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.

1. Cathodoluminescence kinetics of scintillators for detectors in scanning electron microscopy

   The goal of the project is the application of modified single crystal scintillators with improved kinetic properties to a fast Everhart-Thornley detector in the scanning electron microscope (SEM). The new scintillators will be developed after the extensive study of their cathodoluminescence kinetics. The methods for research of existing and looking for new scintillation materials that investigate allowed 5d-4f transitions in cerium activated oxide crystals, will be developed and used. The project is motivated by an effort to eliminate a bad decay of current scintillators resulting in a low contrast and a bad spatial resolution of SEM images.

   Supervisor: Schauer Petr, RNDr., CSc.

2. Diffusion and accompanying structure changes on the interface between MCrAlY coating and substrate.

   Study of basic modifications of structure caused by the interchange (diffusion) of elements between MCrAlY coating and substrate. As substrate model materials (elements Ni and Al, and simple alloys -Ni20Cr) and Ni-based superalloys will be used. The main aim is to specify conditions, during exploatation of machine parts in HT environment, that lead to the structure alterations and eventually to the degradation of this type of coating-machine part system. Simple (model) materials should allow to separate effects of individual elements. MCrAlY (M = Ni, Co) alloy is commonly used on parts used at high temperature, either under another (external) coatings (e.g. TBC) to accommodate large difference in some physical properties between coating proper and substrate material, or as protective coating per se.

   Supervisor: Krejčí Jan, RNDr., CSc.

3. Early stages of fatigue damage of steels for fusion energetic

   The development of structural materials for future fusion energetic is controlled by the Euratom organization. In the present, two steel variants are under consideration: ferritic/martensitic Eurofer steel and oxide dispersion strengthened ferritic steels. ODS steels will be provided by collaborating laboratories: CEA, France and PSI, Switzerland. The aim of the study will be to perform fatigue tests from room temperature to 800°C and to investigate the early stages of fatigue damage, especially the phenomenon of cyclic plastic strain localisation, the surface relief topography and the short crack growth.

   Supervisor: Kruml Tomáš, prof. Mgr., CSc.

4. Effect of progressive surface treatment on the lifetime of advance.

   The proposed topic of the PhD study consists in investigation of the effect of progressive surface treatment (aluminizing, alito-silitation) on the lifetime of advanced high temperature materials (cast Ni-base superalloys) under low cycle fatigue and fatigue-creep loading. The main scope of the study is to obtain data on the influence of surface treatment on substantial parameters of low cycle fatigue and fatigue cycling with dwells. Main attention is paid to the lifetime, strain localization and crack initiation both at continuous cycling and cycling with dwells in tension or compression. Important part of the research is investigation of structural changes in surface layers in the course of straining using optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). These results will contribute to describe the damage evolution in individual stages of degradation of material with protective layers.

   Supervisor: Obrtlík Karel, doc. RNDr., CSc.

5. Enhancement of mechanical properties of macrodefect-free composites.

   The basic components of MDF composites are cement, polymer and water. The composite have to be processing in special way. This is the work to be done on the Faculty of Chemistry at Brno University in the scope of project proposal. The main gole is to study the influence of individuall components on the mechanical properties (stiffness, strength and toughness).

   Supervisor: Vlach Bohumil, prof. RNDr., CSc.

6. Fabrication of functionally gradient ceramic laminates

   Methods of layered ceramic materials preparation by colloid methods, e.g. electrophoretic deposition, slip casting, dip-coating and/or ultrasound deposition. The work is planned to be focused on preparation and properties investigation of laminates with controlled strength of interface between layers, laminates with microlaminate layer, composite layer with particles, fiber reinforcement etc. and/or in situ synthesised composite. Alternatively it is possible to combine different colloid methods of bulk ceramic materials preparation. Collaboration with laboratories abroad is supposed (Imperial College London, Politechnico di Torino).

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

7. Fatigue characteristics of modified magnesium alloys after corrosion degradation

   This PhD theme is focused on the study of fatigue of modified magnesium alloys under various conditions of corrosion environment. Fatigue characteristics will be studied in dependence on alloys´ chemical composition, heat treatment and its microstructural state.

   Supervisor: Pacal Bohumil, doc. Ing., CSc.

8. Fracture behaviour of welding plastics pipes

   The plastics pipes are widly used for transport of gas and water. The fusion of the pipes (welding) can decrease the lifetime of the whole pipeline. There are many of standard as well as nonstandard methods and technics, that enable to judge the lifetime and influence of different material and disign factors. The main gole of this work is to modified these methods to fusion part of pipeline and study the influence of welding factors on the lifetime of plastics pipes.

   Supervisor: Vlach Bohumil, prof. RNDr., CSc.

9. Influence of mean stress in the cycle on the fatique life time and propagation of short cracks

   Study of the effect of asymmetry of a fatigue cycle on the fatigue life of selected metallic materials (duplex austenitic-ferritic steel and ferritic-bainitic steel). Determine the fatigue life curves for different cycle asymmetry. Contrary to traditional approach follow simultaneously cyclic plasticity of the material in cyclic straining and analyze the results taking into account plastic strain amplitude and creep strain (cyclic creep). Measure the growth rates of short cracks for different cycle asymmetry and simultaneously measure cyclic plastic response. Results should be analyzed with the aim to clarify the role of principal factors affecting the fatigue life in presence of a mean stress.

   Supervisor: Polák Jaroslav, prof. RNDr., DrSc.

10. Lead-free nanosolder materials

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    Supervisor: Sopoušek Jiří, prof. RNDr., CSc.

11. Mechanical properties of composite materials Al+Al3Ni especially at high strain rates

    Composite materials containing aluminum matrix strengthened by phases from Ni - Al system with Al content higher than 50% were on FME produced in recent years during postgradual studies. Composites are prepared employing diffusion of Ni into pure Al. Apart from particles, layer or layers of phases rich in Al with nanocrystalline structure are formed. Basic advantege of these composite is low specific mass. Mechanical properties, and thus limits of eventual application were not determined as yet. High rate (impact) loading should, apart from values of stress and strain characteristics, supply some information about behaviour of system consisting of plastic matrix (Al) and very hard (brittle) particles (Al3Ni) at high strain rates.

    Supervisor: Krejčí Jan, RNDr., CSc.

12. Microstructure, its Stability and Fatigue Properties of Materials Prepared by ECAP

    The PhD. work will be focused on the detailed analysis of ultrafine-grained (UFG) structures prepared by equal channel angular pressing and experimental determination of fatigue properties of UFG materials. It is expected that the work will be performed on UFG steel. The main research goal will be examination of stability of structure under cyclic loading and the mechanism of fatigue crack initiation and propagation. A contribution to relatively poor knowledge of mechanisms of the localization of cyclic plasticity in UFG materials is expected. The results will be compared with recently published ideas about localization of the cyclic slip in UFG copper having substantially different structure.

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

13. 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.

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

14. Sintering of advanced ceramic materials

    The subject of the PhD study is focused on processing of bulk (resp. layered) advanced ceramic materials from ceramic particles with size mostly below 100 nm. The main focus of the work will be the study and optimization of a sintering process with the final aim of preparation of non-defect and dense ceramic bodies without excessive grain growth. To fulfil this objective, the description of the influence of previous technological steps (powder synthesis and properties, their consolidation and shaping) on the sintering process will be required. With appropriate choice of materials (single and mutiphase ceramics, cermets,…) and technologies, the bodies with unique mechanical, optical, biological or electrical (or with their appropriate combinations) could be prepared.

    Supervisor: Maca Karel, prof. RNDr., Dr.

15. The structure and stability of intermetallic phases

    The main goal of the work is the investigation of structure and stability of selected intermetallic phases in systems containing transition metals. Properties and behavior of these systems will be studied with the help of first-principles electronic structure calculations which will be performed by the FLAPW (full-potential linearized augmented plane waves) method and by pseudopotential approach. The influence of higher temperatures on the structure and composition of the systems studied will be examined in the range of the CALPHAD (CALculation of PHAse Diagrams) approach with the help of the THERMOCALC code.

    Supervisor: Šob Mojmír, prof. RNDr., DrSc.

16. Toughness ofr polyolephyne composites with submicroscopic fillers.

    The composite on the base of PO+mineral fillers are very promissing materials.Matrix material and particales influence the properties of composites in different way. Evaluation of the relevant material parametrs of matrix enable to regulate its behaviour. The last observations show the positive influence of mineral partical (submicriscopic level) on the toughness of the composites. The very important role in composites properties playes interface and its strength. The main goal of this work is to study the influence of particle size and interface on the properties of composites. Futher to explain this behaviour on the base of polymer physics. This explanation wil lead to prepare taylor made composites.

    Supervisor: Vlach Bohumil, prof. RNDr., CSc.

17. Supervisor: Cihlář Jaroslav, prof. RNDr., CSc.