Transit to eternal youth: lifecycle and generational trends in Greater Montreal public transport mode share

Young people appear to be using public transit more than their predecessors, reversing twentieth century trends, but the importance of such findings depends on whether high transit use persists as these riders age. This paper examines whether transit mode share for commuting trips is increasing; socio-economic and geographic trends are also explored to attempt to determine whether these trends are likely to continue. The study uses repeated cross-sectional origin–destination surveys of Greater Montreal (1998, 2003 and 2008). Over 45,000 home-to-work and home-to-school trips are studied for each survey year. A general lifecycle pattern of decreasing transit share with age is apparent within cohorts until individuals reach their early 30s, followed by decades of stability. This pattern appears to hold in recent years, but with higher youth use rates, and it is argued that the higher use will continue as current younger cohorts mature. Suburbanization by those in their early 30s is evident and, along with household composition changes, appears to explain much of the final within-cohort mode share declines before equilibrium. Transit providers might see lasting ridership gains, as those currently in their early 30s and younger replace lower-use cohorts in the workforce, provided service provision keeps pace. Addressing the needs of young people, whose mode choices are comparatively unsettled, should be a priority for transit agencies to ensure higher transit usage in the future.     

Parametrical studies of a new numerical model for controlled ship motions in extreme astern seas

Parametrical studies based on numerical simulations were carried out for very steep regular waves to assess possible improvements in the state-of-the art numerical modelling of the control and capsizing behaviour of ships in following and quartering seas. A nonlinear 6-DOF numerical model has been developed with the inclusion of frequency-dependent terms, the so called memory effects, and a flexible axis system that allows straightforward combination of seakeeping and manoeuvring models while accounting for extreme motions. The previously undertaken validation analyses using extensive model test data provided qualitatively good agreement, whereas the comparison with numerical models without coupling of the vertical motions and frequency-dependent hydrodynamic terms embodied in radiation forces identified improvements in the accuracy. However, to broaden the assessment of the numerical model, further parametrical numerical analyses were carried out using two ships, which had previously been tested in the validation analyses, for various operational and environmental conditions. These parameters were changed in accordance with the recommendations from international organisations and experience from model tests to realise and avoid dangerous conditions that often result in capsizing, such as broaching associated with surf riding and low-cycle resonance. As a result of the parametric analysis, we discuss the sensitivity of the improvements in the numerical model for various critical operational and design parameters and its possible use to provide a link between the ship's behavior and these parameters.     

Vehicle Modelling Aspects for an Embedded Real-Time Application

In this paper we present results obtained for a driving advice system developed, within the framework of the Prometheus program. The main results concern the vehicle modelling, which is required for the evaluation of the vehicle's dynamic behaviour in real-time, and the safety parameters considered and developed in order to evaluate the vehicle's safety state. The demonstrator is briefly presented, together with the results.     

通过形状差异修正模式方法进行的损伤识别试验(英文)

An experimental program was undertaken to test the feasibility to detect the occurrence of structural damage using a modified mode shape difference technique. The vibration response of a steel beam fixed at one end and hinged at the other was obtained for the intact and damage conditions. Modal analysis was performed to extract the frequencies and mode shapes. The method shows a good potential in detection of occurrence and location of damage.     

Patterns and projections of technical development in freeway surveillance and control in the U.S.A.

This paper explores the historical trends in freeway traffic management technology in the U.S., and the most likely projections for the coming two decades. First, existing computer‐supervised freeway surveillance and control techniques are reviewed with particular emphasis on the scientific and technological landmarks which has led to the evolution of these techniques. Next, the major underlying trends which bear on the future of automated freeway surveillance and control are identified. Finally, extrapolative projections are made to determine the most likely future of this technology. The paper concludes with implications for the issues of meeting short‐term transportation needs of urban areas through more efficient use of existing transportation facilities.     

Resistance analysis of a semi-SWATH design concept in shallow water

Resistance analysis is an important analytical method used to evaluate the hydrodynamic performance of High Speed Craft (HSC). Analysis of multihull resistance in shallow water is essential to the performance evaluation of any type of HSC. Ships operating in shallow water experience increases in resistance because of changes in pressure distribution and wave pattern. In this paper, the shallow water performance of an HSC design concept, the semi-Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull (semi-SWATH) form, is studied. The hull is installed with fin stabilizers to reduce dynamic motion effects, and the resistance components of the hull, hull trim condition, and maximum wave amplitude around the hull are determined via calm water resistance tests in shallow water. These criteria are important in analyzing semi-SWATH resistance in shallow water and its relation to flow around hull. The fore fin angle is fixed to zero degrees, while the aft fin angle is varied to 0°, 5°, 10°, and 15°. For each configuration, investigations are conducted with depth Froude numbers (Fr _H ) ranging from 0.65 to 1.2, and the resistance tests are performed in shallow water at the towing tank of UTM. Analysis results indicate that the resistance, wave pattern, and trim of the semi-SWATH hull form are affected by the fin angle. The resistance is amplified whereas the trim and sinkage are reduced as the fin angle increases. Increases in fin angle contribute to seakeeping and stability but affect the hull resistance of HSCs.     

Overcoming barriers to cycling: understanding frequency of cycling in a University setting and the factors preventing commuters from cycling on a regular basis

Much local and regional transport policy is attempting to increase cycling as an everyday mode of travel through infrastructure changes, education initiatives, and safety campaigns. While considerable research has examined the influence of the built form on cycling, less research has examined the barriers that prevent people who wish to cycle more (as part of their routine) from doing so. This study examines several factors influencing the frequency by which people do (and do not) cycle in a campus setting in a large metropolitan area. Mixed methods reveal differences between barriers to cycling as well as the relative strength of these barriers across categories of age, sex, and current mode used. A multinomial logit model, which controls for residential self-selection effects, predicts whether and how often a respondent cycles based on socio-demographic and trip characteristics. The presence of cycle paths is found to be strongly associated with a higher frequency of cycling commutes. Additionally, an analysis of stated barriers reveals effort and a lack of safety as the most important barriers to potential cyclists. Finally, a qualitative analysis of respondents’ open-ended responses confirms the influence of bicycle paths, but reveals other factors such as the importance of improved interactions among various street users. Findings from this research can be of benefit to transportation engineers and planners who are aiming to increase the use of cycling among various groups of commuters.     

谈谈陈埭和百奇两地祠堂

在泉州城周围的一些村子里,生活着由波斯人和阿拉伯人后裔组成的群体,他们相对集中在那里的13个村庄里,最著名的有晋江陈埭和惠安百奇.其中,丁、郭、二姓是他们中最为重要的宗族.     

Steady-State Curving Performance of Railway Freight Truck with Damper-Coupled Wheelsets

The focus of this paper is on the steady-state curving behaviour of a freight car system with Damper Coupled Wheelset (DCW), where the wheels of conventional shape within an axle are coupled through a damper element. A freight truck model with two DCW and pseudo-car body on curved track is developed to study the influence of wheelset coupler parameter on the curving response and performance. The response is primarily evaluated in terms of wheelset tracking error and yaw misalignment in response to track curvature and cant deficiency. The curving performance is evaluated in terms of slip and flange boundaries. The results in general, indicate that when the value of coupler parameter is reduced, the wheelset response to track curvature increases, and results in flanging and wheel slip on a less tighter curve than those corresponding to conventional rigid axled wheelsets.     

分布式MAS 在飞行冲突解脱中的应用研究

在自由飞行的环境下,为解决飞行冲突探测与解脱（conflict detection and resolution,CDR）问题,提出一种基于高度层、航向和速度调配的综合解脱方法,并将多 agent 系统(multi-agent system, MAS) 的分布式技术与启发式算法相结合,进行问题求解. 首先设计了分布式MAS框架结构,然后建立了飞行冲突探测模型,高度层调配模型及航向、速度调配模型,最后,综合运用了基于合同网协议的分布式算法和自适应遗传算法进行问题求解.仿真实验表明,所设计的MAS框架是可行的,同时分布式算法和自适应遗传算法的综合应用能很快找到基于高度层、航向和速度分配的近似最优解,为CDR问题提供了新的解决思路.