The exhibition in Hall A1 will be dominated by the Hybrid Power Unit for small sport aircraft or large unmanned aerial vehicles. The basis of the unique design of the Hybrid Aircraft Propulsion System is a bi-rotary internal combustion engine, characterized by minimal vibrations, low weight and a very good power-to-weight ratio. The second essential component of the hybrid propulsion system is a new electric motor. The two engines are connected by a new patented coupling. The two drive units allow the aircraft to be operated in several modes. The combination of the engines also allows for a backup solution to land safely in the event of a problem with one of the power units. A valuable addition is the safe traction batteries housed in special boxes made of GFC ceramic composite with excellent fire, heat and chemical resistance.
Cyclists will be thrilled to see a demonstration of the innovative C-duro bike frame, made from carbon composite materials using an automated process known as Integrated Loop Technology (ILT), which eliminates human error and ensures precision manufacturing of structural parts. ILT technology is cost-effective, reduces machining, shortens production time and ensures stronger joints. Increased joint strength and frame stability is achieved by carbon fiber loops that are seamlessly integrated into the tube structure. The implemented numerical, technological and material optimizations guarantee high torsional and tensile stiffness and load-bearing capacity of the joints. The C-duro frame is offered in a set of standard sizes, but the Robot Assisted Fiber Laying technology allows for the production of a modular system, thus customizing the frame to the cyclist's specific preferences and requirements.
Projekty studentských týmů
There are several student teams at Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. The resulting projects often go beyond the boundaries of teaching and the entire field and serve as an ideal preparation for the future careers of their members.
Tým CTU AeroLab
CTU AeroLab team
The small aircraft design team prepares models for international student team competitions such as SAE Aero Design. The goal is to invent, design, manufacture and test a radio-controlled aircraft that can take off, land and optimally meet mission requirements. The evaluation of the teams includes the presentation of a design report. The latest prototype from the CTU Aero-Lab team is the Thunder Blunder, which was first presented at the SAE Aero Design 2023 competition in Florida in the Regular category. The criteria for scoring were cargo weight and wingspan. The flight mission involved only takeoff, overcoming a short flight lap and landing. The team chose a wooden upper-plane design with a combined wingspan of a maximum possible 5.4 m. Significant design features included lightweight pinned wing segment couplings, a unique cargo bay design and a damped landing gear. The aircraft was designed to carry up to 11 kg of cargo in the form of flat steel bars. The CTU AeroLab team, formerly called CTU Chicken Wings, also plans to participate in the Air Cargo Challenge and New Flying Competition in the future, which includes an autonomous flight role.
CTU CarTech team
Another student project is the hybrid-powered F.15 monopost car, which has taken top places in international Formula Student competitions. The biggest changes in the 2023 version were in the hybrid and internal combustion powertrains, aerodynamics, which saw a big increase in downforce, a 12 kg reduction in weight, a 60 mm shortening of the chassis and the ability for the pilot to change the rear suspension stiffness on the fly. Equally important changes were improvements to the SW for the electric motors, better cooling of the battery itself, new precision-cast ballasts, lighter carbon wheels, clutch and steering column, and electro-pneumatic shifting. In addition to the 62 kW internal combustion engine, the formula is powered by two electric motors on the front axle with a total output of 9 kW. The power output of the electric powertrain is regulated by rules to a maximum battery weight of 3 kg and a total system voltage of 60 V, hence the combustion engine still dominates as the propulsion unit. In this year's competitions, the team won first place in the Netherlands and Austria, third place in the Czech Republic and second place in Croatia in a strong competition of teams from European universities. In addition, the team brought home a number of gold medals from the competitions in the sub-disciplines.