Dynamic Analysis of High-Speed Boat Motion Simulator by a Novel 3-DoF Parallel Mechanism with Prismatic Actuators Based on Seakeeping Trial

In this study, we focused on a novel parallel mechanism for utilizing the motion simulator of a high-speed boat (HSB). First, we expressed the real behavior of the HSB based on a seakeeping trial. For this purpose, we recorded the motion parameters of the HSB by gyroscope and accelerometer sensors, while using a special data acquisition technique. Additionally, a Chebychev high-pass filter was applied as a noise filter to the accelerometer sensor. Then, a novel 3 degrees of freedom (DoF) parallel mechanism (1T2R) with prismatic actuators is proposed and analyses were performed on its inverse kinematics, velocity, and acceleration. Finally, the inverse dynamic analysis is presented by the principle of virtual work, and the validation of the analytical equations was compared by the ADAMS simulation software package. Additionally, according to the recorded experimental data of the HSB, the feasibility of the proposed novel parallel mechanism motion simulator of the HSB, as well as the necessity of using of the washout filters, was explored.     

Transport carriers’ cooperation on the last-mile delivery in urban areas

Transportation - A sharing logistics platform for less-than-truckloads could increase efficiency in city pickup and last-mile deliveries under time window constraints by pairing (matching) truck...     

Effects of bulbous bow on cross-flow vortex structures around a streamlined submersible body at intermediate pitch maneuver: A numerical investigation

A flow field around a streamlined body at an intermediate angle of incidence is dominated by cross-flow separation and vortical flow fields. The separated flow leads to a pair of vortices on the leeside of the body; therefore, it is essential to accurately determine this pair and estimate its size and location. This study utilizes the element-based finite volume method based on RANS equations to compute a 3D axisymmetric flow around a SUBOFF bare submarined hull. Cross-flow vortex structures are then numerically simulated and compared for a submarine with SUBOFF and DRDC STR bows. Computed results of pressure and shear stress distribution on the hull surface and the strength and locations of the vortex structures are presented at an intermediate incidence angle of 20°. A wind tunnel experiment is also conducted to experimentally visualize the vortex structures and measure their core locations. These experimental results are compared with the numerical data, and a good agreement is found.     

Factors contributing to the severity of intersection crashes

Road crashes are a leading cause of death and serious injuries both developed and developing countries. Intersections are recognized as being among the most hazardous locations on the roads. Although crashes at intersections form about 35 % of the reported accidents account for about 32% of traffic‐related serious injuries and fatalities in Singapore, there is no known study that examines the factors contributing to the severity of these crashes. In this study, the ordinal probit model was applied to crash data from 1992 to 2002 to investigate the role a variety of factors play in determining the severity of intersection crashes. Our study shows that vehicle type, road type, collision type, driver's characteristics and time of day are important determinants of the severity of crashes at intersections in Singapore.     

A queueing system for airport buses

The use of remote terminals to relieve airport congestion leads rather naturally to queueing systems with batch arrivals occuring at fixed time intervals to a multiple server service facility. In this paper arrival point steady-state solutions to the D^[X]/M/c queueing system are presented. Solution of the steady-state equation WP = W and Neuts' method of solving the GI^[X]/M/c system are used to obtain steady-state system size densities. Results obtained using the two methods are compared with each other as well as with simulation results.     

Estimating intersection O-D matrices from observed time-series of traffic counts: The zellner estimator

The problem of estimating intersection O-D matrices from input and output time-series of traffic counts is considered in this paper. Because of possible existence of significant correlation between the error terms across structural equations forming the O-D matrices, the seemingly unrelated estimator (Zellner estimator) was suggested. Estimation results showed evidence of strong correlation between error terms across-equations. Generally, the Zellner estimator produced more efficient estimates than did the ordinary least-squares estimator. Furthermore, the Zellner estimator satisfied all constraints and reproduced turning movements comparable to the actual ones.     

A direct method for speeding up the convergence of the furness biproportional method

This paper describes a direct non-iterative balancing technique which could be used as a complementary part to the Furness method to speed up the convergence to the final solution. This is particularly useful when the convergence of the Furness iterations is uneconomically slow and/or when high balancing accuracy is needed. The direct method however, might be used as a substitute to the Furness method in evaluating the consequences of a few alternative sets of small variations in the marginal totals of a two dimensional array.     

A methodology for choosing between fixed‐route and flex‐route policies for transit services

Flex‐route transit brings together the low cost operability of fixed‐route transit with the flexibility of demand responsive transit, and in recent years, it has become the most popular type of flexible transit service. In this paper, a methodology is proposed to help planners make better decisions regarding the choice between a conventional fixed‐route and a flex‐route policy for a specific transit system with a varying passenger demand. A service quality function is developed to measure the performance of transit systems, and analytical modeling and simulations are used to reproduce transit operation under the two policies. To be closer to reality, two criteria are proposed depending on the processing of rejected requests in the assessment of the service quality function for flex‐route services. In various scenarios, critical demand densities, which represent the switching points between the two competing policies, are derived in a real‐world transit service according to the two criteria. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Increasing the accuracy of loop detector counts using adaptive neural fuzzy inference system and genetic programming

Loop detectors are devices that are most commonly used for obtaining data at intersections. Multiple detectors are usually required to monitor a location, and this reduces the accuracy of detectors for collecting traffic volumes. The purpose of this paper is to increase the accuracy of loop detector counts using Adaptive Neural Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) and Genetic Programming (GP) based on detector volume and occupancy. These methods do not need microscopic analysis and are easy to employ. Four approaches for one intersection are used in a case study. Results show that the models can improve intersection detector counts significantly. Results also show that ANFIS produces more accurate counts compared to regression and GP.     

A numerical investigation into strength and deformation characteristics of preloaded tubular members under lateral impact loads

This paper presents the results of a numerical investigation into the structural behaviour of preloaded tubular members under lateral impact loads by means of finite element method. The lateral load represents a statically modelled impact from collision between tubular member and a solid rectangular indenter. Three different kinds of end conditions have been applied to the model and the effects of boundary conditions are investigated. Also, the effect of preloading on the buckling strength as well as the ultimate strength for laterally impacted tubes is assessed and it will be shown that preloading and position of applying force directly affect these strengths. In other words, by increasing in the amount of preloading, ultimate strength reduces and member tends to collapse under lower amounts of loads. The influence of the position of applying lateral load has also been addressed and relevant results will be discussed. In order to verify the performance of numerical model, the results have been examined against an available experimental test.