A Variable Free Control Characteristic Vehicle

A variable characteristic car (VCC) has been developed at Melbourne University for driverlvehicle handling research. The vehicle is unusual in that it has facilities for varying both its fixed control and free control dynamic characteristics over wide ranges. In this paper the servo systems used to effect these changes are described. The calibration methods used to relate the vehicle response characteristics to the variable servo settings are detailed. Sample calibration results are given for the fixed control parameters steering ratio, yaw response time and stability factor. Calibration of the free control parameters is also described and results are given for the steering torque gradient, and the time-to-peak and percentage overshoot of the steering wheel motion in response to a step input of torque.     

Representing mental maps and cognitive learning in micro-simulation models of activity-travel choice dynamics

This paper develops a model, based on Bayesian beliefs networks, for representing mental maps and cognitive learning into micro-simulation models of activity-travel behavior. Mental maps can be used to address the problem that choice sets in models of travel demand are often ad hoc specified. The theory underlying the model is discussed, a specification is derived and numerical simulation is used to illustrate the properties of the model.     

Prediction of ambient carbon monoxide concentration using nonlinear time series analysis technique

This study evaluates the potential of nonlinear time series analysis based methods in predicting the carbon monoxide concentration in an urban area. To establish the functional relationship between current and future observations, two models based on local approximations and neural network approximations are used. To compare the performance of the models, an autoregressive integrated moving average model is also applied. The multi-step forecasting capabilities of the models are evaluated.     

机构法结合遗传算法优化拱桥设计

对结构工程师来说,设计优化正变得日益重要。该文描述了一种结合机构法和遗传算法进行整体化设计优化的方法。前种方法是当前英国交通部采用的一种主要的计算拱的工具;后者是强有力的数值函数优化方法。文中显示了英国肯特Teston桥和一系列其它样本设计优化的试算结果及相关的算法有效性数据。建议本方法为涉及现存桥梁的评估、维护和修理及新拱桥设计的结构工程师的设计辅助工具。     

The Propagation of Waves in a Semi-Infinite Chain of Material Points and Springs Representing a Long Train

The dynamical behaviour of the longitudinal motion of a long train on which tractive or braking forces apply, often is investigated by representing the train by a model consisting of a continuous bar in which longitudinal vibrations can occur. In the present publication a model consisting of a chain of material points and springs is proposed. It can be investigated by means of difference equation methods and of Laplace transformations. In certain respects the discrepancies of the results with those obtained for a continuous model, are considerable and it may be concluded that a more complete investigation of the discrete model is necessary.     

TRESIS: A transportation,land use and environmental strategy impact simulator for urban areas

The Institute of Transport Studies has developed a Transportation and Environment Strategy Impact Simulator (TRESIS) as a decision support system to assist planners to predict the impact of transport strategies and to make recommendations based on those predictions. A key focus of the simulator is the richness of policy instruments such as new public transport, new toll roads, congestion pricing, gas guzzler taxes, changing residential densities, introducing designated bus lanes, implementing fare changes, altering parking policy, introducing more flexible work practices, and the introduction of more fuel efficient vehicles. The appropriateness of mixtures of policy instruments is gauged in terms of a series of performance indicators such as impacts on greenhouse gas emissions, accessibility, equity, air quality and household consumer surplus. In this paper we introduce TRESIS to the research community, focussing on the structure of the system and the diversity of applications. Applications are presented to illustrate the diversity and richness of TRESIS as a policy advisory tool.     

The Influence of In-Plane Tyre Dynamics on ABS Braking of a Quarter Vehicle Model

For efficient analysis it is important to choose the proper model that fits the problem that needs to be solved. This paper discusses three pragmatic simulation models for longitudinal behaviour of a passenger car tyre (Steady State, Transient and Rigid Ring) that may be used in e.g. an ABS simulation. The characteristics of the simulation models are evaluated using some simple simulations. Simulations with a quarter vehicle model that includes load transfer effects are carried out to determine the deviation in results between the mentioned tyre models for an ABS application. The results show that the Steady State model may only be used below 10 Hz and that the Transient model is valid up to about 30 Hz. The results from the ABS simulation with the Rigid Ring model are most reliable and are clearly different from the Steady State and Transient model, which indicates that ABS simulations should be carried out with the Rigid Ring model. Additionally it is demonstrated that for tyre behaviour on uneven roads the influence of the tyre belt cannot be neglected.