- 3.1 Social contribution
- 3.2 Recognition by the research community
- 3.3 Research project and contract
- 3.4 Research result
- 3.5 Transfer of results into practice
- 3.6 Popularization of R&D&I
- 3.7 Implementation of recommendations
Long term plans of FST ZCU for the period 2016–2025
Implementation Plans of FST ZCU for the period 2019–2024
(The year 2021 has been integrated into the Strategic Plan for the period 2021–2025.)
Websites FST ZCU
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering
Regional Technological Institute
Energy Research Centre
(The website is not active due to the closure of the research centre on December 31, 2023. The Energy Engineering Laboratory (LEI) is integrated into RTI as of 1.1.2024.)
3.2 Recognition by the research community
Table 3.2.1 - Prestigious R&D&I awards granted during the evaluation period
1. Luboš Kroft, Eng., Ph.D.; Jindřich Sýkora, Eng.
International Engineering Fair (MSV 2022) - Gold Medal
2. Rohlíková Lucie; Průcha Tomáš; Fiala Jan; Petr Hořejší, assoc. prof., Eng., Ph.D.; Mentlík Pavel; Duffek Václav; Zíka Miroslav
3. Petr Hořejší, assoc. prof., Eng., Ph.D.; Jiří Vyšata, Eng., Ph.D.; Rohlíková Lucie; Polcar Jiří; Gregor Michal
4. Jan Mezuliánik, Eng./ Jan Řehoř, assoc. prof., Eng., Ph.D. (thesis supervisor)
https://www.czspos.cz/blog/ [CS Only]
SpOS Award Mezulianik [CS Only]
Abstract:
The Czech Society for Machine Tools organised a workshop titled "Trends in Engineering Production Technology and Techniques", during which awards were presented to the authors of the best diploma and doctoral theses in the field of machine tools and machining technologies. Among the awardees was Ing. Jan Mezuliánik from the University of West Bohemia, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, who was recognised for his diploma thesis on "The Influence of HVOF Thermal Spraying Technology of NiCrBSi on Its Machinability".
5. Eva Berková, Eng./ Jan Zdebor, Eng. Ph.D. (head of student)
UWB News Portal [CS Only]
Abstract:
The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the University of West Bohemia in Plzeň achieved significant success at the 8th International Summer Nuclear School in Ukraine. Student Eva Berková won 2nd place for the best student-rated lecture, while Kamil Šimeček earned the same ranking as judged by participating lecturers and professors. The faculty's Vice-Dean, Jan Zdebor, was honoured with the title "The Most Active Teacher". The summer school, organised by NAEK Energoatom, took place from 2 to 12 July in the city of Varash, near the Rivne Nuclear Power Plant. The programme featured expert lectures, plant excursions, and discussions on student presentations, offering participants valuable experience in the field of nuclear energy.
6. Martin Stejskal, Eng./ František Sedláček, Eng. Ph.D. (thesis supervisor)
UWB News Portal [CS Only]
Abstract:
Martin Stejskal, a student at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of the University of West Bohemia in Plzeň, won third place in the Emil Škoda Award competition for his diploma thesis titled "Optimisation of Interior Handrail Design Using New Materials and Technologies."His work focuses on optimising the design of interior handrails for a conceptual study of a single-deck electric unit through virtual prototyping and advanced numerical simulations. The key achievement is the design of an optimised partition with a handrail that is 8% lighter than the existing solution, along with the creation of a methodology for designing and optimising structurally significant components of interior restraint systems in rail vehicles. The project was carried out in collaboration with Škoda Transportation. Martin Stejskal is continuing his research as a PhD student at the Department of Machine Design and as a research assistant at the Regional Technological Institute.
7. Jindřich Sýkora, Eng./ Jan Řehoř, assoc. prof., Eng., Ph.D. (doctoral supervisor)
UWB News Portal [CS Only]
Abstract:
Jindřich Sýkora, a PhD student at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of the University of West Bohemia in Plzeň, was awarded a special scholarship by the Mayor of Plzeň for his significant contribution to the field of mechanical engineering. He is a co-author of the innovative ECHO cutting tool with a unique internal cooling system, which was awarded the Gold Medal at the International Engineering Fair in Brno in 2022. Two patents have been granted for this system, with Ing. Sýkora as the lead inventor. The tool is already successfully implemented in industrial practice, demonstrating both its technical and commercial success.
8. Petr Kučera, Ing. / Ivana Zetková, assoc. prof., Eng., Ph.D. (thesis supervisor)
UWB News Portal [CS Only]
Abstract:
Petr Kučera, a PhD student at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of the University of West Bohemia in Plzeň, was awarded a special scholarship by the Mayor of Plzeň for his contributions in the field of engineering technologies. He has been working long-term on the development of a new system aimed at minimising the working space of devices for direct metal powder sintering using a laser. This system has led to a reduction in the amount of input material needed, significantly decreasing the machine setup time and the volume of metal powder required. To achieve these results, it was necessary to develop, manufacture, and test a complex system capable of handling extremely fine metal particles—something that was successfully accomplished through a series of optimisation steps. His diploma thesis was recognised as the best in the Department of Machining Technology. The new solution is already protected by utility model No. PUV 2023-40659, titled "Device for Variable Powder Dispensing," and a patent application was also submitted last year.
9. Karel Glatz, Ing. /Jan Hlaváč, assoc. prof., Eng., Ph.D. (thesis supervisor)
Abstract:
In mid-June, the 13th Forging Conference, organised by the Czech Association of Forges, took place in Brno. The event focused on current issues in the forging industry, with key topics including new technologies and materials, forging machinery and equipment, testing, and energy efficiency in forging operations. The topic of energy resonated most strongly, given the ongoing energy crisis and the high energy consumption associated with material heating for forming. During the evening social event, the Professor Boris Sommer Award was presented for the best bachelor’s and master’s theses related to forging. The award went to Karel Glatz, a graduate of the Department of Machine Design at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of the University of West Bohemia, for his master’s thesis titled "Design of a Drive for a 25 MN Forging Press Without a Countershaft and With a Planetary Gearbox Inside the Flywheel on the Main Shaft," developed in collaboration with ŠMERAL Brno. The award was accepted on his behalf by his thesis supervisor Jan Hlaváč. The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering had a strong presence at the conference. Václav Kubec presented a paper on "A New Conceptual Design of a Forging Press – Downward Acting Crank Press," followed by Petra Hofrichterová with her paper on "Combined Drive of a Crank Press." In the poster section, Filip Votava showcased results on forging a hook with a clevis using FEM simulations, and Kateřina Vopatová presented work on hardfacing of cutting inserts made from high-speed steels.
10. Adam Bečvář, Ing. / Jan Hlaváč, assoc. prof., Eng., Ph.D. (thesis supervisor)
Abstract:
Adam Bečvář, a graduate of the Department of Machine Design at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of the University of West Bohemia in Plzeň, was awarded the Professor Boris Sommer Prize for his diploma thesis titled "Combined Drive of a Forging Press." Defended in 2022, the thesis focuses on the design of a solution for a 25 MN forging press that combines a flywheel drive with a direct drive. The aim was to retain the advantages of a flywheel drive, such as energy recovery, while eliminating the drawbacks of direct drives—especially energy losses during start-up and braking in an intermittent work cycle. The work was carried out in collaboration with ŠMERAL Brno, a Czech manufacturer of mechanical forming machines. The award was presented to Adam by František Červenka, Director of the Czech Association of Forges, during the association's general meeting in Ostrava in late April 2023.
Table 3.2.2 Participation of academic staff of the evaluated unit in editorial boards of international scientific journals during the evaluation period
1. Jan Kovanda, prof. Eng. CSc. Feng - Neural Network World, ISSN 1210-0552
2. Stanislav Hosnedl, prof. Eng. CSc. - MM Science, ISSN 1803-1269
3. Jan Řehoř, assoc. prof., Eng., Ph.D. - Manufacturing Technology, ISSN 1213-2489
4. Petr Hořejší, assoc. prof., Eng., Ph.D. (Member until 2023) - Applied Computer Science, ISSN 2353-6977
5. Petr Hořejší, doc. Ing. Ph.D. - MM Science, ISSN 1803-1269
6. Milan Edl, assoc. prof., Eng., Ph.D. - MM Science, ISSN 1803-1269
7. Milan Edl, assoc. prof., Eng., Ph.D. - International Journal of Mechatronics and Applied Mechanics, E-ISSN: 2559-6497
International Journal of Mechatronics and Applied Mechanics
8. Václav Uruba, prof. Eng. CSc. - Processes MDPI, ISSN 2227-9717
9. František Holešovský, prof. Eng. Dr. (Member until 2023) - International Journal of Nanomanufacturing, ISSN 1746-9392
3.3 Research project and contract
1. TN01000015 – National Centre of Competence in ENGINEERING
Project Overview:
NCKOS [CS only]
2. EF18_069/0010040 – Research of additive technologies for future applications in machinery industry – RTI plus
Project Overview:
3. LO1502 – Development of Regional Technological Institute
Project Overview:
4. 8I22001 – Enhancement of Hydrogen Storage Properties of AlTiVCr Light Weight High Entropy Alloys (HEA) by Ti3C2 Mxene and Several Plastic Deformation – EHS
Project Overview:
5. TN01000026 – Josef Bozek National Center of Competence for Surface Vehicles
Project Overview:
6. EG17_176/0015679 – ATTL A SPOL. APPLICATIONS
Project Overview:
7. TH04010324 – Research and development of a new generation of tools for preform production
Project Overview:
8. EF16_026/0008389 – Research Cooperation for Higher Efficiency and Reliability of Blade Machines
Project Overview:
9. TL01000191 – Innovation of Tourism Management Systems Using the Process Management Tools
Project Overview:
10. Contract research for HOFMEISTER Ltd.
Framework Agreement on Cooperation – Contract Research [CS only]
Abstract:
This document is a Framework Agreement on Cooperation – Contract Research between HOFMEISTER Ltd. and the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen. Its purpose is to set terms for future individual contracts based on specific orders. The university commits to carrying out specialized R&D tasks, particularly in the development and testing of innovative machining technologies for custom fixtures and parts, especially for the automotive industry. These works will be ordered progressively from 2013 to 2015, with projected contract volumes reaching up to CZK 6 million annually. The agreement also covers confidentiality, intellectual property, pricing, penalties, and termination terms.
Amendment to the Agreement No. 3 (2019-2020) [CS only]
Amendment to the Agreement No. 4 (2021-2022) [CS only]
Amendment to the Agreement No. 5 (2023-2024) [CS only]
Abstract – amendments No. 3-5:
HOFMEISTER Ltd. and the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen have successively extended their framework agreement on contract research, originally signed on June 10, 2013, through Amendments No. 3, 4, and 5. These amendments define the anticipated scope of research activities for the years 2019–2024. The research focuses on the design and development of innovative machining technologies, validated through functional prototypes of specialized fixtures and parts for the automotive industry. Each project phase includes the delivery of prototypes, optimized NC programs, and machining procedures. The financial scope for individual years ranges from CZK 5 to 7.5 million, with specific order details to be defined individually. All other terms of the original agreement remain unchanged.
Other projects information, see in Table 3.3.1, are available upon entering the project number at STARFOS website.
3.4 Research result
3.5 Transfer of results into practice
3.6 POPULARIZATION OF R&D&I
1. FME Open Day [CS only]
3. International Engineering Fair
5. Techmania Science Center [CS only]
6. University-wide popularization events:
- Science and Technology Day [CS only]
- Scientists' Night
7. Media impact:
8. Formula Student [CS only]
10. Children's Technical University [CS only]