An Investigation into Stick-Slip Vibrations on Vehicle/Track Systems

A model for the numerical simulation of vehicle/track interaction and stick-slip vibration is presented. A finite element model is developed to calculate vertical contact forces. These forces are then coupled through the contact patch into a non-linear time-domain model by which the stick-slip vibration behaviour of a wheel-rail system is analysed. The investigation suggests that stick-slip vibration may occur if a vehicle which has a maligned or an initial 'wind-up' wheeiset meets a vertical irregularity or contaminants on the track.     

Impact of forcing errors in the CAMCAT oil spill forecasting system. A sensitivity study

The CAMCAT oil spill forecasting system is presented in this paper, and an evaluation of the impact of errors in the forcing fields over its forecasts is carried out. The system is formed by several independent modules which provide forecasts of winds, currents and waves to an oil spill module which predicts the evolution of the spill.The typical twin-experiments experience is used paying special attention to a realistic characterization of the errors when perturbing the forcing fields. The results suggest that errors in the wind and current fields are the main limiting factor for the quality of the oil spill forecasts. The pollutant identification is also crucial to determine the final vertical position and characteristics of the product.     

Travel patterns in Dutch metropolitan cities: The importance of external trips

Using a variety of data sources, decentralisation of population and employment in four Dutch urban areas (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht) over the last 20 years, is analysed. It is found that suburbanisation, plus an ever growing car share, has increased the number of external journeys related to the metropolitan cities enormously. With the use of the 1982 National Travel Survey, current travel patterns in and around the metropolitan cities are studied: the importance of external trips for urban transport planning shows clearly. They account for about half the number of city related car trips, and for nearly three quarters of the total vehicle kilometres of travel within the city.(requests for reprints)     

房山线在北京市区接驳点的选择

北京市区至房山方向快速轨道交通项目是北京市近期建设项目之一。就线路的市区接驳点提出几个方案 ,并从工程量、换乘方式、资源共享、对客流吸引力的方面进行比较 ,提出建设性意见。     

Novel Manufacturing Technology of Hyperbolic Plates for Shipbuilding

On the basis of the principle of dieless hydrobulging technology, a novel hydrobulging technology for manufacturinghyperbolic plates is proposed. First, a toroidal pipe elbow or a partial toroidal pipe elbow is formed, then the single hydrobulgedstructure can be cut up into some desired plates. It is proved by experiments and finite element simulation that manufacturingtechnology of hyperbolic plates adopting integrated hydrobulging forming technology is feasible.     

Mobile offshore bases—an overview of recent research

The Mobile Offshore Base (MOB) is a multipurpose, floating logistics base which can be stationed in coastal or international waters. The offshore base is comprised of self-propelled modules that are connected together at sea to form a runway and support base for fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. The MOB is used as a prepositioned cargo stowage and transshipment point, enabling the movement of cargo to and from ships in an open seaway. Described here is an approach to developing a mobile, offshore basing capability. The work is discussed in context of two significant MOB projects including a discussion of criteria and major technical issues. Presented at the International Workshop on Very Large Floating Structures (VLFS'96), 25–28 November 1996, Hayama, Japan     

Flange Force Effects on the Motion of a Train Wheelset

The motion of a train wheelset is investigated using Hopf bifurcation theory. The method takes full account of the nonlinear effects of the flange-rail contact forces which are incorporated in the model; The numerical solution is obtained over a wide range of forward speeds by transforming the bifurcation problem into a regular nonlinear boundary value problem, which is solved by standard methods. This solution is shown to be orbitally, asymptotically stable. The algorithm supplies complete information on the lateral and yaw motions and on the period of oscillation, even for very high forward speeds.     

Modelling the hydrodynamics and ecosystem of the North-West European continental shelf for operational oceanography

This paper outlines an approach to complex spatio-temporal marine ecosystem modelling as applied to the North Western European Continental Shelf. The model presented here combines an eddy-permitting (approximately 6 km horizontal resolution) baroclinic model, the Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory Coastal Ocean Modelling System (POLCOMS), with the European Regional Seas Ecosystem Model (ERSEM). This has been run within an operational framework using operationally available high resolution atmospheric and lateral boundary forcing, allowing hindcast and near-real time nowcast simulations to be performed. The modelled surface temperature and chlorophyll distributions are presented, and interannual variations discussed. Validation of both the physical and ecosystem submodels show the system to be effective, whilst highlighting areas where improvements in the system can be made. Distinct regional differences in predictive skill are shown. The system presented is ready for operational implementation to provide products and services for use both scientifically and in coastal zone and shelf seas management activities. A programme of work to update the system is already in place.