Evaluation

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.)

Additional information

HR Excellence in Research Award

In March 2019, the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering received the prestigious HR Excellence in Research Award, which is awarded by the European Commission to research institutions implementing the HRS4R strategy. The HR Award is a mark awarded by the European Commission to research organizations that comply with the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers.

Important links

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

Note: Students of FME are marked in bold and italics, academic/research staff of FME are marked in bold.

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

Rii Forum 2025

Rii 2022 Social Award

3. Petr Hořejší, assoc. prof., Eng., Ph.D.; Jiří Vyšata, Eng., Ph.D.; Rohlíková Lucie; Polcar Jiří; Gregor Michal

Rii Forum 2025

Rii 2019 Social Award

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 "Effect of HVOF Thermal Spraying on the Machinability of NiCrBSi Coatings".

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 "Design Optimization of Interior Handles 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 Application of Printing Powder," and a patent application was also submitted last year.

9. Karel Glatz, Ing. / Jan Hlaváč, assoc. prof., Eng., Ph.D. (thesis supervisor)

UWB News Portal

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 25 MN Forging Press Drive without 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)

UWB News Portal

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 the 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

1. Jan Kovanda, prof. Eng. CSc. Feng - Neural Network World, ISSN 1210-0552

Neural Network World

2. Stanislav Hosnedl, prof. Eng. CSc. - MM Science, ISSN 1803-1269

MM Science Journal

3. Jan Řehoř, assoc. prof., Eng., Ph.D. - Manufacturing Technology, ISSN 1213-2489

Manufacturing Technology

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

MM Science Journal

6. Milan Edl, assoc. prof., Eng., Ph.D. - MM Science, ISSN 1803-1269

MM Science Journal

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

Processes MDPI

9. František Holešovský, prof. Eng. Dr. (Member until 2023) - International Journal of Nanomanufacturing, ISSN 1746-9392

Inderscience Publishers

Table 3.2.3 - The most important invited lectures delivered by the academic staff of the evaluated unit at foreign institutions

1. Karel Ráž, Eng. Ph.D.

Invitation Letter - Raz

2. Šárka Houdková Šimůnková, Assoc. Prof. Eng. Ph.D.

ISAM 2021 - Technical Program

Invitation Letter - Houdkova

3. Jiří Martan, Assoc. Prof. Eng. Ph.D.

ICALEO 2023 - Advance Programme (pg. 28)

4. Jan Kovanda, prof. Eng. CSc. FEng

Gaetano Fusco - Dipartimento Ingegneria civile, edile e ambientale

Statements about seminars

5. Jan Kovanda, prof. Ing. CSc. FEng

Statements about seminars

6. Petr Hořejší, Assoc. Prof. Eng. Ph.D.

Rii Forum 2023 - Confirmation Horejsi

7. Miroslav Zetek, Prof. Eng. Ph.D.

AMNET 2021 - Kick-off Meeting

Invitation Letter - Zetek

8. Miloslav Kepka, Assoc. Prof. Eng. CSc.

Link does not exist, posted on the university bulletin board only.

9. Miloslav Kepka, Assoc. Prof. Eng. CSc.

Link does not exist, posted on the university bulletin board only.

Table 3.2.4 - The most important lectures by foreign scientists and other guests relevant to R&D&I at the evaluated unit

1. Abílio de Jesus, Prof. - Ultra-low-cycle fatigue of pipeline steels

UWB News Portal [CS Only]

PING 2019 Conference Program

2. Luis Reis, Prof. - Design and fatigue testing under VHCF conditions

UWB News Portal [CS Only]

PING 2019 Conference Program

3. Nima Shamsaei, Prof. - Fatigue behaviour of additive manufactured materials: an investigation into feedstock-process-structure-property performance relationships

UWB News Portal [CS Only]

PING 2019 Conference Program

Abstract for 1.-3.:

The Regional Technological Institute of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen hosted the international conference "Modern Trends in Materials Engineering" from September 10 to 13, welcoming 85 participants, including 23 from abroad. Notable international attendees included Professor Nima Shamsaei from Auburn University, director of the U.S. National Center of Excellence in Additive Manufacturing; Mohsen Seifi, director at ASTM responsible for additive manufacturing standards; Professor Vladimir Chmelko from the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava; Professor Luis Reis from the University of Lisbon; Professor Abilio de Jesus from the University of Porto; and Professor Markus Merkel from Aalen University in Germany. These experts took part in a workshop focused on collaboration in additive manufacturing, thermal spraying, and high-strength steels, expressing strong interest in joint research, development, and education initiatives.

4. Marko Nagode, Prof. - The REBMIX algorithm

UWB News Portal [CS Only]

Abstract:

Professor Marko Nagode from the University of Ljubljana visited the Regional Technological Institute (RTI) at the University of West Bohemia, where he toured research facilities, discussed future collaboration, and delivered an invited lecture on "The REBMIX Algorithm." His talk introduced a method for modeling and predicting stress and load spectra, with applications in structural durability analysis.

5. Alberto Campagnolo, Dr. - Peak Stress Method - I – Theory, Peak Stress Method - II - Case Studies

UWB News Portal [CS Only]

6. Teresa Morgado, Prof. - Hybrid techniques to predict the durability of metallic components

UWB News Portal [CS Only]

Abstract for 5.-6.:

In early October 2022, the Regional Technological Institute (RTI) of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering hosted a one-day international workshop focused on the strength and fatigue life of materials and structures, attended by over 20 experts. Foreign participants included Alberto Campagnolo from the University of Padua, Teresa Morgado from the Polytechnic Institute of Lisbon, and Matúš Margetin and Vladimír Chmelko from the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava. They presented their latest research on fatigue assessment of welded joints, hybrid approaches to structural integrity evaluation, and multiaxial fatigue of metallic materials. Czech participants showcased key RTI projects and introduced the visitors to the Strength and Fatigue Testing Facility and the Metal Additive Manufacturing Laboratory. The following day, the guests visited the Dynamic Testing Laboratory and the Center for Applied Research in Surface Treatments at the Research and Testing Institute in Pilsen. Informal discussions revealed mutual interest in collaboration and in developing joint international research projects in mechanical and materials engineering.

7. Sławomir Luściński, Dr. - Simulation as one of the important pillars of Industry 4.0

Confirmation - Sławomir Luściński

8. Mehdi Ghanadi, Dr. - Size effect of welded structures on the fatigue performance

UWB News Portal [CS Only]

Abstract:

At the end of 2023, two PhD students from the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) in Stockholm, Gustav Hultgren and Mehdi Ghanadi, visited the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the University of West Bohemia as part of the Academic Career in Pilsen program. Gustav Hultgren presented the Winteria laser system for quality control of welded components, developed by a KTH-affiliated startup, during a workshop attended by RTI researchers and industry representatives. Mehdi Ghanadi, with ten years of experience as a strength analyst at VOLVO, conducted fatigue tests at RTI on welded samples from Sweden and delivered a lecture titled "Size Effect of Welded Structures on the Fatigue Performance." During his stay, he also visited other testing facilities in the Pilsen region. The visit strengthened cooperation between UWB and KTH, with plans for joint publications and international conference presentations.

9. Zuheir Barsoum, Prof. - Digitizing weld quality assurance of welded structures subjected to fatigue loading - towards industry 4.0

UWB News Portal [CS Only]

Abstract:

In May 2023, Professor Zuheir Barsoum from the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) in Stockholm visited the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the University of West Bohemia as part of the Academic Career in Pilsen program. A leading European expert on the reliability and quality of welded structures, he is co-author of the IIW recommendations for improving fatigue strength using the HFMI (High Frequency Mechanical Impact) method. During his visit, he toured RTI laboratories, took part in a workshop with experts from RTI, the Research and Testing Institute Plzeň, the Czech Technical University in Prague, and the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava. Discussions focused on joint research in fatigue life of high-strength steel welds and Horizon Europe project proposals. He also visited Škoda Transportation and CTU’s Faculty of Civil Engineering, where he delivered a lecture titled “Digitizing Weld Quality Assurance of Welded Structures Subjected to Fatigue Loading – Towards Industry 4.0”. The visit further deepened collaboration between UWB and KTH, with emphasis on involving PhD students and early-career researchers

10. Gustav Hultgren, Dr. - Practical presentation of WINTERIA system for weld quality assurance

UWB News Portal [CS Only]

Abstract:

At the end of 2023, Gustav Hultgren from the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) in Stockholm visited the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the University of West Bohemia. During his stay, he delivered an invited lecture titled "Practical Presentation of WINTERIA System for Weld Quality Assurance." He introduced the WINTERIA laser-based system developed by a KTH-affiliated startup, which enables detailed scanning and analysis of welds to ensure high quality and reliability of welded structures. Hultgren demonstrated the system to researchers at the Regional Technological Institute (RTI) and industry representatives during a full-day workshop. He also presented its potential use in Prague for assessing weld quality on steel bridges.

Table 3.2.5 - Involvement in the evaluation of national/European research project/programme calls relevant to the R&D&I area at the unit

1. Jan Kovanda, prof. Eng. CSc. Feng

PROSPECTS 5.0 - website

PROSPECT 5.0 - PROPOSAL (pg. 17)

2. Jan Hlaváč, assoc. prof. Eng. Ph.D.

Evaluation of results according to the Methodology 2017+

3. Jan Hlaváč, assoc. prof. Eng. Ph.D.

TREND Program

4. Jan Hlaváč, assoc. prof. Eng. Ph.D.

EPSILON Program

5. Jan Hlaváč, assoc. prof. Eng. Ph.D.

ZETA Program

The information related to points 2.–5. is not publicly available.

6. Miloslav Kepka, assoc. prof. Eng. CSc.

SMART 3-SMART 6: SMART Joint Call

Confirmation - Kepka EUREKA

7. Miloslav Kepka, assoc. prof. Eng. CSc.

TRIO Program [CS Only]

Appointment Letter - Kepka [CS Only]

8. Miloslav Kepka, assoc. prof. Eng. CSc.

TRANSPORT 2020+ Program [CS Only]

Confirmation - Kepka TREND [CS Only]

9. Miloslav Kepka, assoc. prof. Eng. CSc.

TRANSPORT 2030 [CS Only]

10. Václav Uruba, prof. Eng. CSc.

PRELUDIUM 2023, PRELUDIUM 2022, OPUS 2020, OPUS 2019

Certificate - Uruba

3.3 Research projects and contracts

1. TN01000015 – National Centre of Competence in ENGINEERING

Project Overview:

NCKOS [CS only]

STARFOS

2. EF18_069/0010040 – Research of additive technologies for future applications in machinery industry – RTI plus

Project Overview:

STARFOS

3. LO1502 – Development of Regional Technological Institute

Project Overview:

STARFOS

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:

STARFOS

5. TN01000026 – Josef Bozek National Center of Competence for Surface Vehicles

Project Overview:

STARFOS

6. EG17_176/0015679 – ATTL A SPOL. APPLICATIONS

Project Overview:

STARFOS

7. TH04010324 – Research and development of a new generation of tools for preform production

Project Overview:

STARFOS

8. EF16_026/0008389 – Research Cooperation for Higher Efficiency and Reliability of Blade Machines

Project Overview:

STARFOS

9. TL01000191 – Innovation of Tourism Management Systems Using the Process Management Tools

Project Overview:

STARFOS

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 results

Ten selected research results

1. Functional sample (Gfunc)

Tool for turn milling (2022)

Result summary sheet [CS Only]

RIV/49777513:23210/22:43967951

Additional results:

Proven technologies: DMLS and HVOF [CS Only]

Patent CZ 308917 [CS Only]

Patent CZ 308859 [CS Only]

Letter of Intent

Abstract:

The collection of documents presents innovations in the machining of difficult-to-cut materials, primarily the Inconel 718 alloy. Two patents (CZ 308917 B6 and CZ 308859 B6) focus on the design of cutting tools with advanced cooling systems—one utilizing variable nozzles controlled by rotary valves, and the other employing a slot-based coolant distribution system targeting both the face and flanks of the cutting inserts. The remaining three documents describe validated technologies for rotary milling of Inconel 718 applied via HVOF and DMLS methods. The developed tools and processes were tested in collaboration with industrial partners (PLASMAMETAL Ltd. and HVM Plasma Ltd.), resulting in enhanced machining efficiency, improved surface quality, and extended tool life.