The research activity of the department is mainly focused on the analysis of dynamic behaviour of materials under impact loading. The Dynamic Testing of Materials and Structures Laboratory (DynLab) has, for example, a parachute machine, a Hopkinson split bar (SHPB) or a linear motor-based loading machine (LIMA). Selected loading devices are complemented by X-ray radiography systems that allow the analysis of deformation processes inside the tested materials. We have a flash X-ray source (Flash X-ray), a powerful X-ray machine as well as two high-speed cameras (Photron SA-Z). The combination of high-speed impact tests with imaging using a flash X-ray source is unique among university departments. We use high-resolution computed tomography and high-speed digital image correlation (DIC) to evaluate the experiments. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is also used for further analyses. Experimental activities at our department are further complemented by numerical analyses including finite element modelling (FEM), constitutive models of the materials under test or the development and use of implicit and explicit solvers for the analysis of deformation mechanisms. The materials tested cover a wide range from natural (trabecular bone), to composites (UHPFRC), to 3D printed (meta)materials (PLA, 361L, auxetic structures, metallic multi-material structures).

A number of research topics are addressed by the Department of Mechanics and Materials in cooperation with foreign institutions such as Helmut-Schmidt University in Hamburg (testing of coated porous materials), University of Maribor (research on auxetic structures) and University of Aveiro (impact testing of metal foams).

The Department of Mechanics and Materials also provides expert services to commercial entities such as Vršanská uhelná (long-term monitoring of the mechanical behaviour of pipelines), AŽD Praha (cooperation on the development of a new type of railway signal) and SG Geotechnika (testing of mechanical properties of rocks).

The Department of Mechanics and Materials provides teaching in:

• statics, kinematics and dynamics, elasticity and strength, experimental mechanics, plasticity, fracture mechanics, computational mechanics, human biomechanics
• dynamics of transport pathways and vehicles
• study of the behaviour and properties of structural and functional materials - classical materials, ceramic materials, composite materials, non-classical materials with controlled properties
• study of the behaviour and properties of structural and functional materials - classical materials, ceramic materials, composite materials, non-classical materials with controlled properties
• introduction to rolling stock
• creation of technical documentation in the field of engineering, construction and electrical engineering.