Department of Mechanical Engineering

Scientific Activities

This section provides an overview of the principal scientific and scholarly activities of the Department of Mechanical Engineering.

Here you will find information on:

  • ongoing research projects and long-term research objectives,
  • completed research projects funded through national and Ministry of Defence programmes,
  • specific university research projects supported by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports,
  • student scientific and scholarly activities (STČ) and award-winning student projects,
  • doctoral dissertations and habilitation theses completed at the Department,
  • publication activities, including articles in scientific journals, conference papers, and other research outputs.

Ongoing and completed projects

Ongoing Projects and Long-Term Development Programmes

The Department of Mechanical Engineering is currently involved in research projects and long-term development programmes funded by the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic. The overview below provides key information on ongoing activities, including their funding bodies, implementation periods, and principal investigators. 

Project / Programme

Funding body

Implementation period

Principal investigator

Military Autonomous and Robotic Assets (VAROPS)

Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic – DZRO

2021–2027

Lt Col Roman Vítek, Ph.D.

Conduct of Airspace Operations (AIROPS)

Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic – DZRO

2021–2027

Col GS Assoc. Prof. Josef Bajer, Ph.D.

Completed Research Projects

The Department of Mechanical Engineering has a long-standing involvement in research projects funded by the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic (TA CR), the Czech Science Foundation (GA CR), and the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic. The overview below presents selected completed projects carried out at the Department, including their funding bodies, implementation periods, and principal investigators.

Project

Funding body / Programme

Implementation period

Principal investigator

New Generation Gears Pumps

Technology Agency of the Czech Republic (TA CR) – ALFA Programme

2014–2017

Prof. Jaromír Kadlec, CSc.

Research on Recoil Simulation in Small Arms

Technology Agency of the Czech Republic (TA CR) – DELTA Programme

2015–2017

Prof. Vladimír Horák, CSc.

Use of Nanofibres for Application of Bioactive Substances Using Dental Floss

Technology Agency of the Czech Republic (TA CR) – ÉTA/CEP Project

2020–2023

Col GS Prof. Zdeněk Pokorný, Ph.D., FEng.

Development of Technologies in Weapon Design, Ammunition, Armament Instrumentation, Materials Engineering and Military Infrastructure (VÝZBROJ)

Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic – DZRO

2016–2020

Lt Col Roman Vítek, Ph.D.

 

Specific university research projects constitute an important part of the scientific activities of the Department of Mechanical Engineering. They are funded by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic (MEYS) and focus on the advancement of materials engineering, advanced manufacturing technologies, additive manufacturing, numerical simulations, ballistic protection, and other areas related to specialisedchnology.

Ongoing Specific University Research Projects

Project

Funding body / Programme

Implementation period

Principal investigator

Innovative Technologies in Specialised Technology: Advanced Thermochemical Treatment, Advanced Materials for Ballistic Protection and Emerging Additive Manufacturing Technologies

MEYS – Specific University Research

2026–2029

Martin Klimeš

Advanced Numerical Simulations for Military Applications

MEYS – Specific University Research

2025–2027

Bui Thanh Phan

Completed Specific University Research Projects

Project

Funding body / Programme

Implementation period

Principal investigator

New Perspectives in Additive Manufacturing Technologies and Materials Engineering with a Focus on Military Applications

MEYS – Specific University Research

2024–2026

Tomáš Dražan

New Perspectives in Materials Solutions for Ballistic Protection, Additive Manufacturing Technologies and Process Engineering in Specialised Technology

MEYS – Specific University Research

2023–2025

Jindřich Viliš

Selected Issues in Surface and Additive Manufacturing Technologies and Process Engineering

MEYS – Specific University Research

2020–2022

David Dobrocký

The Department of Mechanical Engineering maintains long-standing cooperation with universities, research institutions, industrial partners, and organisations in the defence sector. This cooperation encompasses joint scientific and professional activities, experimental work, publication activities, and education.

Selected Partners:

  • Czech Republic: Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno University of Technology, Czech Technical University in Prague, University of Pardubice, VSB – Technical University of Ostrava, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem
  • International Partners: Technical University of Trenčín, Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, Rzeszów University of Technology

The Department’s academic staff also serve on expert committees, scientific boards, and doctoral programme boards at universities and research institutions.

Student scientific activities form an integral part of the scientific work of the Department of Mechanical Engineering. As part of the competition, students present the results of their own research, closely linked to the Department’s ongoing projects. The principal areas addressed include:

  • characterisation and evaluation of the properties of materials used in engineering and military applications,
  • design, manufacture, and testing of components produced using additive manufacturing (3D printing),
  • experimental assessment of the ballistic resistance of materials and composite protection systems,
  • analysis of the effects of heat treatment and thermochemical treatment on the properties of engineering materials,
  • numerical simulation of mechanical, thermal, and dynamic processes and comparison of simulation results with experimental data,
  • mechanical testing of materials and structures, including failure and service-life analysis,
  • design and validation of laboratory test fixtures, measurement methods, and experimental equipment,
  • investigation of design, manufacturing, and materials engineering problems related to military technology.

Listed below are students of the Department of Mechanical Engineering (K-216) who received awards in Section 1 – Mechanical Engineering and Materials, Manufacturing Technologies of the Student Scientific Activities Competition organised by the Faculty of Military Technology.

2026

PlaceAuthorTitleSupervisor
1stCPL Jindřich KubíčekDesign of a Reconnaissance UGV for Selected Units of the Czech Armed ForcesJiří Procházka
2ndVojtěch SyselDesign of an Additively Manufactured Interlayer with an Energy-Dissipating Architecture for Enhanced Ballistic Resistance of Composite MaterialsJindřich Viliš
3rdCPL Ondřej JízdnýDetailed Design of a Measurement System for JetSurf Waterjet TestingLenka Dobšáková

2025

PlaceAuthorTitleSupervisor
1stSFC Radka LičkováNumerical Simulation of the Cooling Process in the T3-930-51 EngineLenka Dobšáková
2ndSGT Radek ŠimekModification of FPV Drones for Special OperationsTomáš Dražan
3rdCPL Ondřej BrabecExperimental Measurement of the Cooling Process of a Tatra 815 Engine ModelLenka Dobšáková

2024

PlaceAuthorTitleSupervisor
1stSGT Ondřej LinkaMechanical Properties of Ballistic Materials after Exposure to Extreme EnvironmentsZbyněk Studený
3rdPFC Matyáš FilipTheoretical Analysis of the Ram-Air Turbine of a Racing JetSurfLenka Dobšáková

2023

PlaceAuthorTitleSupervisor
1stPFC Markéta VáhalováAnalysis of the Properties of 3D-Printed Parts Joined by Adhesive BondingTomáš Dražan
2ndCPL Vít ChadimaEvaluation of Threaded Connections in 3D-Printed PartsZdeněk Joska
3rdCPL Radek ŠimekDesign of an FDM-Printed Mould for Silicone CastingZdeněk Joska

2022

PlaceAuthorTitleSupervisor
1stSSG Jakub HorníčekPossibilities of Using 3D Printing for the Production of Components and Parts Used in the Czech Armed ForcesZdeněk Joska
2ndSGT David GrasevComposite Materials for Hard Ballistic ProtectionZbyněk Studený
3rdBc. Bui Thanh PhanStudy of Diffusion in Vacuum Drying of PropellantsVladimír Horák

 

Doctoral dissertations in progress

Year CommencedDoctoral StudentDissertation TitleSupervisor
2025Martin KlimešApplication of Advanced Thermochemical Treatment Technologies in PracticeDavid Dobrocký
2023Tomáš DražanAnalysis of the Effects of Additive Manufacturing Process Parameters on the Properties of Military Equipment ComponentsDavid Dobrocký
2023Bui Thanh PhanMethods for Improving the Ballistic Performance of Composite ArmourVladimír Horák
2023Ngoc Tung NguyenResearch on the Characteristics of 3D-Printed Parts Using Polymer-Based Composite MaterialsZbyněk Studený

Completed doctoral dissertations

Year of DefenceDoctoral GraduateDissertation TitleSupervisor
2025Jindřich VilišUtilization of composite materials for ballistic protectionZdeněk Pokorný
2022Jiří ProcházkaThe use of duplex coatings for parts of special technologyJosef Sedlák
2018Ondřej KlanicaInfluence of substrate pre-treatment and coating post-treatment on surface textureEmil Svoboda
2015David DobrockýVerification of selected mechanical properties of nitrided layers of structural steels in a wide temperature rangeMilan Chalupa
2012Zdeněk JoskaDuplex coatings on metallic substrates for use in special technologyJaromír Kadlec
2011Zdeněk PokornýPlasma nitriding of cavitiesVojtěch Hrubý
2009Zbyněk StudenýUtilization of biocompatible materials in military technologyJaromír Kadlec

Habilitation theses

Year of HabilitationAcademic Staff MemberHabilitation Thesis Title
2022David DobrockýChanges in Surface Dimensions and Texture Following Thermochemical Treatment
2018Zbyněk StudenýEffect of Plasma Nitriding on the Fatigue Characteristics of Steels
2017Zdeněk PokornýMethods for Modifying the Fundamental Characteristics of Layers during Thermochemical Treatment of Steels

Professorial appointment proceedings

Year of AppointmentAcademic Staff MemberField
2022Zdeněk PokornýMaterials Science and Engineering

 

Lt Col Assoc. Prof. Zbyněk Studený, Ph.D.

Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering

YearPublication outputCategory
2026NGUYEN, H. T., QUOC-PHU, M., PROCHÁZKA, J., STUDENÝ, Z., DOBROCKÝ, D., MĚSÍČEK, J., PETRŮ, J. Development of in-house PC/ABS blends and optimization of printing parameters for material extrusion method. Materials & Design, 260, 115290 (IF 8.2).Jimp
2025STUDENÝ, Z., KUBÍČEK, A., SOCHORA, V., POKORNÝ, Z., DEBNÁROVÁ, S., SOUČEK, P. W-Based Thin Film Metallic Glasses Doped with Ni, Zr, and B for Industrial Applications. Advanced Engineering Materials, 27(17), 2500458 (IF 3.6).Jimp
2025NGUYEN, H. T., PROCHÁZKA, J., STUDENÝ, Z., DOBROCKÝ, D. Effects of Extrusion Parameters on Filament Quality and Mechanical Properties of 3D Printed PC/ABS Components. MM Science Journal, 2025(2), 8453–8458 (IF 0.6).Jimp
2025DOBROCKÝ, D., STUDENÝ, Z., PROCHÁZKA, J., POKORNÝ, Z., VILIŠ, J. Use of Integral Characteristics in the Evaluation of Surface Texture of Components after Plasma Nitriding. In: Materials and Technologies for Defence and Security.DSc
2024VARHANIK, M., SEDLÁK, J., STUDENÝ, Z., JANIGOVÁ, P., CHROMJAKOVÁ, F. Tribological Properties of 3D Printed Materials in Total Knee Endoprosthesis. Manufacturing Technology, 24(2), 294–306 (IF 1.4).Jimp

Prof. Vladimír Horák, CSc.

YearPublication OutputCategory
2026PHAN, Bui Thanh, KULISH, Vladimir, HORÁK, Vladimír. An analytical model for ballistic performance prediction of elastoplastic materials with strain hardening. Archives of Mechanics, 78(1), 3–31 (IF 0.6).Jimp
2025KULISH, Vladimir, PHAN, Bui Thanh, HORÁK, Vladimír. A non-field analytical solution of the Luikov equations for simultaneous heat and mass transfer. Results in Engineering, 25, 104534 (IF 9.4).Jimp
2025KULISH, Vladimir, HORÁK, Vladimír, PHAN, Bui Thanh. Latent Heat Accumulators: An Equation for the Mass Change of Phase. Applied Thermal Engineering, 262, 125263 (IF 7.5).Jimp
2025PHAN, Bui Thanh, VÍTEK, Roman, VILIŠ, Jindřich, HORÁK, Vladimír. An Analytical Model for Ballistic Performance of Fiber-Reinforced Plastic Laminates. Applied Composite Materials, 32(4), 1639–1657 (IF 3.9).Jimp
2025KULISH, Vladimir, PHAN, Bui Thanh, HORÁK, Vladimír. Fractional Differ-Integral Approach to Unsteady Filtration in Bi-Structured Porous Media. Journal of Porous Media, 28(11), 29–39 (IF 2.2).Jimp

Prof. Zuzana Murčinková, Ph.D.

YearPublication OutputCategory
2025MURČINKOVÁ, Z., HOLÍČEK, R., BARON, P., ONUFER, M. Determination of Compressive Stress Limits for Tightened Plastic Components up to 3 mm in Bolted Joints Applicable in the Automotive Industry. Polymers (IF 5.8).Jimp
2024SABOL, D., MURČINKOVÁ, Z. Stress Wave Propagation and Decay Based on Micro-Scale Modelling in the Topology of Polymer Composite with Circular Particles. Polymers (IF 5.8).Jimp
2022MURČINKOVÁ, Z., POSTAWA, P., WINCZEK, J. Parameters Influence on the Dynamic Properties of Polymer-Matrix Composites Reinforced by Fibres, Particles, and Hybrids. Polymers (IF 5.8).Jimp
2021MURČINKOVÁ, Z., ADAMČÍK, P., ŽIVČÁK, J. Re-design of Machine Tool Joint Components Based on Polymer Fillings for High-Speed Performance. Materials (IF 3.7).Jimp
2021MURČINKOVÁ, Z., KOSTURÁK, M., FERENC, J. Testing of Proposed Design of Stove-Powered Thermoelectric Generator Using Natural and Forced Air Cooling. Advances in Mechanical Engineering (IF 2.1).Jimp

Col GS Prof. Zdeněk Pokorný, Ph.D., FEng.

YearPublication OutputCategory
2026VILIŠ, Jindřich, ŠUSTR, Michal, TUPAJ, Mirosław, TRYTEK, Andrzej, KUSMIČ, David, POKORNÝ, Zdeněk, ZOUHAR, Jan, DRÁBEK, Jan. Impact Resistance of ER68 Thermoset and TH110 Thermoplastic Para-Aramid Composite Panels. Defence Science Journal, 76(4), 605–613 (IF 0.8).Jimp
2025STUDENÝ, Zbyněk, KUBÍČEK, Antonín, SOCHORA, Vjaceslav, POKORNÝ, Zdeněk, DEBNÁROVÁ, Stanislava, SOUČEK, Pavel. W-Based Thin Film Metallic Glasses Doped with Ni, Zr, and B for Industrial Applications. Advanced Engineering Materials, 27(17), 2500458 (IF 3.6).Jimp
2025VILIŠ, Jindřich, KOSIUCZENKO, Krzysztof, NOWAKOWSKI, Marek, TUPAJ, Mirosław, TRYTEK, Andrzej, ZOUHAR, Jan, VÍTEK, Roman, GREGOR, Lukáš, POKORNÝ, Zdeněk. Comprehensive Evaluation of Layered Composite Protection Performance for Light Armored Vehicles. Journal of Materials Engineering and Performance, 34(23), 28643–28660 (IF 2.6).Jimp
2022VILIŠ, Jindřich, POKORNÝ, Zdeněk, ZOUHAR, Jan, JOPEK, Miroslav. Ballistic Resistance of Composite Materials Tested by Taylor Anvil Test. Manufacturing Technology, 22(5), 610–616 (IF 0.9).Jimp
2022VILIŠ, Jindřich, POKORNÝ, Zdeněk, ZOUHAR, Jan, JOPEK, Miroslav. Ballistic Resistance of Composite Materials Tested by Taylor Anvil Test. Manufacturing Technology, 22(5), 610–616 (IF 0.9).Jimp

Maj Assoc. Prof. David Dobrocký, Ph.D.

YearPublication OutputCategory
2026NGUYEN, Hoang Tung, QUOC-PHU, Ma, PROCHÁZKA, Jiří, STUDENÝ, Zbyněk, DOBROCKÝ, David, MĚSÍČEK, Jakub, PETRŮ, Jana. Development of in-house PC/ABS blends and optimization of printing parameters for material extrusion method. Materials & Design, 260, 115290 (IF 8.2).Jimp
2026KLIMEŠ, Martin, VILIŠ, Jindřich, DOBROCKÝ, David, PROCHÁZKA, Jiří. Process robustness in reduced-time vacuum carburizing of automotive gear steels. International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology (IF 3.7).Jimp
2026VILIŠ, Jindřich, ŘEHOŘEK, Lukáš, DOUBRAVA, Marek, PROCHÁZKA, Jiří, KLIMEŠ, Martin, DOBROCKÝ, David, CHLUP, Zdeněk, JUDAS, Jakub. Structure-Property Relationships in Cold-Sprayed Ti-6Al-4V and Ti-6Al-4V/SiC Multilayer Deposits: Influence of Ceramic Reinforcement. Journal of Thermal Spray Technology (IF 3.4).Jimp
2025DRAŽAN, Tomáš, JOSKA, Zdeněk, KLUCZYNSKI, Janusz, PLATEK, Pawel, DOBROCKÝ, David, KRCHOVÁ, Michaela. Analysis of the Effect of Changing Printing Parameters on the Properties of Additively Manufactured Ultrafuse 316L Steel Samples. Archives of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, 25(4), 204 (IF 4.9).Jimp
2025VILIŠ, Jindřich, DOBROCKÝ, David, JOSKA, Zdeněk, PROCHÁZKA, Jiří, KLIMEŠ, Martin. The Effect of Changing the Temperature of the Vacuum Carburizing Process on the Layer Properties of Steels Used in the Automotive Industry. International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 137(5–6), 2823–2833 (IF 3.7).Jimp

David Kusmič, Ph.D.

YearPublication OutputCategory
2026VILIŠ, Jindřich, ŠUSTR, Michal, TUPAJ, Mirosław, TRYTEK, Andrzej, KUSMIČ, David, POKORNÝ, Zdeněk, ZOUHAR, Jan, DRÁBEK, Jan. Impact Resistance of ER68 Thermoset and TH110 Thermoplastic Para-Aramid Composite Panels. Defence Science Journal, 76(4), 605–613 (IF 0.8).Jimp
2024VILIŠ, Jindřich, KUSMIČ, David, PHAN, Bui Thanh, ZOUHAR, Jan, POKORNÝ, Zdeněk, ŠAFL, Pavel, LINKA, Ondřej. Influence of Water Absorption on Tensile and Flexural Properties of Composite Samples. In: 33rd International Conference on Metallurgy and Materials (METAL 2024).D
2021KUSMIČ, David, ČECH, Ondřej, KLAKURKOVÁ, Lenka. Corrosion Resistance of Ferritic Stainless Steel X12Cr13 After Application of Low-Temperature and High-Temperature Plasma Nitriding. Manufacturing Technology, 21(1), 98–104.Jsc
2021KUSMIČ, David, KLAKURKOVÁ, Lenka, JULIŠ, Martin, GEJDOŠ, Pavel, VILIŠ, Jindřich, ČECH, Ondřej. The Corrosion Resistance of Hard Anodised EN AW 7075 T6 Alloy. In: ECS Transactions.DSc
2021KUSMIČ, David, KLAKURKOVÁ, Lenka. Evaluation of the Corrosion Resistance of EN AW 7075 Alloy after Anodic Oxidation. In: Progressive and Non-Conventional Surface Treatment Technologies.D

Capt Jiří Procházka, Ph.D.

YearPublication OutputCategory
2026NGUYEN, Hoang Tung, QUOC-PHU, Ma, PROCHÁZKA, Jiří, STUDENÝ, Zbyněk, DOBROCKÝ, David, MĚSÍČEK, Jakub, PETRŮ, Jana. Development of in-house PC/ABS blends and optimization of printing parameters for material extrusion method. Materials & Design, 260, 115290 (IF 8.2).Jimp
2026KLIMEŠ, Martin, VILIŠ, Jindřich, DOBROCKÝ, David, PROCHÁZKA, Jiří. Process Robustness in Reduced-Time Vacuum Carburizing of Automotive Gear Steels. International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology (IF 3.7).Jimp
2026VILIŠ, Jindřich, ŘEHOŘEK, Lukáš, DOUBRAVA, Marek, PROCHÁZKA, Jiří, KLIMEŠ, Martin, DOBROCKÝ, David, CHLUP, Zdeněk, JUDAS, Jakub. Structure-Property Relationships in Cold-Sprayed Ti-6Al-4V and Ti-6Al-4V/SiC Multilayer Deposits: Influence of Ceramic Reinforcement. Journal of Thermal Spray Technology (IF 3.4).Jimp
2025VILIŠ, Jindřich, DOBROCKÝ, David, JOSKA, Zdeněk, PROCHÁZKA, Jiří, KLIMEŠ, Martin. The Effect of Changing the Temperature of the Vacuum Carburizing Process on the Layer Properties of Steels Used in the Automotive Industry. International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 137(5–6), 2823–2833 (IF 3.7).Jimp
2022PROCHÁZKA, Jiří, VILIŠ, Jindřich, DOBROCKÝ, David, ŠPERKA, Petr. Modification of Diffusion Layers by Laser Shock Peening. Manufacturing Technology, 22(6), 724–732 (IF 0.9).Jimp

1st Lt Jindřich Viliš, Ph.D.

YearPublication OutputCategory
2026VILIŠ, Jindřich, ŘEHOŘEK, Lukáš, DOUBRAVA, Marek, PROCHÁZKA, Jiří, KLIMEŠ, Martin, DOBROCKÝ, David, CHLUP, Zdeněk, JUDAS, Jakub. Structure-Property Relationships in Cold-Sprayed Ti-6Al-4V and Ti-6Al-4V/SiC Multilayer Deposits: Influence of Ceramic Reinforcement. Journal of Thermal Spray Technology (IF 3.4).Jimp
2026KLIMEŠ, Martin, VILIŠ, Jindřich, DOBROCKÝ, David, PROCHÁZKA, Jiří. Process Robustness in Reduced-Time Vacuum Carburizing of Automotive Gear Steels. International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology (IF 3.7).Jimp
2026VILIŠ, Jindřich, ŠUSTR, Michal, TUPAJ, Mirosław, TRYTEK, Andrzej, KUSMIČ, David, POKORNÝ, Zdeněk, ZOUHAR, Jan, DRÁBEK, Jan. Impact Resistance of ER68 Thermoset and TH110 Thermoplastic Para-Aramid Composite Panels. Defence Science Journal (IF 0.8).Jimp
2025VILIŠ, Jindřich, KOSIUCZENKO, Krzysztof, NOWAKOWSKI, Marek, TUPAJ, Mirosław, TRYTEK, Andrzej, ZOUHAR, Jan, VÍTEK, Roman, GREGOR, Lukáš, POKORNÝ, Zdeněk. Comprehensive Evaluation of Layered Composite Protection Performance for Light Armored Vehicles. Journal of Materials Engineering and Performance (IF 2.6).Jimp
2025PHAN, Bui Thanh, VÍTEK, Roman, VILIŠ, Jindřich, HORÁK, Vladimír. An Analytical Model for Ballistic Performance of Fiber-Reinforced Plastic Laminates. Applied Composite Materials (IF 3.9).Jimp