Sub‐optimal decision‐making and the transportation problem

A modification to the transportation problem is outlined that aims to improve the quality of predictions of trip matrices, and at the same time, allow some behavioural and economic insights. A framework is suggested within which this modification may be made and a suitable statistic and iterative process are described. A simple example demonstrates the validity of the modification and suggests some areas of difficulty with the approach.     

The design of a terminal for dangerous goods

This paper aims at examining the possibility of setting up a model terminal for the transportation of dangerous goods. It should be designed in such a manner that its use would be possible for any kind of transportation.

This consideration has been prompted by the interface between transportation planning and technology, as well as by the tendency for harmonizing international recommendations pertaining to the transportation and handling of dangerous goods, especially during the last decades where unified transport has gained ground due to the advantages provided for the safe consignment of dangerous cargoes.

Since the large increase in terminal productivity is due to the heavy investments that were effected in terminal installations and to the modernization of the administration‐management of terminals, a mathematical simulation has been adopted to assist the determination of the capacity of a terminal for dangerous goods.

It is evident that different criteria and various assumptions have been taken into account in order to facilitate a deeper analysis, without ignoring the contribution of dangerous goods to the socio‐economic development.

From the outset of the study, it was already clear that the said process will make it possible to present—as a model—a simple but well defined situation for the purpose of drawing useful conclusions.     

Design and evaluation of an integrated inventory and transportation system

This paper proposes the adoption of an integrated inventory and transportation system (IITS) to minimize the total costs of inventory and transportation. A non-linear programing is developed by analyzing transportation and inventory costs with one supplier and many retailers in the distribution environment. The paper compares the proposed model with the traditional approach in computing total costs with numerical data. The results indicate that the total costs can be optimized by adopting integrated programing rather than the traditional approach, along with achieving improved customer service levels. In particular, sensitivity analysis is applied to determine the performance of the IITS under various transportation costs, holding costs and shortage costs. It shows that the transportation cost per unit is most sensitive in the proposed model. In this situation, the IITS is more effective for cost saving when set-up cost, holding and shortage costs are high, but is less effective for situations involving high per-unit transportation costs.     

Examining the Political and Practical Reality of Bus-based Real Time Passenger Information

Abstract

Enhancing the bus experience through improved information provision is a key element of UK Government transport policy. Real time passenger information (RTPI) is perceived to reassure waiting passengers, to benefit the bus operator through increased revenue and the local authority, by promoting social inclusion and achieving a modal shift. RTPI also provides an important tool for operators by allowing them to monitor services and refine their schedules.

The aim of this paper is to understand the reasons for implementing RTPI in the bus sector, and to determine the key issues impacting on the likely success of such a policy. A case study approach investigates the experiences of two provincial towns in the UK. The paper suggests that, whilst it is unclear whether RTPI has resulted in an increase in bus patronage, it is considered to be most effective when combined as part of a package of measures. It is intended that the findings from the two case studies will reveal lessons of relevance to authorities contemplating the introduction of RTPI.     

Valuation of environmental externalities: from theory to decision‐making

Valuation of externalities is a condition for correct investment and pricing decisions in transport. This paper provides a brief survey of the main studies achieved in OECD countries in order to get these valuations. Numerical values for the average social cost of transport are presented. The procedures according to which environment is taken into account in France and Italy are analyzed, and the importance of valuation in these procedures is assessed. Finally, prospects for further research and new developments are expressed.     

A new approach for improving the performance of freight train timetabling of a single-track railway system

A new approach for improving the performance of freight train timetabling for single-track railways is proposed. Using the idea of a fixed-block signaling system, we develop a matrix representation to express the occupation of inter- and intra-station tracks by trains illustrating the train blocking time diagram in its entirety. Train departure times, dwell times, and unnecessary stopping are adjusted to reduce average train travel time and single train travel time. Conflicts between successive stations and within stations are identified and solved. A fuzzy logic system is further used to adjust the range of train departure times and checks are made to determine whether dwell times and time intervals can be adjusted for passenger and freight trains at congested stations to minimize train waiting times. By combining manual scheduling expertise with the fuzzy inference method, timetable efficiency is significantly improved and becomes more flexible.     

冰荷载作用下护岸结构数值模拟

季节性冰冻河流春季开江产生的流冰会严重威胁堤防建筑物的安全,开展流冰对结构物的碰撞规律研究十分必要。为此,以松花江汤原县胜利堤护岸结构为例,利用ANSYS/LS-DYNA软件,基于结构地质地形,考虑松花江春季江面开化流冰情况,建立计入冰荷载作用下的护岸结构数值分析模型,开展护岸结构在冰排撞击作用下的有限元分析研究,理清结构承载变化规律,为季节性冰冻地区护岸结构的设计及后期维护提供理论参考和技术支持。     

Non-local simulation of the stable boundary layer with a third order moments closure model

A new higher order closure model for the stable boundary layer is presented and compared with Large Eddy Simulation data. The model includes numerical solutions for the mean values, second and third order moments equations. A satisfactory agreement is found between the calculated vertical profiles of the turbulent quantities with those provided by the LES. Furthermore the new model results are compared with profiles obtained with a lower order closure model in order to verify the effective importance of including third order dynamical equations in the model.     

某型舰炮武器模拟训练系统设计

以军事需求为依据,提出了基于HLA的某型舰炮武器模拟训练系统的功能性能需求,描述了运行体系和支持条件等仿真环境,设计了软硬件实施方案和系统运行流程.实践证明该方案设计合理,可操作性强,能够达到武器系统仿真要求.     

自主水下航行器发展概述

自主水下航行器（AUVs）因其应用于海洋勘探而逐渐成为一个有趣的研究对象。波浪滑翔机是一种行驶于波浪表面的无人滑行器（SUV）,它借助海洋能来推动自己,这对于典型的AUVs所采用的电机供能以及昂贵的锚链系统浮标供
　　能来说,是一种技术上的重大跨越。该文讨论了最有效率的AUVs类型。第一部分为每一种类型的发展历程,第二部分为它们各自的技术特点。此外,波浪滑翔机作为应用于海洋部门的一种新型水下机器人,文中简要地给出它的过去,现在以及未来的发展概述。研究波浪滑翔机的意义在于证明它的效率以及实用性,进而取代诸多的AUVs来实现各种实际应用。而研究结果也表明波浪滑翔机确实可以应用于众多领域。对于海洋检测而言,相比于其他AUVs,波浪滑翔机提供了更廉价,更经济,更环保的作业模式,同时也不需要缆绳、船舶等海上作业服务。