The dynamics of traffic assignment and traffic control: A theoretical study

The paper considers traffic assignment, with traffic controls, in an increasingly dynamic way. First, a natural way of introducing the responsive policy, P_o, into steady state traffic assignment is presented. Then it is shown that natural stability results follow within a dynamical version of this static equilibrium model (still with a constant demand). We are able to obtain similar stability results when queues are explicitly allowed for, provided demand is constant. Finally we allow demand to vary with time; we consider the dynamic assignment problem with signal-settings now fixed. Here we assume that vehicles are very short and that deterministic queueing theory applies, and show that the time-dependent queueing delay at the bottleneck at the end of a link is a monotone function of the time-dependent input profile to the bottleneck. We have been unable to obtain results when dynamic demand and responsive signal control are combined.     

中国试图通过税务优惠提高洋山港货运量

中国计划向利用国内港口转运货物的出口企业提供税务激励,以从国外竞争对手那里吸引更多货运量.例如,从青岛、武汉起程的出口船只如果利用上海洋山港转运,将可获得退税.这一计划由国务院实施,将针对干散货船和集装箱船展开,以帮助国内港口与邻近的航运中心竞争.     

Performance Benefits in Passive Vehicle Suspensions Employing Inerters

A new ideal mechanical one-port network element named the inerter was recently introduced, and shown to be realisable, with the property that the applied force is proportional to the relative acceleration across the element. This paper makes a comparative study of several simple passive suspension struts, each containing at most one damper and inerter as a preliminary investigation into the potential performance advantages of the element. Improved performance for several different measures in a quarter-car model is demonstrated here in comparison with a conventional passive suspension strut. A study of a full-car model is also undertaken where performance improvements are also shown in comparison to conventional passive suspension struts. A prototype inerter has been built and tested. Experimental results are presented which demonstrate a characteristic phase advance property which cannot be achieved with conventional passive struts consisting of springs and dampers only.     

Genetics of traffic assignment models for strategic transport planning

This paper presents a review and classification of traffic assignment models for strategic transport planning purposes by using concepts analogous to genetics in biology. Traffic assignment models share the same theoretical framework (DNA), but differ in capability (genes). We argue that all traffic assignment models can be described by three genes. The first gene determines the spatial capability (unrestricted, capacity restrained, capacity constrained, and capacity and storage constrained) described by four spatial assumptions (shape of the fundamental diagram, capacity constraints, storage constraints, and turn flow restrictions). The second gene determines the temporal capability (static, semi-dynamic, and dynamic) described by three temporal assumptions (wave speeds, vehicle propagation speeds, and residual traffic transfer). The third gene determines the behavioural capability (all-or-nothing, one shot, and equilibrium) described by two behavioural assumptions (decision-making and travel time consideration). This classification provides a deeper understanding of the often implicit assumptions made in traffic assignment models described in the literature. It further allows for comparing different models in terms of functionality, and paves the way for developing novel traffic assignment models.     

Effect of welding sequence on residual stress and distortion in flat-bar stiffened plates

Numerical simulation based on finite element modelling is used to study the influence of welding sequences on the distribution of residual stress and distortion generated when welding a flat-bar stiffener to a steel plate. The simulation consists of sequentially coupled thermal and structural analyses using an element birth and death technique to model the addition of weld metal to the workpiece. The temperature field during welding and the welding-induced residual stress and distortion fields are predicted and results are compared with experimental measurements and analytical predictions. The effect of four welding sequences on the magnitude of residual stress and distortion in both the plate and the stiffener is investigated and their effects on the ultimate strength of the stiffened plate under uniaxial compression are discussed. Appropriate conclusions and recommendations regarding the welding sequence are presented.     

中国船东新贵蓄势待发

船队扩张已被中国的一些新兴船东提上议事日程。据当地的经纪人观察，越来越多的迹象表明，私人船东已在这方面有所动作。尽管不少老牌船东仍在为融资问题而一筹莫展，一批新运营商却已跃跃欲试，将目光投向更多船只，其中就包括珠海新世纪航运、广东粤电航运及舟山中昌海运。据了解，这三家公司前期一直在考察各种散货船，为船队扩张作准备。作为新一代船东的代表，他们有的是野心，而且之前手中已有不少新船在建，融资大多由实力雄厚的母公司或租赁实体提供。     

Experimental study on a model azimuthing podded propulsor in ice

The objective of this study was to investigate the performance of a model azimuthing podded propulsor in ice-covered water. Model tests were carried out with two different depths of cut into the ice (15 and 35 mm), two different ice conditions (presawn and pack ice conditions), and four different azimuthing angles. The depth of cut is the maximum penetration depth of the propeller blade into the ice block. The 0.3-m-diameter model propeller was operated in a continuous ice milling condition. Ice loads were measured by several sensors which were installed in various positions on the model. Six one-axis pancake-style load cells on the top of the model measured the global loads and two six-component dynamometers were installed on the shaft to measure the shaft loads. One six-component dynamometer was attached to the one of the propeller blades inside the hub to measure the blade loads. The pod unit and propeller performance in ice are presented. Ice-related loads, which were obtained when the blade was inside the ice block, are introduced and discussed. During the propeller–ice interaction, a blade can experience the path generated by the previous blade, which is called the shadowing effect. The effects of shadowing, depth of cut, azimuthing angle, and advance coefficient on propulsor performance are presented and discussed.     

Wave and sea level monitoring and prediction in the service module of the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS)

The need for a Global Ocean Observing System Global (GOOS) is now widely appreciated. Parts of GOOS are currently being implemented already. In this paper, written on the request of the joint Scientific and Technical Committee of GOOS, we present some of the scientific issues that need to be addressed for the further development of the Ocean and Marine Meteorology Service module of GOOS. This module is concerned with monitoring and prediction of sea level (both tsunamis and storm surges) and wind driven waves (wind–sea and swell), among other things. For each of these we discuss the current state-of-the-art, indicate what observations are needed and make suggestions for future modelling development.     

GPS-based optimization of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles’ power demands in a cold weather city

Using the WPG03 duty cycle developed from global positioning data collected in Winnipeg, Canada, real world energy demands and costs are modeled. Three types of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, four temperatures and two charging scenarios are compared to a vehicle with an internal combustion engine. Cold temperatures are shown to greatly affect vehicle operation energy costs, which is an important consideration for cold weather cities such as Winnipeg. The largest energy cost savings are obtained for smaller-battery plug-in hybrids that had the opportunity to charge during the day.