A 3D, finite element model for baroclinic circulation on the Vancouver Island continental shelf

This paper describes the development and application of a 3-dimensional model of the barotropic and baroclinic circulation on the continental shelf west of Vancouver Island, Canada. A previous study with a 2D barotropic model and field data revealed that several tidal constituents have a significant baroclinic component (the K1 in particular). Thus we embarked on another study with a 3D model to study the baroclinic effects on the residual and several selected tidal constituents.The 3D model uses a harmonic expansion in time and a finite element discretization in space. All nonlinear terms are retained, including quadratic bottom stress, advection and wave transport (continuity nonlinearity). The equations are solved as a global and a local problem, where the global problem is the solution of the wave equation formulation of the shallow water equations, and the local problem is the solution of the momentum equation for the vertical velocity profile. These equations are coupled to the advection-diffusion equation for density so that density gradient forcing is included in the momentum equations. However, the study presented here describes diagnostic calculations for the baroclinic residual circulation only.The model is sufficiently efficient that it encourages sensitivity testing with a large number of model runs. In this sense, the model is akin to an extension of analytical solutions to the domain of irregular geometry and bottom topography where this parameter space can be explored in some detail.In particular, the consequences of the sigma coordinate system used by the model are explored. Test cases using an idealized representation of the continental shelf, shelf break and shelf slope, lead to an estimation of the velocity errors caused by interpolation errors inherent in the sigma coordinate system. On the basis of these estimates, the computational grid used in the 2D model is found to have inadequate resolution. Thus a new grid is generated with increased accuracy in the region of the shelf break. However, even with increased resolution, spurious baroclinic circulation seaward of the shelf break and in the vicinity of Juan de Fuca canyon remained a significant problem when the pressure gradient terms were evaluated using the σ coordinate system and using a realistic density profile.With the new grid, diagnostic calculations of the barotropic and baroclinic residual circulation are performed using forcing from the observed σ_t (density) field and from the gradient of this field.     

Labour/management relations in North American ports

Labour/management practices in North American ports are undergoing fundamental changes in their shift from confrontation to Cooperation. Cooperation is increasing to counter competitive threats from other ports arising from intermodalism and transportation deregulation. Technological advances in port operations are reducing the number of longshore forces required and changing the skills required of those which remain. A recent survey of North American container terminals provided a 'snapshot' of current approaches of improving labour/management relations. Focusing on growth and development needs of individual port workers enhances morale and motivation resulting in environment. Many ports are introducing new management techniques including improved communications and training to enhance the motivation and productivity of their longshore forces.     

铌磷半钢在中磷铸铁闸瓦中应用的研究

本文通过对用铌磷半钢配制的中磷闸瓦的金相组织、力学性能、物理性能和摩擦-磨损特性的研究及其实际运行,证明:其质量指标和使用性能完全满足 TB1159-76标准,并超过普通中磷闸瓦的技术水平;可使中磷铸铁闸瓦的原材料成本降低10%左右.     

Towards a dynamic discrete-choice model of household automobile fleet size and composition

The emphasis on energy consumption in studies of traveller behaviour has led to increased interest in the development of policy sensitive models of automobile demand. In recognition of the fuller dimensions of automobile demand, a number of studies have considered choice amongst types of automobiles as well as number of automobiles. With rare exception, existing studies have concentrated on either type choice or number choice. In all instances the approach has been static. This paper develops a series of linked discrete-choice models to explain household automobile holdings (type and number) and adjustments in the holdings over time. The empirical study is part of an initial data effort leading up to the development of a full scale longitudinal panel of Sydney households. A model system based on a retrospective panel of 354 households, interviewed in 1980, is reported herein. The model is dynamic in the sense that it allows for prior decisions, brand loyalty and the costs of transacting.     

Wave Propagation in a Finite Cascade of Masses and Springs Representing a Train

The response of a train, modelled with a cascade of bodies and springs, due to a step force at the locomotive is investigated. In this model the mass of the locomotive and the last wagon may differ from that of the other wagons. An analytic solution is given for a finite and for a semi-infinite cascade and a comparison to the solution of a continuous model is made.     

Passing sight distance on two-lane highways: Review and revision

Several models have been developed to determine the minimum passing sight distance required for safe and efficient operation on two-lane highways. The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials has developed a model assuming that once the driver begins a pass, he/she has no opportunity but to complete it. This assumption is believed to result in exaggerated passing sight distance requirements. Considerably shorter passing sight distance values are presented in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices and are used as the marking standards in Canada and the U.S.A. More appropriate models have been developed considering the driver's opportunity to abort the pass, and are based on a critical sight distance which produces the same factor of safety whether the pass is completed or aborted. However, these models need to be revised to determine the passing sight distance requirements more accurately and to closely match field observations. In this paper, a revised model for determining the minimum required passing sight distance was developed, based on the concept of critical sight distance and considering the kinematic interaction between the passing, passed, and opposing vehicles. The results of the revised model were compared with field data and showed that the revised model simulates the passing manoeuvre better than the currently-available models which are either too conservative or too liberal. The results showed that the passing sight distance requirements recommended in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices are sufficient at low design speeds (50–60 k.p.h.) and for manoeuvres involving passenger cars only. For higher design speeds, the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices standards are less than the passing sight distance required for safe and comfortable passes. The deficiency was found to increase with the increase in design speed, and reaches about 36% at a 120-k.p.h. design speed. Based on these results, major revisions to the current Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices marking standards are recommended.