Estimating traffic demand risk – A multiscale analysis

This paper proposes a novel method for estimating the traffic demand risk associated with transportation. Using mathematical properties of wavelets, we develop a statistical measure of traffic demand sensitivity with respect to GDP. This measure can be adapted in a flexible way to capture risk levels relevant for different investment horizons. We demonstrate the timescale decomposition of risk with Swedish traffic demand data for 1950–2005. In general, rail transport shows a stronger co-movement with GDP than road transport. Moreover, we examine the volatility exhibited by traffic demand. Our findings suggest that rail investments are more risky than road investments. Since the findings can be used for optimal investment timing and for choice between public investment alternatives, they are deemed important for public policy in general.     

A note on using Davidson's function in equilibrium assignment

This paper describes the use of the Davidson congestion function in modelling network flows using equilibrium assignment. A modification to the function is given, which defines the function over all flows values, and consequently removes computational difficulties noted in earlier studies. The modification requires the inclusion of an additional model parameter, and the selection of a suitable value for this parameter is studied for two sets of data. The modified Davidson function is also compared to two alternative functions; a step-wise linear function and a quartic polynomial function, which have both been proposed as congestion functions. Comparisons are made between observed link volumes and the assigned volumes from these models. It is concluded that the modified Davidson function is useful for inclusion in an equilibrium assignment model, given its ability to reflect differences in network link type (e.g. capacity and speed) and environment through its parameters, the conceptual advantage of the function through its derivation from queueing theory, and the previous discovery of reliable methods for estimating its parameters. A value of about 0.8–0.9 is suggested for the parameter (μ, 0 < μ < 1) introduced in the modification.     

Active Roll Control for Passenger Cars

The development of a mathematical model of a limited bandwidth hydro-pneumatic suspension that is incorporated into a vehicle handling model is described. The combined model is used to evaluate a suitable control strategy for eliminating body roll during a cornering manoeuvre. The philosophy behind the roll control strategy has been to use feedback measurements of the body motions which do not compromise the ride control. A study of the influence of the position of the body motion feedback transducer on the effectiveness of the system to reduce the body roll is presented. Non-linear modelling of the suspension components for a 0.8g cornering manoeuvre has revealed performance limitations. Conclusions are drawn as to the effectiveness of the control scheme.     

Application of a 3-D variational inverse model to the analysis of ecohydrodynamic data in the Northern Bering and Southern Chukchi Seas

In the scope of the Inner SHelf Transfer And Recycling Program, extensive oceanographic surveys were conducted in the Northern Bering and Southern Chukchi Seas. A vast amount of hydrographic, chemical and biological data were collected in order to increase the information available on the system and to test if biological observations are indeed compatible with the dominant hydrographic regimes. An original model, based on the variational inverse method, was developed with the aim of reconstructing realistic three-dimensional fields of the variables of interest and giving an interpretation of the observations consistent with the physics of the general circulation. The basic formulation of the model is quite general and provides a very helpful tool in the context of interdisciplinary studies. In a first stage, the vertical and horizontal structures of physical variables are reproduced and discussed. Secondly, a sketch is proposed to explain the driving mechanisms of the primary productivity in the Northern Bering Sea. In particular, one shows that the hydrodynamic regimes strongly condition the behaviour of the ecosystem and are mainly responsible for the very fertile environment that characterizes the Southern Chukchi Sea.     

An Optimal Self-Tuning Controller for an Active Suspension

An optimal self-tuning control algorithm is presented for vehicle suspension design. The controller, incorporating a weighting controller, state observer and parameter estimator, is designed according to linear optimal control (LQG) theory. Based on the updated estimates of vehicle parameters and states, and the adapted weighting parameters, the LQG controller provides the optimal set of gains over different operating conditions. The feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed self-tuning system was investigated and proved by simulation studies.     

Home-based trip end models — A comparison between category analysis and regression analysis procedures

The trip end models which have been used in past transportation studies are briefly summarised. Problems associated with the use of zone-based models are outlined and reasons are given to support the development of models at the household rather than zonal level.It is suggested that recent developments which have taken place in household-based models have not been entirely logical. In particular, arguments between regression models and category analysis models have been confused with the use of aggregate (zonal) as against disaggregate (household) data — regression models being associated with the use of zonal data and category analysis models with household data. Misunderstood arguments and false notions regarding sample sizes have directed attention from the regression analysis approach.A detailed comparison of the category analysis and regression analysis methods for developing household-based trip end models is given. Both methods have been applied using data from the Monmouthshire Land Use Transportation Study. The regression results reported are from a very preliminary analysis and contain a number of anomalies, although it is thought that sufficient work has been done to provide an objective evaluation of the two methods.It is recommended that the household regression approach should be further investigated since it has advantages as a modelbuilding procedure and makes better use of sample data. A certain amount of categorisation of household types is necessary and the investigations would attempt to determine the best balance between categorisation and regression fitting. Further development will be restricted if the trend towards minimum sample sizes of about 1000 households is continued. Larger samples should be taken in certain circumstances to pursue development work.     

RMS Values of Force, Stroke and Tyre Deflection in a Half-Car Model with Preview Controlled Active Suspension

Summary Matrix expressions are developed for the direct computation of rms values for the optimal control forces, front and rear suspension strokes and dynamic tyre deflections in a half-car model on a random road of given roughness. A quadratic performance index is employed with assumed weighting factors and evaluated in the same computation.     

压实质量的动态控制

探讨了压路机在压实施工中，压实质量的动态控制问题。结合课题实践，构思出了压实质量动态适时控制系统的工作框图。     

USS Boone (FFG 28) Emergent Underwater Rudder Replacement

On November 30, 2006, USS Boone (FFG 28) lost all steering control in the Mediterranean Sea due to a lost rudder. Within hours of the casualty, numerous US Navy and contractor activities sprung into action to coordinate and complete an emergent voyage repair to return USS Boone to service to support the Global War on Terrorism. The Navy faced a large hurdle to identify and transport a replacement rudder to Rota, Spain, and prepare and carry out an extremely complex repair procedure. Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard personnel removed the replacement rudder from USS Crommelin (FFG 37) in Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and transported the rudder to Rota, Spain. The Navy's Supervisor of Salvage and Diving developed the repair procedure and coordinated the repair operation, which involved over 30 US Navy and contractor divers. The repair team completed the rudder replacement on December 28, 2006 and returned USS Boone to underway operations.