Application of ML to System Identification for Underwater Vehicle

In this paper, maximum-likelihood (ML) and its relaxation algorithm, which are used to identify the mathematicsmodel of an underwater vehicle(UV), arc discussed. With the trial data of zigzag tests, the hydrodynamic derivatives of theUV were estimated, and the relaxation algorithm is confirmed to have better astringency from the contrast between the twomethods.Then a simulation environment based on these parameters is established to verify the validity and effect of these meth-ods. The result shows the model is credible and the methods are very useful for the research of maneuverability and adaptivecontrol of underwater vehicles.     

Truck backhauling on two terminal networks

Truck backhauling reduces empty truck-miles by having drivers haul loads on trips back to their home terminal. This paper 1) examines the impact on backhauling opportunities of terminal locations and directional imbalances in the flow of freight from the terminals, and 2) develops a method for determining which truckloads should be backhauled. Backhauling is studied for two terminals sending full truckloads to many customers under steady-state conditions. This research develops two backhauling models. The first is a continuous model that makes simplifying assumptions about customer locations and travel distances. It results in formulae showing that 1) savings from backhauling increase at a decreasing rate as the directional flow of freight between two terminals becomes more balanced and 2) backhauling is an important, but often ignored, factor in terminal (e.g. trucking terminal, warehouse, or plant) location and supplier selection decisions. The second model is a more general discrete model that determines which loads should be backhauled to minimize empty truck-miles.     

FLUXMANCHE radiotracers measurements: A contribution to the dynamics of the English Channel and North Sea

From 1986 to 1992, ¹²⁵Sb released by the nuclear fuel reprocessing plant at La Hague has been used to study the transfer of waters from mid-Channel areas towards the Straits of Dover. Since 1940, these investigations have formed part of the MAST 53 FLUXMANCHE programme and have involved repeated measurements on a Straits of Dover transect. A discussion of the results is presented here which takes into account new information provided by a hydrodynamic model developed in the framework of FLUXMANCHE; it combines knowledge of the monthly fluxes of water trough the Straits of Dover and week-by-week simulation of the ¹²⁵Sb activities of waters flowing in this aera. It is proposed that soluble radionuclides introduced into the central Channel are transferred towards the Straits of Dover over a time which varies from four to seven months depending on the route taken.     

FEA for designing of floating raft shock-resistant system

Choosing the equipment with good shock-resistant performance and taking shock protection measures while designing the onboard settings, the safety of onboard settings can be assured when warships, especially submarine subjected to non-contact underwater explosion, that is, these means can be used to limit the rattlespace (i. e. , the maximum displacement of the equipment relative to the base) and the peak acceleration experienced by the equipment. Using shock-resistant equipments is one of shock protection means. The shock-resistant performance of the shock-resistant equipments should be verified in the design phase of the equipments. The FEA (finite element analysis) software, for example, MSC. NASTRANw, can be used to verify the shock-resistant performance. MSC. PATRAN and MSC. NASTRAN are used for modeling and analyzing the floating raft vibration isolating equipment. The model of the floating raft and the floating raft vibration isolating system are theoretically analyzed and calculated, and the analysis results are in agreement with the test results. The transient response analysis of the system model follows the modal analysis of the floating raft vibration isolating system. And it is used to verify the shock-resistant performance. The analysis and calculation method used in this paper can be used to analyze the shock-resistant performance of onboard shock-resistant equipments.     

Modelling the hydrodynamics and ecosystem of the North-West European continental shelf for operational oceanography

This paper outlines an approach to complex spatio-temporal marine ecosystem modelling as applied to the North Western European Continental Shelf. The model presented here combines an eddy-permitting (approximately 6 km horizontal resolution) baroclinic model, the Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory Coastal Ocean Modelling System (POLCOMS), with the European Regional Seas Ecosystem Model (ERSEM). This has been run within an operational framework using operationally available high resolution atmospheric and lateral boundary forcing, allowing hindcast and near-real time nowcast simulations to be performed. The modelled surface temperature and chlorophyll distributions are presented, and interannual variations discussed. Validation of both the physical and ecosystem submodels show the system to be effective, whilst highlighting areas where improvements in the system can be made. Distinct regional differences in predictive skill are shown. The system presented is ready for operational implementation to provide products and services for use both scientifically and in coastal zone and shelf seas management activities. A programme of work to update the system is already in place.     

The drag on an airplane taking off from a floating runway

The motions of an infinitely long, two-dimensional runway subjected to the dynamic moving load imposed by an airplane taking off are investigated. The runway is assumed to be floating in an inviscid fluid and is initially at equilibrium before the plane takes off. The deformation of the runway resulting from the take-off is wave-like and moves in the same direction as the plane. The maximum drag occurs when the plane catches up with the first wave. Three different runway configurations were considered: a baseline and ones which were ten and one hundred times more flexible than the baseline. For these runways, the added drag to the aircraft was very small, ranging from 1% for the stiffest to 10% for the most flexible runway.     

Shipbuilding trends in response to environmental issues

This paper offers an overview about how societal issues and environmental challenges will influence shipbuilding in the near future. It begins with an evaluation of societal developments and refers to globalization and climate change. The paper then continues to assess the impact of these developments on ship design and operation, and considers how the adverse effects of shipping in this context can be reduced. In this respect, topics like emission control and scrapping of ships are considered.     

An analysis of the Brazilian ship financing system

The Brazilian ship financing system has some unique features. The funds made available to finance the construction and acquisition of ships are sourced from a tax on import and cabotage freight, payable by the shippers. For Brazilian flagged ships, a portion of the tax generated can be used for the payment of loan instalments. This paper analyses the impact of the tax on the economy as a whole, and discusses the distribution of the tax burden between the shipowner and the shipper, taking into account the maritime transport demand elasticities in Brazil. The paper also analyses the effectiveness of the financing system in reducing the capital cost to shipowner, and the distortion effects produced by the utilization of the tax in loan repayments. The conclusion is that there are important distortions that may threaten the recovery of the maritime industry in Brazil.