Thermal deformations in typical maglev guideway structures

Thermal gradients and related deformations induced in elevated Maglev guideways by temperature variations in their environment have been predicted by a mathematical model. The deflections induced by thermal gradients in typical guideways are found to exceed specified limits for acceptable operation of an electromagnetic suspension system vehicle unless measures are taken to reduce the thermal gradients and related deflections by suitable treatment of the guideway surfaces.     

An investigation of passenger interchange and train standing time at LRT stations: (ii) Estimation of standing time

The standing-time of trains at urban rail stations is pertinent to determining the line capacity and fleet size. The assumption of uniform boarding and alighting leads to under-estimation of the standing time. It is shown that the train standing-time is related to the fraction of boarders and the maximum demand for boarding and alighting at a door. It is further shown that the probability distribution of passengers at a door depends on the platform entrance locations. A methodology that takes into account the above factors is proposed for estimating the train standing-time.     

A spatial equilibrium port cargo projection model

A mathematical spatial programming model developed to analyse changes in international and hinterland commodity flows through a regional port system is applied to wheat shipments through the U.S. Pacific Northwest port system. Two scenarios, one focusing on a Chinese quarantine on wheat shipments from the Pacific Northwest and the other on possible closure of barge transportation on the Columbia-Snake River, illustrate the capacity of the model to evaluate the impacts of international and hinterland shocks on the regional port system.     

An examination of the determinants of day-to-day variability in individuals' urban travel behavior

Day-to-day variability in individuals' travel behavior (intrapersonal variability) has been recognized in conceptual discussions, yet the analysis and modeling of urban travel are typically based on a single day record of each individual's travel. This paper develops and examines hypotheses regarding the determinants of intrapersonal variability in urban travel behavior.Two general hypotheses are formulated to describe the effects of motivations for travel and related behavior and of travel and related constraints on intrapersonal variability in weekday urban travel behavior. Specific hypotheses concerning the effect of various sociodernographic characteristics on intrapersonal variability are derived from these general hypotheses. These specific hypotheses are tested empirically in the context of daily trip frequency using a five-day record of travel in Reading, England.The empirical results support the two general hypotheses. First, individuals who have fewer economic and role-related constraints have higher levels of intrapersonal variability in their daily trip frequency. Second, individuals who fulfil personal and household needs that do not require daily participation in out-of-home activities have higher levels of intrapersonal variability in their daily trip frequency.     

Canada and the Liner Code of Conduct: Consumerism and public policy

This paper focuses on the potential effects the UNCTAD Liner Code of Conduct's provisions for cargo reservation on consumers of shipping services, with special reference to Canada. It is clear that as more nations enact flag-discriminating legislation then fewer choices amongest distribution options will exist for the consumer. This will involve nations like Canada in a fundamental reassessment of their current shipping policy, since the rationale of 'free market' competition will no longer be valid: carrier and services options will be curtailed. In the light of this, Canada will be forced to examine the concepts of 'free trade' and 'private sector enterptise' and develope a considered response that protects the consumer interest.     

Spatial variations in attitudes toward expanded public transit service

Although recent budgetary considerations by the Federal govenment do not portend well for urban public transit, some transit systems are considering expansion into less densely-settled areas further from the Central Business District. Of some concern to planners has been their belief that suburban and rural dwellers may be much less inclined than urban dwellers to support expansion of transit service. This paper presents an analysis of a random-digit dialing/mail-out, mail-back survey conducted in Washtenaw County, Michigan which was designed specifically to examine differences in attitudes between urban and rural residents. Six mutually-exclusive spatial strata were established based upon population density. This paper tests for expected spatial differences in socioeconomic and demographic variables and then examines spatial variations in attitudes toward public transportation. The major conclusion is that the expected spatial variations in attitudes about transit service provision between the spatial strata do not arise. Most of the significant differences found are with respect to questions which relate to where transit is provided. Residents in rural (urban) areas support more strongly the provision of services to rural (urban) areas. Many residents, however, will support transit service that may not benefit them directly.     

Rising fuel costs and the geographical advantages of Mediterranean ports

With the soaring fuel costs modifying the general cost structure of ship management. shipowners running deep-sea services are being forced to reconsider the routeing of their vessels. some geographical regions (and ports within those regions) appear to begaining new spatial advantages in overall cargo flows because of this factor. This study looks at a methodological framework for a computer simulation analysis of these advantages by treating a specific example: that of second- and third-generation container vessels plying between the Far East and Europe. It tests the hypothesis that, on this particular route, the increase in fuel costs is tending to give a competitive edge to Mediterranean ports compared with those in north-western Europe.     

Shipping control and the changing use of marine space

In this paper Professor Couper discusses the divisions of marine space as set out in the Revised Single Negotiating Text of UNCLOS III in relation to maritime accidents. This is followed by a contribution by Mr Burger on statistical material related to the incidence of marine accidents in North-West European waters. The third section of the paper by Captain S. Abdelgalil, is devoted to a technical discussion on traffic lanes in confined waters.     

Active Controls in Ground Transportation — A Review of the State-of-the-Art and Future Potential

Active control systems offer significant functional advantages over passive systems; their introduction into production-line vehicles, however, is cautious and slow. This survey describes the recent progress in the analysis, design and technology of active controls in vehicles. It includes the state-of-the-art of their introduction into operation as well as their future potential in view of recent advances in technology and computer aided design strategies. The survey has been limited to suspensions for vehicles on roads and tracks.