Power train design and dynamics

Research and development in this area includes the layout and design of new internal-combustion engines, their component parts and assemblies using modern CAD tools. State-of-the-art computational and experimental methods based on FEM and MBS are used to solve structural analysis, heat conduction, dynamics, electromagnetism, electrodynamics, vibration, fatigue life, etc.

Dynamic simulations are performed in the frequency or time domain, depending on the problem under investigation. In the time domain, modally reduced bodies, various rheological models of non-metallic materials, tribological models of bearings, etc. can be included. In addition to internal-combustion engines, dynamic simulations are also performed for electric motor/generator for drive systems of transport means, or their combinations with an internal-combustion engine in hybrid power units. Computational simulations are often carried out in conjunction with extensive experiments.

Experience and knowledge in this area are also supported by long-term and successful partnerships with power train manufacturers, cooperation with software developers for the automotive industry and international university cooperation.

Although the largest volume of research belongs to vehicle power train, attention is also paid to aviation applications. The goal of research and development is modern power train with high efficiency and durability, low weight and low noise and vibration levels. Knowledge gained through research in this area is immediately used in teaching.

Contact

Lubomír Drápal


Projects

Božek Vehicle Engineering National Center of Competence (BOVENAC)

Josef Bozek National Center of Competence for Surface Vehicles


Main products

The new ICE for newly industrialized markets

Internal-combustion engine concept for a hybrid power unit

Crankshaft of an engine-generator

Piston assembly of an engine-generator 

Balancing unit of a special three-cylinder engine 

Crankshaft of an aircraft twin-cylinder engine 

Torsional damper of a special three-cylinder engine 


Topics of doctoral theses

Dynamics of hybrid power units with a cylinder deactivation system 

Crank train with high mechanical efficiency


Selected publications

FRIDRICHOVÁ, Kateřina; DRÁPAL, Lubomír; RAFFAI, Peter; BÖHM, Michael. Comparative study of engine dynamics for rolling and selective cylinder deactivation. Energy. Online. Vol. 303 (2024), published 15 September 2024, p. 1–12. ISSN 1873-6785. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2024.131946. [viewed 2027-07-31].

FRIDRICHOVÁ, Kateřina; DRÁPAL, Lubomír; VOPAŘIL, Jan; DLUGOŠ, Jozef. Overview of the potential and limitations of cylinder deactivation. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. Online. Vol. 146 (2021), iss. 8, p. 1–15. ISSN: 1364-0321. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2021.111196. [viewed 2027-07-31].

DRÁPAL, Lubomír; NOVOTNÝ, Pavel. Torsional vibration analysis of crank train with low friction losses. Journal of Vibroengineering. Online. Vol. 19 (2017), iss. 8, p. 5691–5701. ISSN 1392-8716. Available from: https://doi.org/10.21595/jve.2017.17876. [viewed 2027-07-31].

ŠKODA AUTO. Klikový hřídel spalovacího motoru a způsob výroby klikového hřídele. Inventors: KUBÍČEK, Jiří; DRÁPAL, Lubomír; SLOVÁK, Marek; BRANKOV, Ivaylo. 12 April 2019. Appl.: 23. June 2021. Int. Cl.: F16C3/10, F16C3/14, F16C3/22, B21D51/16, B21D13/02. CZ Patent Specification 308882B6. Available from: https://isdv.upv.cz/doc/FullFiles/Patents/FullDocuments/308/308882.pdf. [viewed 2027-07-31].

ŠKODA AUTO. Klikový hřídel spalovacího motoru a způsob výroby klikového hřídele. Inventors: KUBÍČEK, Jiří; DRÁPAL, Lubomír; SLOVÁK, Marek; BRANKOV, Ivaylo. 12 April 2019. Appl.: 23. June 2021. Int. Cl.: F16C3/10, F16C3/14, F16C3/22, B21D51/16, B21D13/02. CZ Patent Specification 308883B6. Available from: https://isdv.upv.cz/doc/FullFiles/Patents/FullDocuments/308/308883.pdf. [viewed 2027-07-31].


R&D partners

Examples of R&D results

Hybrid power train with a cylinder deactivation system

Four-cylinder engine with high mechanical efficiency 

Three-cylinder engine with a new cylinder unit

Twin-cylinder range extender engine

Three-cylinder engine with uneven firing intervals

Inverted aircraft four-cylinder engine

Two-stroke aircraft engine with opposed pistons

Two-stroke aeromodelling engine

Tractor three-cylinder engine

Racing personal watercraft engine