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. Combined cycle fatigue of superalloys

   The influence of combined cycle on fatigue behavior of superalloys at high temperatures is a matter of running research (project EU, project MPO). There are two items to be investigated. From the point of view of basic research the mechanism of fatigue damage under combined cycle loading including the role of material defects needs deeper knowledge. The experimental determination and evaluation of material parameters, which are necessary for more accurate predictions of lifetime is necessary from the point of view of engineering applications of superalloys at combined cycle conditions.

   Tutor: Kunz Ludvík, prof. RNDr., CSc., dr. h. c.

2. Consolidation and shaping of ceramic nanoparticles by colloidal approaches

   The subject of the PhD study is focused on shaping and compaction of nanoceramic oxide particles. The main task of the student will contain a study of bulk ceramics processing using ceramic particles with size below 100 nm via wet shaping methods. The research will concern primarily with methods of direct consolidation of ceramic particles. A common difficulty of all these methods lies in the preparation of a stable concentrated suspension of nanoparticles with appropriate viscosity. The solution of the problem assumes understanding and utilization of colloidal chemistry and rheology of ceramic suspensions.

   Tutor: Trunec Martin, prof. Ing., Dr.

3. Cyclic plasticity of biodegradable magnesium alloys

   Dissertation thesis is focused on evaluation of cyclic behavior of magnesium alloys for bio applications, affected by corrosion degradation. Goal of the thesis is detailed analyses of cyclic behavior of biodegradable magnesium alloys after corrosion degradation. Corrosion behavior will be evaluated in dependence on manufacturing technology, heat treatment, microstructure, corroding medium etc.

   Tutor: Podrábský Tomáš, prof. Ing., CSc.

4. Design and manufacture of glass-fibre reinforced composites

   Development of new composite materials with predominantly glass matrix formed reinforced by long ceramic Al2O3, SiC fibres etc. and/or carbon nanotubes etc. Evaluation of matrix properties and optimisation of composite properties with respect to long term resistance to application condition and mechanical loading. Very recent fabrication procedures are available within GlaCERCo consortium. Technique of microdeformation field imaging by contactless 3D methods will be applied for analyses of deformation fields, necessary for numerical modelling of optimal configuration of fiber-matrix interface. Interpretation of results obtained including investigation of micromechanisms of failures in the material investigated.

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

5. Effect of controlled crystallization and thermomechanical treatment on properties of aluminum alloy castings for aerospace industry

   The theme of thesis is focused on new ways of cooling casts during solidification by immersing the form with melt into coolants. The goal of the thesis will be the study of structural and mechanical characteristics of Al alloys in relation to the casting conditions and following thermo mechanical treatment. Such obtained knowledge will be applied at the production of casts being used as components for aerospace industry

   Tutor: Podrábský Tomáš, prof. Ing., CSc.

6. Characterisation of glass and composite bioactive coatings

   Experimental and theoretical development of coatings for ceramic and glass foam materials, selection and optimisation of biocompatible coatings. Project is carried out in the frame of EU project GlaCERCo, active collaboration in Institute of Physics of Materials Brno and other top European laboratories is supposed. Experimental methods of fracture toughness evaluation of brittle materials based on porous and foam ceramics and glasses. Suggestion of suitable test specimen geometry, reproducible method for mechanical properties testing including results interpretation. Fracture behaviour and crack development modelling, model verification, effect of coating properties etc.

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

7. In-line methods for heat treatment of rolled steel

   The aim is to develop the methods of continuous heat treatment of hot rolled materials to reach specified structure and mechanical characteristics. This theme demands a considerable scope of the study of mathematical methods, as well as experimental work applied in thermo mechanics. This interdisciplinary theme is focused on the theory of experiment, measuring methods, scanning and recording of parameters and technological process controlling. The Heat Transfer and Fluid Flow Laboratory supports the problem solution with its laboratory facilities. The study is linked with the research projects related to spray cooling. The participation in the Grant Agency of the Czech Republic/GAČR projects, which are oriented to the experimental research of hot processes, is also expected.

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

8. Material testing by small punch test at elevated temperatures

   Small punch test on miniature discs (SPT) is dynamically developing relatively new method enabling to obtain various material properties from very small volume of material. Main aim of the work is to extend use of this method on until now unused type of high temperature tests such as relaxation test (SPT-R) or test at constant stress (SPT-CS) with use of experimental and computation methods.

   Tutor: Kunz Ludvík, prof. RNDr., CSc., dr. h. c.

9. Mechanical response and fracture of (functionally gradient) ceramic laminates

   Characterisation of crack development on bi-material interface under different loading condition. Experimental methods of fracture toughness evaluation of composite materials based on ceramic laminates. Suggestion of suitable sample geometry for tests of interface strength, development of reproducible test methodology including results interpretation. Comparisons of flexural strength and fracture mechanics parameters for selected experimental materials, functionally gradient structural ceramics and advanced laminates with ceramic and composite layers. Modelling of fracture behaviour and fracture trajectory, model verification, design of mechanically optimised composite. Collaboration with Materials Science Centre Leoben and other laboratories in the frame of EU project GlaCERCo is supposed.

   Tutor: Chlup Zdeněk, Ing., Ph.D.

10. 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.

    Tutor: Jan Vít, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

11. Processing of advanced ceramics by plastic shaping methods

    The subject of the PhD study is focused on the preparation of advanced ceramics parts by plastic shaping of viscoelastic ceramic suspensions with submicrometre- and nanometre-sized particles. The main task of the student will be the research and development of ceramic suspensions with micrometre- and nanometre-sized particles and their shaping by injection moulding and extrusion. Studied ceramic materials will be chosen with respect to the intended utilization of prepared parts in bioceramic optical and electrochemical applications.

    Tutor: Trunec Martin, prof. Ing., Dr.

12. Study of substructural changes of ultra-fine grained Mg-alloys during cyclic loading and thermal exposition

    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.