Inertial waves in the Ibiza channel

Currentmeter data taken in the Ibiza Channel show the almost permanent presence of near-inertial motions below the mixed layer. They correspond to downwards progressing waves with a vertical group velocity of some m/day. The presence of the Balearic Front sensibly affects the propagation of these inertial waves. Although situations exist in which the passage of atmospheric fronts along the Channel is clearly the generating force of these near-inertial motions we find others in which the energy density in mid-depths is higher than in any other depth. These last situations are closely related to the arrival to the Channel of some of the different water masses which flow around there. A clear correspondence between the presence of relatively strong inertial waves and a noticeable vertical shear of the subinertial flow, evidenced by an averaged Richardson number, is also observed. In some circumstances, the vertical shear of the whole flow (inertial plus subinertial) is higher than the stability limit, that is, Ri < 0.25, favoring the braking of the internal waves. This could be a plausible cause of their decay and a reason to explain why they do not penetrate further than certain depths.     

Contributors to this issue

Contributors to this issue     

重新审视砂再生

过去10年,美国环境保护机构已经对铸造工厂施加了更大的压力,以迫使他们减少废弃物的排出. 在金属铸造业,废砂占到整个铸造业废弃物总量的近70%.每生产1 t铸件,大约平均要用363kg砂,这就意味美国铸造工业每年大概要产出700～800万t废砂.     

Intraunion conflict: the changing marine engineer

In this paper we describe the shift in membership of the Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association (MEBA), the major us marine engneer labour union, and the problems asssociated with this change. The problematic nature of this change is examined by describing the changing membership of MEBA: demonstrating a relationship between the occupational socialzation of members prior to entering the union and their behaviour as members; and by explaining how the actions of MEBA led to the creation of the problem and the policy it implemented to alleviate the sitution. Data are gathared from participant observation, interviews with union officials and marine engineers. Implications for the formation of sentient groups are discussed.     

Experimental validation of a mathematical model of a reed-valve reciprocating air compressor from an automotive-braking system

Mathematical simulation is the process of designing a model of a real system and then conducting experiments with the simulation to understand the system’s behavior. Mathematical simulation is widely used for investigating and designing compressors, and with a minimal number of simplifying assumptions, mathematical models can be used in conjunction with modern computing tools to solve complicated problems. A considerable amount of previous research has focused on the mathematical modeling of reciprocating air compressors used in automotive braking. The aim of the present work was to experimentally validate the mathematical model for such compressors. We present a simplified and effective mathematical model for estimating compressor performance, and this model can easily be executed using personal computers. Parameters such as compressor speed, discharge pressure and clearance volume were evaluated in terms of their effect on the thermodynamic behavior of compressors. The model can predict cylinder pressure, cylinder volume, cylinder temperature, valve lift and resultant torque at different crank angles; it can also predict the free air delivered and the indicated power of the compressor. Therefore, the model has been validated using experimental results.     

Method for analyzing epicyclic gearboxes

This paper presents a method for analyzing epicyclic gearboxes by evaluating the speeds, torques and power of the external elements in epicyclic gear mechanisms, as well as the total ratios of the gear box. The method is based on the equations that describe each epicyclic gear mechanism and rules that assign appropriate codes to the external elements. The method emphasizes how power flows are transmitted through the epicyclic gears, as well as power losses. Analysis of an epicyclic gear box is performed to illustrate the proposed method.     

Four-wheel vehicle kinematic and geometric constraints for definition of tire slip angle

When considering vehicle safety, tires and all that they represent are a fundamental topic. Tire studies have received a considerable amount of attention from the research community because their improvement has a direct and strong impact on vehicle handling and braking. Within this eld of analysis lies an important behavioral feature: the tire slip angle, which is a consequence of lateral forces acting on the tire. This characteristic is predicted in some cases and evaluated experimentally in others. This paper addresses another way to assess the slip angle. We propose a mathematical model that describes a constraint linking the slip angle and steering angle that make a vehicle turn. We present a simplied kinematic model (based on the classic bicycle model) and a four-wheel model, which makes all of the angles involved compatible with each other. In our case, the match will be given by the determination of the turning radius. Two different scenarios, understeering and oversteering vehicles, were simulated, and the results and conclusions reached are presented herein.     

Public goods and the public financing of major European seaports

Seaports are recognized for their importance in facilitating trade growth and associated economic development. These attributes often give rise to the notion that seaports, or infrastructure elements of seaports, are public goods. Public goods are regarded as goods or services which a market acting in isolation might have difficulty in providing, or at least providing in sufficient quantity and/or at a competitive price. An important element of a public good relates to its non-rival consumption, the implication being that it is impossible to exclude anyone, whether they pay or not. Key questions this paper seeks to address are, what constitutes public goods in seaports, to what extent is it necessary for the public sector to provide these goods, and can such intervention lead to market distortion in respect of competing ports? The paper describes the more common examples of public goods in seaports. This is followed by discussion of public and private sector investment at major north European seaports. The paper considers the potential for market distortion due to public sector expenditure on so-called public goods in seaports, and proposes that a more cohesive policy for major ports, particularly those very large containerports serving a common European hinterland, is necessary in order to deliver a sustainable transport system in the long term.     

Influence of the residential and work environment on car use in dual-earner households

This paper analyses whether the decision to commute by car is influenced by built environment characteristics of residential neighbourhoods and, more especially, of work locations, taking into account interdependencies between household partners. It shows that the residential environment only affects car use among single-earners. Conversely, for all commuters, but in particular for dual-earners, characteristics of the work location affect whether they commute by car. Even in dual-earner households with two cars, work environment plays a role. We found that in cases of dual-earners with only one car, the partners with the longest commuting distances and the lowest density work locations are most likely to commute by car. Moreover, in households with young children, men are more inclined to leave the car at home. Other features relating to work also affect car commuting, including work flexibility and, especially, possession of a company car. We conclude that future policies aimed at reducing car use should place greater focus on work factors.