People
doc. Ing. Luboš Socha, Ph.D. et Ph.D.

Ing. Petr Had; doc. Ing. Luboš Socha, Ph.D. et Ph.D.; Ing. Slobodan Stojić, Ph.D.

There is a strong emphasis on an airport processes optimization, mainly due to the increasing demand for the air transport. Airports are considered complex systems with numerous interconnected and interdependent processes. Key initiatives for improving predictability and coordination include CDM (Collaborative Decision Making) and the new APOC (Airport Operations Centre), which are currently being implemented at the major airports. However, a significant shortcoming of the CDM and APOC remains the relative neglect of processes related to passengers' arrival at the airport and their check-in at the terminal. One of the main challenges that airports face is the limited ability to test changes and new procedures in real environment due to continuous operations and regulatory requirements. Implementing changes is time-consuming and very expensive. Poor implementation can negatively impact airport operations and the performance of the entire passenger check-in process. Therefore, it is essential to use simulation tools that allow testing of changes and new concepts outside the actual terminal operations. Existing commercial simulation tools are relatively closed and expensive, which creates an opportunity to develop an accessible and open tool for simulation of the passenger check-in processes that is flexible and enables easy addition of new functionalities. The aim of the project is to create a digital model of an airport terminal that simulates operations within the terminal building and the nearby public areas, with the main focus on passenger check-in processes before departure and after arrival. To achieve this objective, a simulation tool will be developed using AnyLogic software, incorporating a model of Terminal 2 at Václav Havel Airport Prague. Multi-agent modelling will be utilized for the creation of the simulation tool. This tool will enable the simulation of the entire passenger check-in process, for both arrivals and departures.

2025 - 2025

Studentská grantová soutěž ČVUT - SGS25/073/OHK2/1T/16

Ing. Nela Krčmářová; doc. Ing. Luboš Socha, Ph.D. et Ph.D.; Ing. Daniel Urban

The presented project concept deals with the evaluation of the wear of hydrophobic coatings, caused by abrasion and its effects on the loss of their anti-icing properties. The essence of the project is to create an appropriate environment and testing methodology based on the existing knowledge, which would allow to expose propulsion systems of unmanned aircraft to operational conditions of abrasion. The current state of the issue points to the fact that existing hydrophobic coatings lose their anti-icing properties already after the first repeated exposure to frost. This could lead to the development and improvement of the resistance and durability of current hydrophobic coatings, which would ultimately lead to an increase in the overall safety and operability of unmanned aircraft.

2023 - 2024

Studentská grantová soutěž ČVUT - SGS23/136/OHK2/2T/16

Ing. Karel Hylmar; doc. Ing. Luboš Socha, Ph.D. et Ph.D.

The presented project is focused on the implementation of an alternative propulsion system for unmanned aircraft with vertical take-off and landing, specifically Electric Ducted Fan (EDF) propulsion system. With regard to the evolving density of drone traffic and legislative requirements, both in the EU and overseas, it is necessary to respond to increasing safety risks. These are mainly caused by rotating propellers, which are dangerous for their surroundings, but also for the safety of the device itself. The solution to the described problem could be the use of the above-mentioned EDF. The main advantage of which is the covering of rotating parts, but also, for example, higher performance with smaller dimensions than with an equivalent propeller. However, the mentioned solution has a disadvantage in the form of the need to use thrust vectoring, which is still a very rare solution on unmanned aircraft. In the same way, the control system is completely different from the commonly used ones, so it is necessary to design a new control and regulation system of thrust vectoring. For these purposes, it is necessary to build a completely new concept of test equipment that will allow such a system to be designed for at least one engine. Subsequently, it is necessary to optimize the system for cooperation with multiple propulsion units on a functional prototype of an unmanned aircraft. The outputs of the project would significantly help accelerate the implementation of a new type of propulsion for unmanned aircraft, which would speed up the overall integration of unmanned aircraft into the airspace.

2023 - 2024

Studentská grantová soutěž ČVUT - SGS23/140/OHK2/2T/16

Ing. Petr Had; doc. Ing. Ivan Nagy, CSc.; Ing. Pavel Smíšovský; doc. Ing. Luboš Socha, Ph.D. et Ph.D.; Ing. Slobodan Stojić, Ph.D.

Aircraft ground handling is a complex process involving a large number of entities whose synergy ensures safe and smooth operations. It is a process that is highly sensitive to operational changes that may occur. These changes can cause delays during the ground handling process. The generated delays are then transmitted to the entire network, which is now at the limits of its capacity and needs to be optimised. In order to optimise airspace flows, Network Manager Operations Centre (NMOC) has been created and Collaborative Decision Making (CDM) procedures have been developed. The CDM concept is based on the establishment of a system of information sharing between all stakeholders involved in the operation and functioning of air transport. One of the most important elements defined by the CDM concept, which is also used by NMOC to optimise flows, is the TOBT (Target of block time). This is the time of the end of ground handling. In the first phase, this time is automatically generated based on the scheduled departure of the aircraft and is manually updated by the handling ramp agent during the ground handling process. However, there are no strict procedures for setting the TOBT. Therefore, especially when unexpected operational changes occur, an inaccurate TOBT time can be set. In order to achieve the project objective, a prediction model based on machine learning algorithms will be developed. This model will be able to quantify the influence of factors and their combinations on the TOBT time and then subsequently predict this time. Subsequently, the accuracy of these predictions at various times during the turnaround of the aircraft be verified by comparing the calculated predictions with the actual TOBT time.

2023 - 2024

Studentská grantová soutěž ČVUT - SGS23/142/OHK2/2T/16

Ing. Timotej Gavura; Ing. Michaela Kalivodová; Ing. Stanislav Kušmírek, Ph.D.; doc. Ing. Luboš Socha, Ph.D. et Ph.D.

Flight illusions are generally defined as the discrepancy between reality and pilot's brain evaluation. The presented project deals with the study of the effect of vestibular illusions, specifically Coriolis and somatogyral illusion on nystagmus in two groups of pilots divided according to the level of experience. These are students in pilot training and active pilots. Experimental measurements will take place within two flight profiles, where one will be with illusions and one without. During these profiles, flight data and electronystagmography data will be collected and then compared. The data from the simulator will also be compared with a reference measurement on a turning chair and it will be determined whether there is a connection between them. The whole concept will therefore be based on evidence that will provide detailed information about the pilot's behavior as a result of succumbing to illusions. This may have the effect of increasing air safety and increasing the theoretical knowledge base on the issue.

2022 - 2023

Studentská grantová soutěž ČVUT - SGS22/127/OHK2/2T/16