Course detail

Pneumobil Racing

FSI-0ZRAcad. year: 2025/2026

The course provides a detailed introduction into pneumatic systems and their elements. Students will gain practical experience in vehicle design and they will enhance their CAD modelling skills, while working on complex mechanical systems. Attention is paid mainly to understanding the function of the pneumatic system and the ability to use the acquired knowledge in designing a new pneumobil construction. The course guides students through an experience of collaboration on a team project that requires solving several interconnected problems simultaneously. The course integrates the knowledge acquired from the theoretical subjects of the bachelor's and master's study of mechanical engineering.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

3

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

Ing. Matúš Ranuša, Ph.D.

Department

Institute of Machine and Industrial Design (ÚK)

Entry knowledge

Course prerequisites are:
• familiarity with basic solutions to machine design problems
• familiarity with technical drawing and drafting
• familiarity with CAD modelling

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

Course credits will be granted to students who will actively participate and submit their partial assignments related to development of the racing vehicle in a form of technical drawings and 3D data during the winter term.
Students are recommended to participate at the lectures. Work on assignments will be monitored and reviewed by leaders of the Pneumobil Racing Teamu Brno during the whole term. Course credits will be granted after submitting the assignments. Submission deadlines will depend on internal schedule of the engineering works and on competition rules of the Aventics Pneumobil Competition.

Aims

Students will gain experience with development process using an example of a student racing vehicle with a pneumatic drive. They will be able to design a vehicle, including a complex pneumatic circuit and its controls. The course will also help to integrate students into the racing team.


• Ability to use and apply the knowledge acquired during the bachelor's and master's study of mechanical engineering.
• Ability to work in a team.
• Knowledge of pneumatic circuits and their components.
• Basic knowledge of system control using Arduino.
• Ability to draft technical drawing documentation considering functionality, usability, manufacturability as well as production costs and deadlines.

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

I. L. Krivts: Pneumatic Actuating Systems for Automatic Equipment: Structure and Design, CRC Press, 2006, p. 368, ISBN-10:0849329647
SHIGLEY, Joseph E., Charles R. MISCHKE a Richard G. BUDYNAS. Konstruování strojních součástí. 1. vyd. Editor Martin Hartl, Miloš Vlk. Brno: VUTIUM, 2010, 1159 s. ISBN 978-80-214-2629-0.

Recommended reading

VLK, František. Podvozky motorových vozidel. 3. přeprac., rozš., aktualiz. vyd. Brno: Prof.Ing.František Vlk, DrSc, 2006, 464 s. : ISBN 80-239-6464-X. (CS)
VLK, František. Zkoušení a diagnostika motorových vozidel: výkon vozidla, brzdné vlastnosti, převodová ústrojí, řízení, geometrie kol, tlumiče a pružiny, řiditelnost a ovladatelnost, životnostní zkoušky, motor, zapalování, elektronické systémy. 2. vyd. Brno: Prof. Ing. František Vlk, DrSc, 2005, 576 s. : ISBN 80-239-3717-0. (CS)

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme N-KSI-P Master's 1 year of study, winter semester, elective

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

20 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

Ing. Matúš Ranuša, Ph.D.

Syllabus

1. Introduction of the international Aventics Pneumobile Competition, introduction of the team structure. Introduction of the workstation premises.
2. Introduction of pneumatic components and basic physical principles of pneumatics.
3. Pneumatic schemes and design of pneumatic circuits.
4. Construction of pneumatic components, air tanks, valves, safety valves and pneumatic pistons.
6. CAD assembly drawings, structure of the assemblies and data sharing.
7. Structural analyses – deformation analyses of frame constructions.
8. Wheels, tyres, types of axles, driving of race vehicles.
9. Pneumatic system diagnostics, types of sensors, sensor connections, evaluation.
10. Practical part – taking part in the student racing competition.

Laboratory exercise

26 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

Ing. Matúš Ranuša, Ph.D.

Syllabus

1. Basic information about international competition Pneumobil Aventics Racing, introduction of the workplace, structure of course and Safety at Work.
2. Basic pneumatic components used in racing vehicle, basic physical principles.
3. Pneumatic schemas, design of pneumatic circuits.
4. Design of pneumatic components, pneumatic accumulators, control valves, safety valves, pneumatic cylinders.
5. Theory of racing car construction (steering mechanism, gearbox).
6. CAD modelling of components in Solidworks.
7. CAD modelling of assemblies, structure of assemblies, constraints, drawings.
8. Basics of stress-strain analysis using FEM.
9. Basics of Arduino development board programming
10. Wheels, tires, vehicle suspension, steering of vehicles.
11. Drive of pneumobile, gearbox, shifting, synchronization.
12. Diagnostics of pneumatic system, sensors, measurement circuit, evaluation of results.
13. Student’s competition.