Ph.D.Applied Sciences in Mechanical Engineering

Czech Technical University in Prague - Faculty of Mechanical Engineering

The doctoral study program "Applied Sciences in Mechanical Engineering" is based on the needs of future employers and their demand for highly qualified specialists who are able to conduct basic and applied research and development, including the subsequent transfer of knowledge to industry, especially in fields focused on advanced calculations, mathematical and computer modeling and simulation, controlled experiments, the use of active controlled systems in the construction of machines and equipment, the design of advanced materials and production technologies for their production, sustainable and safe production of electrical and other types of energy, industrial and environmental biotechnology, biomechanics, intelligent industrial systems based on modern informatics, and others. The concept of the study is focused on scientific research and independent creative activity, taking into account strong interdisciplinary links in the field of modern mechanical engineering. The study program is designed as multidisciplinary with overlaps between the individual narrower areas of applied mechanics, thermodynamics and fluid mechanics, mathematical and physical engineering, mechatronics, and biomechanics.
The doctoral study program responds to the need to educate experts who are able to understand and develop increasingly complex production systems across all areas of industry (mechanical engineering, energy, biotechnology, manufacturing, aerospace) in the virtual world of calculations, mathematical and computer models and simulations connected to the real physical world controlled by experiments. This complexity is growing due to the increasing integration of supply-demand chains, the massive development of automation and robotization of individual processes and their increasing interconnection leading to the creation of autonomous production systems that are able to adaptively control and optimize individual production processes in real time thanks to advanced sensors. Another important moment that must be addressed in education is the emergence of a whole range of new materials (biomaterials, composites and plastics, materials containing nanoparticles) as well as new production technologies, including, for example, additive, controlled, and IT technologies, whose advanced adoption and the ability to further develop them based on one's own research are a necessary prerequisite for their possible subsequent integration within intelligent production systems, modern informatics, cybernetics, and artificial intelligence.
The aim of the doctoral study program is not only to educate experts who are equipped with this knowledge, but who are also able to create new original results in research and development and subsequently commercialize them in practice.
It is also expected that some graduates will continue basic research in technical sciences and strengthen the international competitiveness of mechanical engineering and industry in the Czech Republic.

Graduate profile

Applied Sciences in Mechanical Engineering graduates are capable of developing their knowledge of mechanical engineering and carrying out research & development to consequently transfer the interdisciplinary insights to the industry, particularly in applied science in mechanical engineering, which forms the basis of design, energy and process, material and production engineering. Also, they are able to respond to current market needs in areas focused on intelligent industrial systems with regard to the implementation of Industry 4.0, mechatronics, modern IT, artificial intelligence, additive technology, aviation and space technology, modern industrial biotechnology and biomechanics.

As part of mastering the key competences, they are able to develop and apply the gained knowledge and skills within a narrower professional focus. Thus, in advanced mechanical engineering they are able to push forward the traditional concept of calculations, modelling and experiments as well as modern areas emphasizing the use of IT, AI and machine learning to ensure the development of mechanical engineering knowledge for intelligent industrial systems in response to the key new technologies of Industry 4.0, such as mechatronics, internet informatics, additive technology, new materials, virtual and expanded reality or artificial intelligence. Theoretical background for the above skills is provided as part of the Applied Sciences in Mechanical Engineering competence covering the required knowledge of mathematical and physical engineering, mechanics, biomechanics, thermomechanics and fluid mechanics, technical cybernetics, material engineering, including the management and economics of the innovation lifecycle.

Doctoral graduates possess profound knowledge to complete the most challenging research tasks as well as experience with the latest mathematical, computing and experimental methods and world-class pilot and operating equipment. This allows them to tackle complex tasks in modelling and development of new technology and equipment on a theoretical level as well as to experimentally verify their conclusions by designing and realizing experimental equipment, conducting an evaluation and producing generalized results. Given the complexity of the latest technology that the education focuses on, emphasis is placed on strengthening the links among the particular areas of the doctoral study programme as well as on fostering interdisciplinary connections on the level of related fields. Relying on this knowledge, graduates are able to comprehensively solve, objectively evaluate and formulate the attained original results of scientific research assignments. Also, they are able to present or realize the same on an international scale, taking into account intellectual property issues. Programme graduates are suitable candidates for jobs in the field of basic research in technical science, industrial research and development, new technology design and implementation, and management of complex industrial systems. Other opportunities can be found in the academic sector and other institutions focused on science, R&D and innovations on the national and international level.