Wind turbine gearbox reliability analysis based on the system level stress-strength model

In order to estimate the reliability of wind turbine gearbox based on the system level, a generalized stress-strength model is introduced. Considering that the system works properly under a variety of random stresses which affect every component, the total stress on the system is given by a known linear combination of the stresses of all components. Then the strength of the system can be viewed as a linear combination of the strengths of relative components. In this model, stress and strength are independent of each other. Reliability of the system is the probability that strength exceeds stress. Finally, the reliability of wind turbine gearbox is estimated by the multivariable reliability calculation method. The corresponding result is compared with the results of reliability in the extreme cases(completely dependent and completely independent) by the traditional evaluation method.     

An improved modal strain energy method for damage detection in offshore platform structures

The development of robust damage detection methods for offshore structures is crucial to prevent catastrophes caused by structural failures. In this research, we developed an Improved Modal Strain Energy (IMSE) method for detecting damage in offshore platform structures based on a traditional modal strain energy method (the Stubbs index method). The most significant difference from the Stubbs index method was the application of modal frequencies. The goal was to improve the robustness of the traditional method. To demonstrate the effectiveness and practicality of the proposed IMSE method, both numerical and experimental studies were conducted for different damage scenarios using a jacket platform structure. The results demonstrated the effectiveness of the IMSE method in damage location when only limited, spatially incomplete, and noise-polluted modal data is available. Comparative studies showed that the IMSE index outperformed the Stubbs index and exhibited stronger robustness, confirming the superiority of the proposed approach.     

Incentivizing alternative fuel vehicles: the influence of transport policies,attitudes and perceptions

This paper aims to evaluate the influence of policies, attitudes and perceptions when incentivizing alternative fuel vehicles. The impact of possible policies such as gasoline taxes increases, purchase price subsidies, tax exemptions, and increases in fuel recharging station availability for alternative fuelled vehicles is evaluated using hybrid choice models. The models also allow assessing the sensitivity of latent variables (i.e., attitudes and perceptions) in the car purchase behaviour. The models are estimated using data from a stated choice survey collected in five Colombian cities. The latent variables are obtained from the rating of statements related to the transport system, environmental concern, vehicle preferences, and technology. The modelling approach includes regression between latent variables. Results show that environmental concern and the support for green transport policies have a positive influence on the intention to purchase alternative fuel vehicles. Meanwhile, people who reveal to be car-dependent prefer to buy standard fuelled vehicles. The analysis among cities shows similar trends in individual behaviour, although there are differences in attribute sensitivities. The policy scenario analysis revealed high sensitivity to capital cost and the need for extensive investments in refuelling stations for alternative fuel vehicles to become attractive. Nevertheless, all policies should not only be directed at infrastructure and vehicles but also be focused on user awareness and acceptance of the alternative fuel vehicles. The analysis suggests that in an environmentally conscious market, people prefer alternative fuels. However, if the transport policies support private transport, the market shares of alternative fuel vehicles will decrease.     

A Solution Processable Flexible Transparent Conductive Graphene/PEDOT: PSS Film Fabricated by Spin and Blade Coating

Flexible transparent conductive films were made on PET substrates by spin and blade coating, using graphene sheets dispersed in PEDOT: PSS solution. Ultrasonic substrate vibration was used to improve microstructure and properties of the films. Comparing to the pristine PEDOT: PSS film, the sheet resistance is 3 to 4 orders of magnitude lower with the addition of graphene. The conductivity and reproducibility of the film are improved for two-layer films comparing to one-layer films, with a reduction in transparency. Films prepared with substrate vibration showed lower sheet resistance for one-layer films, as the size of dewetting areas is reduced. In addition, large-area flexible films with desirable conductivity and transmittance were successfully fabricated by blade coating, which is promising, as the process is low-cost, scalable and compatible with roll-to-roll manufacturing.     

Polling algorithm based on traffic burst characteristics of broadband wireless access systems

In this paper, we propose a novel polling algorithm to decrease the number of idle slots and collission slots during the polling cycle by evaluating the bandwidth request of the subscribe stations (SSs) in the next polling cycle for broadband wireless access (BWA) systems. We firstly analyze the feature of silent time intervals and deduce the Hurst index which symbolizes the degree of self-similarity and long-relative nature. Then we represent the inactive OFF time intervals by the Pareto model and estimate the shape parameter α by the group measured data. Finally we can evaluate the transmission probability of a silent SS before the next polling cycle. By this algorithm, we can find the optimal transmission opportunities for the base station (BS) to achieve the least collision or void timeslots in order to achieve the largest bandwidth efficiency. The theoretical analysis and simulation results show that this polling algorithm can improve the performance for BWA system.     

Universal jurisdiction as obligation to prosecute or extradite

Before searching for new legal solutions to manage maritime piracy problems, especially those related to jurisdiction, it is essential to examine and analyse the existing international legal framework to determine whether current international legal instruments are already appropriate to face off this threat. One such principle is the “Aut dedere aut iudicare” principle, which has been also codified into SUA Convention, at art. 6 par. 4. This obligation comes from an international treaty, so it cannot be disregarded by any state (short of becoming susceptible to international liability), neither can it be amended by a national law. If a state party has inadequate law resources to establish its jurisdiction, or if unable or unwilling to prosecute the pirate, then such state party has no choice but extradite the pirate. If we consider the above principle as a conventional obligation, then it should be limited only to state parties, and it should be applied only under conditions stated by SUA Convention. Instead, if we consider it as a customary law principle, because piracy—as crimen iuris gentium—offends international community as a whole, then such principle shall be binding without any limit or condition.     

A novel de-noising method based on discrete cosine transform and its application in the fault feature extraction of hydraulic pump

Aiming at the existing problems of discrete cosine transform (DCT) de-noising method, we introduce the idea of wavelet neighboring coefficients (WNC) de-noising method, and propose the cosine neighboring coefficients (CNC) de-noising method. Based on DCT, a novel method for the fault feature extraction of hydraulic pump is analyzed. The vibration signal of pump is de-noised with CNC de-noising method, and the fault feature is extracted by performing Hilbert-Huang transform (HHT) to the output signal. The analysis results of the simulation signal and the actual one demonstrate that the proposed CNC de-noising method and the fault feature extraction method have more superior ability than the traditional ones.     

Calculation on the solid solution forming enthalpies of Re-Mo-Ti gradient alloy in thermodynamics

The idea about preparation of Re-Mo-Ti alloy is put forward because of applications of Re and Mo-Re alloys in aerospace. Basing on the thermodynamics theory, the feasibility of developing a new high temperature alloy Re-Mo-Ti is investigated. The solid solution forming enthalpies of binary alloys Re-Ti, Mo-Ti and Mo-Re are calculated with the Miedema thermodynamics theory. The Miedema theory of binary alloy can be used in ternary alloy through Kohler model or Toop model. The calculated results show that the forming enthalpies of binary alloys Re-Ti, Ti-Mo and Re-Mo are negative, which indicates that binary alloys Re-Ti, Ti-Mo and Re-Mo can form solid solution in wider component area. The forming enthalpies of Re-Mo-Ti ternary alloy are still negative and smaller than those of binary alloys Re-Ti, Ti-Mo or Re-Mo, which indicates it is possible to form large solid solution graph area among ternary alloys of Ti, Mo, Re elements. It is feasible to develop a new high temperature material in thermodynamics, in this material Re-Mo-Ti solid solution as base phase, and the Ti₅Re₂₄ intermetallic compounds or interphase ω (Ti₄Mo₃) as strengthening phase.     

Importance of traveler attitudes in the choice of public transportation to work: findings from the Regional Transportation Authority Attitudinal Survey

The commute mode choice decision is one of the most fundamental aspects of daily travel. Although initial research in this area was limited to explaining mode choice behavior as a function of traveler socioeconomics, travel times, and costs, subsequent studies have included the effect of traveler attitudes and perceptions. This paper extends the existing body of literature by examining public transit choice in the Chicago area. Data from a recent Attitudinal Survey conducted by the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) in Northeastern Illinois were used to pursue three major steps. First, a factor analysis methodology was used to condense scores on 23 statements related to daily travel into six factors. Second, the factor scores on these six dimensions were used in conjunction with traveler socioeconomics, travel times, and costs to estimate a binary logistic regression of public transit choice. Third, elasticities of transit choice to the six factors were computed, and the factors were ranked in decreasing order of these elasticities. The analysis provided two major findings. First, from a statistical standpoint, the attitudinal factors improved the intuitiveness and goodness-of-fit of the model. Second, from a policy standpoint, the analysis indicated the importance of word-of-mouth publicity in attracting new riders, as well as the need for a marketing message that emphasizes the lower stress level and better commute time productivity due to transit use.     

The role of socio-economic,built environment and psychological factors in parental mode choice for their children in an Iranian setting

This research investigated the role of parental psychological and socio-economic factors as well as built environment for the choice of their children’s (primary school pupils, aged 7–9 years) travel mode to school in Rasht, Iran. A total of 1078 questionnaires were distributed (return rate of 80 percent) among pupils in nine primary schools in January 2014. A mixed logit (ML) model was employed due to its ability to test heterogeneity among parents and also to determine its possible sources. Results of random coefficient ML modelling showed that several psychological, socio-economic and built environment characteristics were significant factors in parental mode choice. Only walking time perception to school had a significant random normal distribution coefficient and no other psychological and socio-economic variable had a random effect. Further investigation by random coefficient analysis showed that the possible source of household preference heterogeneity could be to own two or more cars. Regarding psychological variables, strong parental worry about their children walking alone to school had a negative impact on allowing them to walk to school. Parents who evaluated poor contextual and design preconditions for walking tended to choose school service more than private car and walking. Parents with stronger environmental personal norms were more willing to allow their children to walk. The findings suggest that infrastructural measures, such as sidewalk facilities, neighborhood security and safety, encourage parents to allow children to walk to school. Information campaigns targeting environmental norms may increase walking among pupils in an Iranian setting.