The list of national projects SAS
Institute of Materials and Machine Mechanics
Analysis of steady and transient vibration acting on a person in a motor vehicle in real operation
Analýza ustáleného a prechodového kmitania pôsobiaceho na človeka v motorovom vozidle v reálnej prevádzke
| Duration: |
1.1.2025 - 31.12.2027 |
| Program: |
VEGA |
| Project leader: |
Ing. Múčka Peter CSc. |
| Annotation: | The vibration of the motor vehicle and the crew in real traffic is mostly composed of a combination of steady
vibration and random shocks. The ISO 2631-1 standard divides the assessment of vibration acting on the human
body into basic methods (frequency-weighted RMS value of acceleration) and additional methods (e.g. vibration
dose value, etc.) according to the level of crest factor. A comprehensive evaluation of the level of the crest factor
in real vehicle operation is absent in the literature. The level of the crest factor and its probability distribution will
be evaluated as a function of vehicle category, vehicle speed, road traffic category, level of unevenness and road
surface distresses. By processing the measured courses of vertical displacement of road profiles (10,000 km+),
the parameters and probability distribution of basic parameters of roadway distresses (length, height, shape,
mutual distance between distresses) will be determined as a basis for a more accurate simulation. |
Aluminium foam reinforced bio-based phase change materials for latent heat storage
Bio-materiály vystužené hliníkovou penou určené pre akumuláciu latentného tepla pri fázovej premene
| Duration: |
1.1.2025 - 31.12.2028 |
| Program: |
VEGA |
| Project leader: |
Dr. Ing. Jerz Jaroslav |
| Annotation: | The energy costs can be significantly reduced by increasing the use of renewable energy converted primarily
from solar radiation. In the case that solar energy is considered to be utilized in buildings, the mismatch between
energy availability and energy demand must be solved by heat storage. Proposed project describes the principles
of the use of latent heat storage and the possibility of using bio-based Phase Change Materials (PCMs), such as
e.g. coconut oil, soybean oil, palm oil, pork lard, beef tallow, etc. reinforced by aluminium foam skeleton as very
efficient heat storage media.
The possibilities how properly to regulate the temperature fluctuations for achievement not only the heating of hot
water, but also maintaining good thermal comfort in the interiors of buildings throughout the year will be
investigated within the proposed project. Various bio-based PCMs will be thoroughly examined to use the storage
and release of latent heat when changing a state between solid and liquid state. |
Experimental investigation of the influence of pressure infiltration of copper into porous 3D-printed AISI 316L steels on the resulting properties of Cu/316L composites
Experimentálny výskum vplyvu tlakovej infiltrácie medi do poréznych 3D- tlačených ocelí AISI 316L na výsledné vlastnosti Cu/316L kompozitov
| Duration: |
1.9.2026 - 31.8.2030 |
| Program: |
SRDA |
| Project leader: |
Ing. Beronská Naďa PhD. |
| Annotation: | The project is focused on experimental research of Cu/316L metal composites prepared by pressure infiltration of porous
3D-printed AISI 316L steels, in which the volumetric porosity and pore connectivity are purposefully controlled by changing
the percentage of infill during the additive manufacturing process.
The main goal of the project is to clarify the relationships between the architecture of the pore system, the course of
pressure infiltration of copper and the resulting mechanical, tribological and thermophysical properties of the composites.
Experimental research will focus on quantifying residual porosity using 3D X-ray tomography, analyzing the quality of the
Cu–316L interface and determining key properties such as friction coefficient (μ), wear rate (V), thermal conductivity (λ)
and coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE, α). As part of the project, the first milestone will be to achieve a residual
porosity of the infiltrated composites lower than 1.0 vol. %, which will create a prerequisite for stable mechanical and
tribological behavior of the material. The second milestone will be the demonstration of a reduction in the coefficient of
friction and wear by at least 20% compared to the reference steel 316L. Based on the correlation of process parameters,
microstructure and interface, the dominant mechanisms of deformation, heat transfer and wear will be identified. The
project results will be useful mainly in industries where a combination of high thermal conductivity, reduced friction and
good mechanical integrity is required, such as energy, tribologically stressed machine components, molds and inserts for
thermally stressed tools, as well as in the space industry, where high demands are placed on materials with optimized
weight, thermal management and tribological reliability. |
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Odolnosť voči vodíkovému krehnutiu tvárnených komplexných koncentrovaných zliatin pre konštrukčné aplikácie.
Abrasion/Erosion Behaviours of Functional "Ceramics-Smart Matrix" Composites Additively Manufactured by Selective Laser Melting
Pokročilé kompozity s "Ceramics-Smart Matrix" pre náročné trecie aplikácie aditívne pripravované selektívnym laserovým tavením
Surface modification of 3D printed titanium spinal implants to improve functional properties
Povrchová modifikácia 3D tlačených titánových spinálnych implantátov pre zlepšenie funkčných vlastností
System program for complex knowledge and critical thinking in the form of experiential education
Systémový program pre komplexné poznanie a kritické myslenie formou zážitkového vzdelávania
Carbon pantograph strips infiltrated by Cu-alloys for high-speed trains application.
Uhlíkové pantografové lišty infiltrované Cu-zliatinami pre použitie v rýchlovlakoch.
Influence of materials on acoustic properties of historical single-manual pipe organs in Slovakia
Vplyv materiálov na akustické vlastnosti historických jendomanuálových organov na území Slovenska
Research of the metal organ pipe collections of historical pipe organs in Slovakia.
Výskum kovového píšťalového fondu historických organov na Slovensku.
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Výskum tribologických a štruktúrnych vtastnosti sintrovaných vrstiev kovového prášku s následným povlakovaním
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Výskum vplyvu viacbodového laserového zvárania na štruktúrne a korózne vlastnosti duplexných ocelí
High-temperature metal matrix composites reinforced with continuous oxide network
Výskum vysokopevných ultra-jemnozrnných kompozitov spevnených kontinuálnou sieťou oxidov
| Duration: |
1.9.2026 - 31.8.2029 |
| Program: |
SRDA |
| Project leader: |
Ing. Krížik Peter PhD. |
| Annotation: | Dynamic advances in transport, energy, and biomedicine place increased demands on the development of new high strength, thermally stable metallic materials with innovative strengthening mechanisms that provide the required strength at higher temperatures and creep resistance. One possible solution is a new type of metal matrix composite (MMC) strengthened by a continuous oxide network, prepared by powder metallurgy (PM) from atomized powders, the development of which is the primary goal of the project. Research on Al composites with a network of native a-Al2O3 (HITEMAL) showed exceptional thermal stability and good mechanical properties up to 450°C. For this material, we will increase the strength and thermal stability up to 600°C by modifying native Al2O3 on the surface of Al powders using atomic layer deposition (ALD) and chemical nucleation deposition (CND, deposition in solution), which is more suitable for fine powders with a high tendency to agglomerate. We will prepare oxide coatings (Al2O3, TiO2, SiO2, or SiO2-doped Al2O3) with a thickness of 5-50 nm. From them, bulk MMC will be prepared by PM in a manner that preserves the network's continuity; subsequently, mechanical properties, creep, and thermal stability will be tested, and the microstructure analysed. We will create a model of this MMC that describes the influence of powder size, layer thickness, and type, and optimize the microstructure and properties. Secondly, the application of the HITEMAL concept to other metals (Ti, Mg, Zn, Cu, and Ni) will be verified by using native oxides on the powders' surfaces or by applying an Al2O3 layer to achieve the desired combination of strength and ductility. The project will also compare coatings prepared using ALD and CND technologies, and we expect a shift in CND development from TRL3 to 5. The project will provide unique scientific insights into the properties of MMCs with continuous networks and establish a theoretical basis for their future applications. |
Development of an innovative preservation technology based on photochemically stable hydrotalcites doped with La and Zr and validation of their distribution in the structure of acidic paper using advanced submicroscopic diagnostics (SEM WDS, TEM).
Vývoj inovatívnej konzervačnej technológie na báze fotochemicky stabilných hydrotalkitov dopovaných La a Zr a validácia ich distribúcie v štruktúre kyslého papiera s využitím pokročilej submikroskopickej diagnostiky (SEM WDS, TEM).
| Duration: |
1.9.2026 - 31.12.2029 |
| Program: |
SRDA |
| Project leader: |
Mgr. Nagy Trembošová Veronika PhD. |
| Annotation: | The project "Development of deacidification systems based on modified hydrotalcites" focuses on applied research in
chemical technology and cultural heritage protection, aiming to validate a new generation of systems for the bulk
stabilization of acidic paper. It utilizes nanocrystalline hydrotalcites modified with zirconium (Zr-HT) and lanthanum (La-HT),
addressing risks in current mass deacidification systems like PaperSave, where titanium promotes UV-induced cellulose
oxidation. The core innovation lies in ternary Mg-Al-Zr and Mg-Al-La systems applied via a unique solvent mix of
isopropanol, perfluoroheptane, and small amount of water. This specific mixture allows pulp fiber cell walls to swell,
facilitating deep penetration of deacidification particles without the need for energy-intensive pre-drying. The project
exploits the synergy of lanthanum for better sopllubility of hydrotalcite and thus for faster neutralization kinetics and
zirconium for hydrotalcite providing a stable alkaline reserve. To quantify nanoparticle penetration, wavelength-dispersive
spectroscopy (WDS) is employed to generate precise distribution maps, filling a gap in modern conservation techniques.
The final output is a functional prototype validated at TRL 6. A multidisciplinary collaboration between the Slovak University
of Technology (FCHPT STU), the Institute of Materials and Machine Mechanics of the Slovak Academy of Sciences (ÚMMS
SAV), and the Slovak National Library (SNK) ensures the successful integration of advanced material synthesis,
instrumental diagnostics, and the urgent needs of memory institutions to save millions of endangered documents. |
Development of ultrasensitive printed (bio)sensors using kitchen waste
Vývoj ultracitlivých tlačených (bio)senzorov s využitím kuchynského odpadu
Development of ultralight hybrid castings with controlled core expansion using FACT technology
Vývoj ultraľahkých hybridných odliatkov s riadenou expanziou jadra technológiou FACT
| Duration: |
1.9.2026 - 31.8.2029 |
| Program: |
SRDA |
| Project leader: |
Ing. Kuriš Michal PhD. |
| Annotation: | The FOCUS project focuses on the development of ultralight hybrid metallic castings with a cellular core and a compact outer shell. It responds to the increasing demand for structural components with a high stiffness-to-weight ratio, energy absorption capability, and vibration damping, while meeting requirements for sustainability and material recyclability. Current approaches to lightweight metallic structures are, however, technologically and economically limited, particularly in the integration of metallic foams into castings. FOCUS addresses these limitations by introducing controlled in situ formation of cellular metallic cores directly during the casting process, without the use of pre-foamed inserts. The key innovation lies in the development and optimization of Al- and Al–Mg-based foaming precursors with controlled expansion activated by contact with molten aluminium or magnesium alloys. In parallel, a novel gating system will be designed and numerically optimized, representing the first application of self-regulated flow control principles in casting systems with an expanding medium. This approach enables stable control of metallostatic pressure, melt flow, and foaming kinetics during pouring and precursor immersion. The proposed solutions will be experimentally validated using CT tomography, microstructural and chemical interface analysis, and comprehensive mechanical testing. The project will result in the manufacturing and testing of a functional hybrid component prototype in a relevant environment at TRL 5–6, in cooperation with the industrial partner Ability s.r.o. Expected outcomes include a 25–40% weight reduction of structural components, integration of load-bearing and damping functions into a single monolithic casting, and the establishment of a robust process suitable for industrial application, particularly in the automotive, aerospace, and robotics sectors. |
Microstructure-Preserving Joining of Directionally Solidified Complex Concentrated Alloys for Cryogenic Hydrogen Applications
Zváranie komplexne koncentrovaných zliatin pripravených usmernenou kryštalizáciou pri zachovaní mikroštruktúry pre kryogénne vodíkové aplikácie
| Duration: |
1.9.2026 - 31.12.2029 |
| Program: |
SRDA |
| Project leader: |
Ing. Kamyshnykova Kateryna PhD. |
| Annotation: | Directionally solidified (DS) columnar and single-crystal complex concentrated alloys (CCAs) based on the Al0.2-0.4CoCrFeNi system, with minor additions of Ti, Ta, or Nb, are promising materials for cryogenic hydrogen applications due to their high strength, ductility, and microstructural stability at low temperatures. However, their widespread use is limited by the absence of joining techniques that can maintain their crystallographic orientation and microstructural integrity, key factors for anisotropic mechanical performance and resistance to hydrogen-related damage. Traditional fusion welding introduces extended thermal cycles and multidirectional heat flow, causing grain transformation, multiplication, and property degradation. The CRYOJOIN-H2 project aims to overcome this issue by developing a microstructure-preserving joining method for DS columnar and single-crystal CCAs using capacitor discharge welding in high vacuum. Its millisecond heat cycle and localized heat input help prevent microstructural degradation and preserve crystallographic orientation across the joint. The project combines controlled alloy fabrication by directional solidification, defining a specific welding process window, post-weld heat treatments, hydrogen charging, and detailed microstructural and mechanical testing under room and cryogenic temperatures. Establishing relationships between process, microstructure, and properties will clarify how orientation inheritance, the transition from columnar to equiaxed grains, and damage mechanisms operate in welded CCAs under extreme environments. The results will offer fundamental insights into the rapid joining of anisotropic metals and provide validated design principles for CCAs used in cryogenic hydrogen and vacuum applications, relevant to hydrogen and space technologies. |
The total number of projects: 17