
9BSZSafety of Machines and Equipment - System Approachcs, en0RecommendedDrExP - 20yes
9DMADesign-managementcs, en0RecommendedDrExP - 20yes
9EMMEmpiric Modelscs, en0RecommendedDrExP - 20yes
9LDMLogistics in Transport and Handlingcs, en0RecommendedDrExP - 20yes
9TSTTheory and Construction of Forming Machinescs, en0RecommendedDrExP - 20yes
9VNPVibration and Noise Powertraincs, en0RecommendedDrExP - 20yes
1. year of study, summer semester
AbbreviationTitleL.Cr.Com.Compl.Hr. rangeGr.Op.
9MORMathematical Methods Of Optimal Controlcs, en0RecommendedDrExP - 20yes
9KARThe Special Desing and Applications of Mobile Robotscs, en0RecommendedDrExP - 20yes
9VDETheory of Visual Style in Designcs, en0RecommendedDrExP - 20yes
1. year of study, both semester
AbbreviationTitleL.Cr.Com.Compl.Hr. rangeGr.Op.
9AJAcademic English for Doctoral Studiesen0CompulsoryDrExCj - 60yes
9BEISafety Engineeringcs, en0RecommendedDrExP - 20yes
9DDEHistory of Designcs, en0RecommendedDrExP - 20yes
9DSMEngine Dynamicscs, en0RecommendedDrExP - 20yes
9EXTExperimental Methods in Tribologycs0RecommendedDrExP - 20yes
9FLIFluid Engineeringcs, en0RecommendedDrExP - 20yes
9LKKAircraft Composite Structurescs, en0RecommendedDrExP - 20yes
9MRIRisc Managementcs, en0RecommendedDrExP - 20yes
9MBOMathematical Modeling of Machine Mechanisms cs, en0RecommendedDrExP - 20yes
9MASMethods and Algorithms for System Simulation and Optimizationcs, en0RecommendedDrExP - 20yes
9MOPMethodologies of Scientific Workcs0RecommendedDrExP - 20yes
9MLVMetrology Legal and Industrialcs, en0RecommendedDrExP - 20yes
9MPDModern Access to Diagnostics and Working Life of Technical Systemscs, en0RecommendedDrExP - 20yes
9MDTMultiparametric Diagnostics of Technical Systemscs, en0RecommendedDrExP - 20yes
9PSLAircraft On-Board Systemscs, en0RecommendedDrExP - 20yes
9PDTAdvanced Diagnostics of Technical Systems cs, en0RecommendedDrExP - 20yes
9EHDAdvanced Tribologycs0RecommendedDrExP - 20yes
9PTLHeat and Mass Transfercs, en0RecommendedDrExP - 20yes
9RIPControl Motioncs, en0RecommendedDrExP - 20yes
9TSOTheory And Construction of Machine-toolscs, en0RecommendedDrExP - 20yes
9TDCThermodynamics of Power Cyclescs, en0RecommendedDrExP - 20yes
9USZMaintenance of Machinery and Equipmentcs, en0RecommendedDrExP - 20yes
9VPRResearch Project and Its Managementcs0RecommendedDrExP - 20yes
9SESSelected Chapters of Electrical Machinescs, en0RecommendedDrExP - 20yes
9VMTComputational Modeling of the Turbulent Flowcs, en0RecommendedDrExP - 20yes
9ZVMBases of Scientific Metrology and Quality Controlcs, en0RecommendedDrExP - 20yes
9ZLLTesting of Aircraftcs, en0RecommendedDrExP - 20yes