Proposed quick method for applying dynamic lane assignment at signalized intersections

Almost all researches about dynamic lane assignment were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of applying this technique at signalized intersections. However, little attention was given to the method of identifying quickly the optimum lane group. This research suggests a quick method to find the optimum lane group for 3-lane and 4-lane approaches at junctions where each approach has green by itself in turn using the percentage of turning movements. MATLAB environment was used to build an optimization model to find the optimal lane groups at all intersection approaches for hypothetical massive traffic demand combinations using an objective function of minimizing intersection delay. This finding represents a plausible quick method to predict the optimum lane group in the field instantaneously using the percentage of turning movements at the approach without conducting massive calculations.     

Optimal controller design for a constrained polynomial vehicle system with an input-state linearized model

This paper presents a new controller design method based on a data-mining polynomial algorithm. We show application of a polynomial data-mining algorithm, where an input-state linearized polynomial vehicle model is developed for very low speed operation and, without introducing any processes with fudge factors, control inputs of a nonlinear system are obtained in the original coordinates. We verify the developed modeling method and controller design method through numerical experiments.     

Do mergers and alliances influence European shipping and port competition?

In Europe, ports are confronted with a closer integration in the maritime and shipping industries. The co-operation agreements can take several forms such as alliances and mergers among shipping lines, conferences, involvement of shipping companies in terminal management, and extending interests in inland transport of shipping companies. In this paper we give a brief overview of these different types of agreement and we examine the consequences of this evolution of the market structures in which ports and shipping companies have to operate. More specifically, attention goes to the competitive position of the port in this new environment. It is clear that the role of the port and the port authorities has to be redefined to guarantee that it remains a fully fledged player in this fast evolving integrated market.     

Brushless PM machine drive in electric and hybrid electric vehicles based on the space vector current control

This paper presents a space vector current controller for a brushless permanent magnet motor in electric and hybrid electric vehicles. The proposed current controller selects space vectors based on the sector selection under a three-level hysteresis comparator to decrease the current ripple. The proposed approach can improve the performance of a brushless PM drive such as the average switching frequency and the total harmonic distortion (THD) compared with the conventional hysteresis current control. The experiment is performed first to verify the proposed control. Then, the method is implemented in a hybrid electric vehicle simulation model with standard driving cycles based on the control strategy to evaluate the drive performance in the vehicle system. The experimental and simulation results indicate that the presented control can improve the performance of the brushless PM machine drive.     

Development and performance analysis of an automotive power seat for disabled persons

As the number of disabled people grows, independence and mobility become a priority for those individuals. To achieve this goal, a ‘Turny-type power seat’ was developed in this study to assist a disabled person rise from a vehicle without trouble. The design and modeling of the power seat were performed using AutoCAD and CATIA software. The major motions of the power seat system are swiveling, sliding, and extending, which are accomplished primarily by DC motors, chains, and gears. Most of the power seat parts were made from mild steel. Welding technology was used throughout the frame fabrication. To ensure the safety and stability of the power seat, various tests were performed, and the results analyzed. The static analysis of the power seat was carried out by ANSYS 11.0. The results showed that the power seat conformed to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. The durability test was performed by repeatedly rotating and sliding the power seat under loading conditions. Dynamic crash simulation was carried out using the LS-DYNA software. The durability test ensured a longer life of the power seat, while the crash analysis showed a small rotational distortion that was not harmful to passengers. However, the front seat had a slightly larger forward displacement, which was not comfortable for passengers. Therefore, further modifications of the power seat should be done to improve the performance, with attention given to the reduction of the forward displacement in the event of a crash.     

Method for control of steering angles for articulated vehicles using virtual rigid axles

Many methods we have been developed to control the rear wheels of a vehicle, but most of them are designed for automobiles with four wheels. The AWS (all wheel steering) control method for articulated vehicles is currently applied only to Phileas vehicles developed by APTS, but the control algorithm for this system has yet to be reported. In the present paper, a new algorithm is proposed after the AWS ECU (electronic control unit) of the Phileas vehicle was tested and analyzed in order to understand the existing steering algorithm. The new algorithm considers the vehicle geometry, stability of handling, and safety, and can be easily applied to multi-axle vehicles. In order to verify the AWS algorithm, the trajectory and steering angles of each algorithm were compared using the commercial software ADAMS. Turning radius, swing-out, and swept path width were also investigated to determine the turning performance of the proposed algorithm.     

Powertrain design and experiment research of a parallel hybrid electric vehicle

The powertrain of an ultra-capacitor-based parallel hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) was developed. Innovations, such as the engine management system, floating ISG (Integrated Starter and Generator), electronic-controlled double-clutch system and dual-driven air conditioning system were realized. Hybrid control strategies to improve the fuel economy and reduce emissions were analyzed briefly. In order to ensure the vehicle emission performance, the engine management system calibration was performed. The vehicle emission test was also conducted, showing that the vehicle emission satisfied the EURO III standard and has great potential for improvement. The hybrid start test was introduced in detail. We realized the hybrid function and start parameter optimization of the engine and ISG.     

Mode Mixity for Orthotropic Interface Delamination in Laminated Composites

The mode mixity is defined based on nonoscillatory strain energy release rate components of delamination between two different orthotropic materials to evaluate the delamination behavior of laminated composites.The result showes that the relative location of the delamination through the thickness influences the mode mixity in a relatively well-regulated way,and that the reinforcement directions of the adjacent plies along the delamination front have a more complicated impact on the mode mixity.This is caused by the bending/twist coupling and bending/bending coupling in the stress field at the crack tip for delamination between multidirectional plies,which completely modifies the stress and strain fields ahead of the crack tip.These kinds of couplings account for the non-uniform distribution of mode mixity values along the delamination front.Application of appropriate mode mixity values is necessary for accurate prediction of delamination growth.