A Study in Port Planning: The Example of Mina Zayed

The correct number of berths that a port should provide is solved by a model which minimizes the total port usage cost in terms of the costs of berth provision and the costs accruing to ships from time spent in the port. This model is then applied to Mina Zayed in the Arabian Gulf as an aid to future planning, and from different sets of cargo forecasts an optimal stategy is derived using a game-theoretic approach.     

Application of genetic algorithms for joint optimization of signal setting parameters and dynamic traffic assignment for the real network data

This paper presents the joint optimization of signal setting parameters and dynamic user equilibrium (DUE) traffic assignment for the congested urban road network. The simulation-based approach is employed to obtain the DUE condition for the case of multiple-origin multiple-destination traffic flows. The dynamic traffic assignment simulation program (DTASP), developed in C language is used to assign the traffic dynamically on the road network, whereas method of successive averages (MSA) is modified and used to arrive at the DUE condition. The artificial intelligence technique of genetic algorithms (GAs) is applied to obtain the optimal signal setting parameters and path flow distribution factor for DUE condition. The methodology developed in such a way that joint optimization of signal setting parameters with DUE is obtained. The proposed method is applied to the real network data of Fort Area of Mumbai city comprising of 17 nodes and 56 unidirectional links with 72 Origin–Destination pairs, where all the 17 nodes are signalized intersections. The traffic flow condition for the optimized signal setting parameters is considerably improved compared to the existing signal settings. The results prove that the GA is an effective technique to solve the joint optimization problem for the real network data.     

Analysis of Coastal Wetland Changes Using the “DPSIR” Model: A Case Study in Xiamen,China

Over the past several decades, human activities have had significant impacts on coastal wetlands worldwide. Here, using a model of “Drivers-Pressures-State-Impacts-Responses (DPSIR)” and data collected from coastal wetlands in Xiamen, China, we have analyzed temporal changes in regional coastal wetland ecosystem structure and function from 1950 through 2005. The study period was divided into four parts for comparative analysis: pre-1980s, 1980s, 1990s, and 2000 to present. Our results show that anthropogenic drivers of coastal wetland degradation in this region have increased substantially since 1950, and that this is correlated with a decline in coastal wetland function over the same period.     

Efficiency and ecological characteristics of a VCR diesel engine

Compression ratio (CR) is a design parameter with highest influence on efficiency, emission and engine characteristics. In conventional internal combustion (IC) engines, the compression ratio is fixed and their performance is, therefore, a compromise between conflicting requirements. One fundamental problem is that drive units in the vehicles must successfully operate at variable speed and loads and in different ambient conditions. If a diesel engine has a fixed CR, a minimal value must be chosen that can achieve a reliable self-ignition when starting the engine in cold start conditions. In diesel engines, variable compression ratio (VCR) provides control of peak cylinder pressure, improves cold start ability and low load operation, enabling the multi-fuel capability, increase of fuel economy and reduction of emissions. By application of VCR and other mechanisms, the optimal regime fields are extended to the prime requirements: consumption, power, emission, noise, etc., and/or the possibility of the engine to operate with different fuels is extended. An experimental Diesel engine has been developed at the Faculty of Engineering, University of Kragujevac. The changes of CR are realized by changing the piston chamber diameter. Detailed engine tests were performed at the Laboratory for IC engines. Special attention has been given to decrease of fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. An optimal field of CR variation has been determined depending on the given objectives: minimal fuel consumption, minimal nitric oxides, and particulate matter emissions, etc.     

Effect of rear slant angle on vehicle crosswind stability simulation on a simplified car model

It is important to know the effect of the aerodynamic forces and moments on driving stability because it is responsible for the excitation and influences the response of the vehicle. The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of rear slant angle of a surface vehicle on crosswind sensitivity for stability analysis. The vehicle mathematical model used to conduct a dynamic simulation was based on a simple reduced order lateral dynamics of sideslip and yaw rate motion coupled with aerodynamics model. The intention here is to compare the effect of rear slant angles response to crosswind and to rank the crosswind sensitivity ratings. The aerodynamic loads are defined as the function of the aerodynamic derivatives from the static wind tunnel tests. Result shows a 20° rear slant angle demonstrates the highest rating of crosswind sensitivity, while zero degree slant exhibits the least.     

预应力混凝土槽形梁静力行为研究

为了解槽形梁静力行为,进行了一片预制预应力混凝土槽形梁的模型试验,分别考虑跨中最大弯矩及梁端最大剪力两种荷载工况对试验模型进行加载,测试了试验模型的控制断面的应力、变形.并采用非线性有限元分析方法对槽形梁的力学特性进行了研究.试验和研究得到了如下结论:该槽形梁的剪力滞效应较为突出,具有明显的开口薄壁杆件特征,底板的空间板效应明显,在设计荷载作用下结构处于线弹性状态,具有一定的安全储备.     

集装箱租赁系统的研制

先进高效的集装箱租赁管理信息系统是租箱经营人开展集装箱租赁业务的重要组成部分,也是提高服务效率的技术保障.面对激烈的集装箱租赁市场竞争环境,国际上越来越多的租箱经营人加大信息系统建设的投入,以先进的信息系统提供优质高效的服务占据市场.东方国际租箱管理信息系统是中海信息研究团队独立研发的高科技成果,应用了多项创新实用技术,具有很好的示范性和推广价值.     

基于SoftPLC的船舶主机遥控物理仿真模拟器设计

模拟器以一艘1600 TEU集装箱船使用的Autochief IV主机控制系统作为原型,采用SoftPLC实现对船舶主机遥控物理仿真模拟器的控制。利用组态软件PIMS作为上位机开发平台,实现数据的存储及功能的完善。在模拟器上可以进行各种相关的训练操作,达到培训学员的目的。     

Nanoparticle emission characteristics and reduction strategies by boost pressure control and injection strategies in a passenger diesel engine

This research attempted to analyze nanoparticles and other harmful exhaust emissions in accordance with injection strategies and air-fuel ratio (AFR) changes for small diesel engines. The emission characteristics were analyzed in the medium-speed condition, which is the main driving range of a diesel engine. In the case of particulate matter (PM), the number of particles was measured, analyzed, and compared to identify the correlation and emission characteristics of nanoparticles by using a dilution device and condensation particle counter (CPC), which are international standards for particle measurement recommended by the Particulate Measurement Programme (PMP). The engine torque tended to be reduced as pilot injections were added, and the torque was increased by the increased boost pressure, but reduced by the exhaust pressure increase in a part of the low-load range. The number of nanoparticles was not influenced greatly by the change in AFR, but the reduction effect on the PM weight was great depending on the boost pressure increase. In addition, the number of nanoparticles tended to increase as the fuel injection timing became closer to TDC in all conditions, and its difference became larger with an increase in AFR. In addition, in the case of the pilot injection, nanoparticle emission showed similar characteristics depending on the main injection timing, but it was increased by advanced injection timing when performing the main injection only, and the number of the nanoparticles increased as pilot injections were added. Last, the optimal conditions for EMS calibration were analyzed by selecting the conditions of torque reduction and NOx increase within 5 % from all of the engine operating conditions; optimized conditions are presented.