Semiparametric specification of the utility function in a travel mode choice model

We propose a semiparametric approach that can capture the nonlinearity of deterministic components of the utility functions in discrete choice models and demonstrate it by analyzing travel mode choice behaviour for an interregional trip. The proposed smoothing spline-based specification method can be used to make ex ante evaluations regarding the parametric specifications of the deterministic utility functions in discrete choice models.     

3D brush model to predict longitudinal tyre characteristics

A 3D tyre brush model, which aims to predict the longitudinal tyre characteristic under steady-state conditions by modelling the occurring physical effects in the tyre–road contact patch, is presented. The model includes an analytical method to describe the tyre footprint geometry, the pressure distribution, the slip due to the lateral tyre contour, the slip due to braking or traction and the longitudinal as well as the lateral shear stresses on a flattened tyre. The presented development tool offers a method to investigate different rubber friction data (caused by different tread compounds and/or surface textures) and to analyse its influence on longitudinal tyre characteristics. The tyre design is fixed (same casing, dimension and pattern). The results include the shear stresses as well as the different sliding velocities in the contact patch for different slip conditions. The model was developed for a standard summer pattern design and a standard tyre dimension (205/55R16). It can also be adapted to other tread designs and tyre dimensions. To offer a good comparability between model results and test bench measurements, the surface curvature of an internal test rig is considered.     

Effective method for knock signal denoising in internal combustion engine

Uncontrolled expansion of combustion wave in spark ignited internal combustion engine causes knock effect which seriously degrades efficiency and lifetime of the engine. Thus, accurate knock detection and control are essential for obtaining a desired performance from the engine. Usually, knock sensor is used to detect this phenomenon but it has limited accuracy especially at engine high-speed rotations because of natural vibration and external noises. In this study an effective method based on Non-Local Mean (NLM) algorithm has been proposed to improve the knock detection accuracy. This method is evaluated based on four different indicators and four engine cylinders. The results show 52.9 % improvement in knock detection. Also feasibility of real time execution of this method based on embedded hardware has been studied.     

Origin–destination table disaggregation using biproportional least squares estimation

This paper describes a group of techniques for disaggregating origin–destination tables for travel forecasting that makes explicit use of observed traffic on a network. Five models within the group are presented, each of which uses nonlinear least-squares estimation to obtain row and column factors for splitting trip totals from and to larger geographical areas into smaller ones. The techniques are philosophically similar to Fratar factoring, although the solution method is quite different. The techniques are tested on a full-sized network for Northfield, MN and are found to work effectively.     

Route choice of cyclists in Zurich

This paper presents the first route choice model for bicyclists estimated from a large sample of GPS observations and overcomes the limitations inherent in the generally employed stated preference approach. It employs an improved mode detection algorithm for GPS post-processing to determine trips made by bicycle, which are map matched to an enriched street network. The alternatives are generated as a random sample from an exhaustive, but constrained search. Accounting for the similarity between the alternatives with the path-size factor the MNL estimates show that the elasticity with regards to trip length is nearly four times larger than that with respect to the share of bike paths. The elasticity with respect to the product of length and maximum gradient of the route is small. No other variable describing the routes had an impact. The heterogeneity of the cyclists is captured through interaction terms formulated on their average behaviour.     

Influence of temperature on the tyre rolling resistance

Temperature is a very important factor controlling rolling resistance of road vehicle tyres. There are at least three different temperatures that may be considered as important factors controlling thermal conditions of the rolling tyre. The most common measure of the thermal conditions during tyre rolling is ambient air temperature. The other two are: pavement temperature and “tyre” temperature. Tyre temperature is the most difficult to establish, as temperatures of different parts of rolling tyres differ considerably, thus there is a problem to obtain representative values. In the authors’ opinion, air temperature is the most universal and reliable parameter to measure. The article presents results obtained in the Technical University of Gdańsk during laboratory and road measurements of different car tyres rolling on different pavements. The knowledge of rolling resistance characteristics is important for modelling car dynamics as well as fuel consumption. It is also necessary to establish proper test conditions in the future standardized on-road method of measuring rolling resistance. The results indicate that generally each tyre and pavement combination is influenced by the air temperature in a unique way, but at the same it is possible to propose some general influence factors that may be used to normalize measurements to the standard temperature of 25 °C.     

Wave propagation in head on bonnet impact: Material and design issues

Head on bonnet impact is becoming more and more important in automotive design as regulations on pedestrian safety become more demanding. Despite the relatively low amount of energy involved, these impacts are truly dynamic phenomena as the event duration is comparable with the traveling time of the different wavefronts generated by the impact. In this paper, we show that we can build up a simplified model for the impact based on wave propagation analysis. Using this model, we can analyze head acceleration on existing bonnets or predict it on new ones. Head acceleration in a bonnet impact can thus be estimated over the whole area of the bonnet with a few minutes of CPU.     

公路桥梁维修加固的方法探讨

随着交通运输事业的快速发展,过去修建的桥梁,承受着大量超载车辆和超大交通量的沉重负荷,出现了各种各样的病害.根据近年对公路桥梁的维修加固实践,总结了一些公路桥梁的病害及维修加固的方法.     

Ship, port and supply chain security concepts interlinking maritime with hinterland transport chains

As maritime processes do no stop at sea ports, hinterland operations have to be considered and addressed as well. This becomes obviously on designing and managing seamless cargo and information flows from/to hinterland regions via sea ports from/to transcontinental markets. Nowadays, also security-related aspects need to be tackled in order to enable continuous flows corresponding to security legislations and technical requirements set up in the field of maritime and intermodal hinterland transport. Ensuring transport security within the European transport market requires both adequate security legislations and innovative concepts. While for the maritime sector, including sea ports, security regulations are already in force, hinterland operations (road, rail and Inland Waterway Transport) are only indirectly affected today, either on carrying out transports from/to sea ports or exporting commodities to overseas territories. This results in the need for innovative security strategies and concepts combining maritime with hinterland transport enabling seamless security processes.