Analyzing fluctuations in car-following

Many car-following models predict a stable car-following behavior with a very small fluctuation around an equilibrium value g¹ of the net headway g with zero speed-difference Δv between the following and the lead vehicle. However, it is well-known and additionally demonstrated by data in this paper, that the fluctuations are much larger than these models predict. Typically, the fluctuation in speed difference is around ±2 m/s, while the fluctuation in the net time headway T = g/v can be as big as one or even two seconds, which is as large as the mean time headway itself. By analyzing data from loop detectors as well as data from vehicle trajectories, evidence is provided that this randomness is not due to driver heterogeneity, but can be attributed to an internal stochasticity of the driver itself. A final model-based analysis supports the hypothesis, that the preferred headway of the driver is the parameter that is not kept constant but fluctuates strongly, thus causing the even macroscopically observable randomness in traffic flow.     

On the application of hydraulic theory to the deep-water flow through the Irbe Strait

A flow-dependent critical-point method for investigating topographically controlled flow in natural channels is applied to the bottom current through the Irbe Strait connecting the Baltic proper and the Gulf of Riga. This approach is based on the functional formalism due to Gill [Gill, A.E., 1977. The hydraulics of rotating-channel flow. J. Fluid Mech., 80, 641–671.], and here is used for the stratified flow structure observed during the IRBEX-95 field campaign. A critical section of the realizable flow regime was found to be located slightly downstream of the most pronounced horizontal constriction of the channel. The predicted baroclinic volume flux 7200 m³ s⁻¹ overestimates the observed mean bottom-water transport by around 30%, a discrepancy which most likely can be explained by the lack of sea level conditions and friction in the model.     

新"翼虎"来了2008 Ford Escape

外观最大的改变．来自于车头造型。乍看之下．或许会觉得似曾相识．没错．因为在Ford强调承袭家族风格的手法下．08款的Escape在车头的设计元素．更为接近Explorer与Expedition两位老大哥．而主导计划的首席设计师DoyleLetson也表示让Escape比以往更加强悍。     

Induced traffic and economic appraisal

Economic appraisal of major roads in the UK is based on a set of standard procedures and conventions. A central assumption has been that the volume and pattern of traffic in any given year is independent of the quality of service offered by the network — the fixed trip matrix assumption. Failing to consider induced traffic can have serious consequences for the accuracy and robustness of the measured traffic benefits from road improvements. Assessment of the wider economic benefits of roads, which is an important political imperative for road investment, is also made more difficult. Two conclusions are reached. Variable trip matrix methods need to be introduced for the appraisal of major road schemes, and scheme appraisal needs to be complemented by a more strategic area-wide approach to evaluation. In responding to its advisory committee (SACTRA), the UK Department of Transport has accepted the first of these conclusions and is cautiously favourable to the second.     

最强“迈腾” Volkswagen Passat R36

在大众旗下拥有最顶尖动力地位的“R”系列，继推出震惊全球”钢炮界”的GolfR32后．更于11月17日发表第二款R字头性能劲驹——PassatR361而PassatR36推出后．不仅荣登Passat车系的最快宝座．更一举拿下大众有史以来最劲猛的旅行轿车名号。     

Optimal Control of the Tractor-Semitrailer Truck

This paper is concerned with the braking performance and the handling behavior of the tractor-semitrailer truck under optimal braking. Optimal control theory is used in order to deal with the problem and a combination of the steepest descent method and the Davidon Fletcher Powell method is used to solve it numerically. Results for some chosen braking maneuvers are obtained for a nonlinear truck model which has 14 degrees of freedom. These results show that, for the chosen maneuvers an idealized anti-skid braking is close to being optimal in the sense defined in this paper. Implementation of an idealized anti-skid braking on the tractor-semitrailer truck, however, may be not desirable.     

Spatial variations in attitudes toward expanded public transit service

Although recent budgetary considerations by the Federal govenment do not portend well for urban public transit, some transit systems are considering expansion into less densely-settled areas further from the Central Business District. Of some concern to planners has been their belief that suburban and rural dwellers may be much less inclined than urban dwellers to support expansion of transit service. This paper presents an analysis of a random-digit dialing/mail-out, mail-back survey conducted in Washtenaw County, Michigan which was designed specifically to examine differences in attitudes between urban and rural residents. Six mutually-exclusive spatial strata were established based upon population density. This paper tests for expected spatial differences in socioeconomic and demographic variables and then examines spatial variations in attitudes toward public transportation. The major conclusion is that the expected spatial variations in attitudes about transit service provision between the spatial strata do not arise. Most of the significant differences found are with respect to questions which relate to where transit is provided. Residents in rural (urban) areas support more strongly the provision of services to rural (urban) areas. Many residents, however, will support transit service that may not benefit them directly.