Using a random displacement model to simulate turbulent particle motion in a baroclinic frontal zone: A new implementation scheme and model performance tests

Numerical artifacts can limit accurate simulation of turbulent particle motion when Lagrangian particle-tracking models are implemented in hydrodynamic models with stratified conditions like fronts. Yet, modeling of individual particle motion in frontal regions is critical for understanding sediment dynamics as well as the transport and retention of planktonic organisms. The objective of this research was to develop a numerical technique to accurately simulate turbulent particle motions in a particle-tracking model embedded within a hydrodynamic model of a frontal zone. A new interpolation scheme, the ‘water column profile’ scheme, was developed and used to implement a random displacement model for turbulent particle motions. A new interpolation scheme was necessary because linear interpolation schemes caused artificial aggregation of particles where abrupt changes in vertical diffusivity occurred. The new ‘water column profile’ scheme was used to fit a continuous function (a tension spline) to a smoothed profile of vertical diffusivities at the x–y particle location. The new implementation scheme was checked for artifacts and compared with a standard random walk model using (1) Well Mixed Condition tests, and (2) dye-release experiments. The Well Mixed Condition tests confirmed that the use of the ‘water column profile’ interpolation scheme for implementing the random displacement model significantly reduced numerical artifacts. In dye-release experiments, high concentrations of Eulerian tracer and Lagrangian particles were released at the same location up-estuary of the salt front and tracked for 4 days. After small differences in initial dispersal rates, tracer and particle distributions remained highly correlated (r = 0.84 to 0.99) when a random displacement model was implemented in the particle-tracking model. In contrast, correlation coefficients were substantially lower (r = 0.07 to 0.58) when a random walk model was implemented. In general, model performance tests indicated that the ‘water column interpolation’ scheme was an effective technique for implementing a random displacement model within a hydrodynamic model, and both could be used to accurately simulate diffusion in a highly baroclinic frontal region. The new implementation scheme has the potential to be a useful tool for investigating the influence of hydrodynamic variability on the transport of sediment particles and planktonic organisms in frontal zones.     

Development of Green-Naghdi models with a wave-absorbing beach for nonlinear, irregular wave propagation

Two-dimensional and three-dimensional Green-Naghdi (GN) models equipped with a numerical wave-absorbing beach have been developed to simulate nonlinear, regular, and irregular wave propagation. The numerical beach is introduced near the downstream boundary to absorb outgoing waves. An appropriate amount of numerical damping and an appropriate length of numerical beach are investigated using numerical experiments. The results show that the GN models with a numerical beach work very well in simulating wave propagation in water in a small computational domain.     

China shipbuilding management challenges in the 1980s

Since the economic reforms in the late 1970s, the shipbuilding industry in China has enjoyed rapid growth. Over the past two decades, many new building contracts have been won and successfully completed. However, some shipyards have also suffered great losses. Basing on their experience in Southern China, the authors examine some of the major challenges that Chinese shipbuilders faced during this transitional period, when the industry ventured into the international market. These challenges are broadly categorized into two areas: (i) external factors, such as inflation and infrastructural support that the shipbuilder had no control over, and (ii) shipbuilding management, which the shipbuilder had to master in order to gain competitive advantage. Suggestions on how these problems could be tackled are discussed.     

A line impedance stabilization network for pulse current injection北大核心CSCD

［Objective］Aiming at the deficiency of the existing line impedance stability network (LISN) in the electromagnetic pulse protection capability, a LISN suitable for the pulse current injection (PCI) test of electrical and electronic equipment is proposed. ［Methods］Aiming at the characteristics of high peak value and fast rise of the pulse current in PCI testing, the circuit structure and physical structure of the LISN are improved on the existing basis through PSpice time-domain and frequency-domain simulation combined with engineering design requirements, thereby giving it good nanosecond pulse protection performance and impedance stability at the same time. Pulse current protection performance test and impedance curve test experiments are then designed and carried out.［Results］The experimental results show that the improved LISN can attenuate the injected pulse current by 60 times, while the error of its impedance curve is less than 5% compared with the Type 5 µH LISN in GJB 151B-2013. ［Conclusions］The proposed LISN has good impedance stability and decoupling ability, and can be used in the PCI testing of electrical and electronic equipment in order to protect the power supply and improve the repeatability of testing. © 2023 Chinese Journal of Ship Research. All rights reserved.     

Survey of ship platoon cooperative control北大核心CSCD

船舶列队是未来水路运输的重要方式。分析船舶列队协同控制的特点和原理;从船−岸协同交互、列队控制模型、列队运动控制、列队典型应用等4个方面分别进行现状分析与梳理。总结当前船舶列队控制技术瓶颈,包括人机共驾控制、列队控制运动不确定性建模、列队协同控制一致性、通信受限下船舶列队鲁棒控制及一致性控制等。最后,指出未来的船舶列队协同控制发展,应重点解决基于数据驱动与机理融合的列队运动建模、基于生物群体机制的船舶列队控制、基于分层控制的船舶列队控制等关键问题。     

Short-term Hourly Traffic Forecasts using Hong Kong Annual Traffic Census

The need for acquiring the current-year traffic data is a problem for transport planners since such data may not be available for on-going transport studies. A method is proposed in this paper to predict hourly traffic flows up to and into the near future, using historical data collected from the Hong Kong Annual Traffic Census (ATC). Two parametric and two non-parametric models have been employed and evaluated in this study. The results show that the non-parametric models (Non-Parametric Regression (NPR) and Gaussian Maximum Likelihood (GML)) were more promising for predicting hourly traffic flows at the selected ATC station. Further analysis encompassing 87 ATC stations revealed that the NPR is likely to react to unexpected changes more effectively than the GML method, while the GML model performs better under steady traffic flows. Taking into consideration the dynamic nature of the common traffic patterns in Hong Kong and the advantages/disadvantages of the various models, the NPR model is recommended for predicting the hourly traffic flows in that region.     

Neuro-Fuzzy Control of a Tracked Vehicle Featuring Semi-Active Electro-Rheological Suspension Units

This paper presents vibration control of a tracked vehicle installed with electro-rheological suspension units (ERSU). As a first step, an in-arm type ERSU is designed, and its spring and damping characteristics are evaluated with respect to the intensity of electric fields. Subsequently, a 16 degree-of-freedom model for a tracked vehicle equipped with the proposed ERSU is established followed by the formulation of a neuro-fuzzy controller. This controller takes account for both ride quality and steering stability by adopting a weighting parameter between two performance requirements. The parameter is appropriately determined by employing a fuzzy algorithm associated with two fuzzy variables: the vertical speed of the body and the rotational angular speed of the wheel. Control performances to isolate unwanted vibration from bump and random road excitations are evaluated through computer simulations. In addition, maximum speed of the vehicle with 6 Watt power absorption is investigated with respect to the road roughness.     

REGULATION OF PRODUCTION OF PARATHYROID HORMONE－RELATED PEPTIDE （PTHrP） AND EXPRESSION OF ITS mRNA IN A HUMANLIVER－DERIVED CE

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Time-series model for vehicle speeds

This paper presents a time-series model for the spot speeds of vehicles on a road section. Based on time-series analysis techniques, the model incorporates information on the extent of existing dependency between the speeds of successive vehicles. The model for the data is chosen while relying heavily on the data, and thus emphasis is given to their special characteristics. The advantages of using the model are examined with regard to the relative speed of two successive vehicles along a road section. The results are compared with those obtained by using a model of independent observations; fewer errors are obtained with the time-series model. Therefore, it is concluded that the sequence of speed observations contains valuable information which should be incorporated into speed models.     

The characteristics,uses and potentials of taxicab transportation

Taxicab transportation is a significant segment of urban transportation. Taxicabs, along with other “paratransit” type systems, provide service with characteristics between the automobile and mass transportation. Consequently, they are well suited to a number of special purposes. Taxicabs currently serve a wide range of trip purposes by travellers with varied socio-economic characteristics. Taxicab transportation is most attractive for serving lower density area and off-peak travel particularly where there is only minimal mass transit service. In this regard, taxicabs are a supplement to conventional mass transit. The use of taxicabs for collection and distribution functions for both passengers and freight is gradually being realized. The multiple use of taxicabs offers advantages of increasing taxicab productivity and reducing individual trip costs. Many of the problems related to taxicabs are regulatory and institutional in nature. Unless these constraints are eased or removed, wider application of taxicab transportation, including productivity gains, will be limited.