On the fundamental diagram for freeway traffic: A novel calibration approach for single-regime models

The speed-density or flow-density relationship has been considered as the foundation of traffic flow theory. Existing single-regime models calibrated by the least square method (LSM) could not fit the empirical data consistently well both in light-traffic/free-flow conditions and congested/jam conditions. In this paper, first, we point out that the inaccuracy of single-regime models is not caused solely by their functional forms, but also by the sample selection bias. Second, we apply a weighted least square method (WLSM) that addresses the sample selection bias problem. The calibration results for six well-known single-regime models using the WLSM fit the empirical data reasonably well both in light-traffic/free-flow conditions and congested/jam conditions. Third, we conduct a theoretical investigation that reveals the deficiency associated with the LSM is because the expected value of speed (or a function of it) is nonlinear with regard to the density (or a function of it).     

Towards data-driven car-following models

Car following models have been studied with many diverse approaches for decades. Nowadays, technological advances have significantly improved our traffic data collection capabilities. Conventional car following models rely on mathematical formulas and are derived from traffic flow theory; a property that often makes them more restrictive. On the other hand, data-driven approaches are more flexible and allow the incorporation of additional information to the model; however, they may not provide as much insight into traffic flow theory as the traditional models. In this research, an innovative methodological framework based on a data-driven approach is proposed for the estimation of car-following models, suitable for incorporation into microscopic traffic simulation models. An existing technique, i.e. locally weighted regression (loess), is defined through an optimization problem and is employed in a novel way. The proposed methodology is demonstrated using data collected from a sequence of instrumented vehicles in Naples, Italy. Gipps’ model, one of the most extensively used car-following models, is calibrated against the same data and used as a reference benchmark. Optimization issues are raised in both cases. The obtained results suggest that data-driven car-following models could be a promising research direction.     

Potential of low viscosity oils to reduce CO2 emissions and fuel consumption of urban buses fleets

This paper shows the results of a comparative fleet test the main objective of which was to measure the influence of Low Viscosity Oils (LVO) over the fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions of urban buses. To perform this test, 39 urban buses, classified into candidate and reference groups depending on the engine oil viscosity, covered a 60,000 km mileage corresponding to two rounds of standard Oil Drain Interval (ODI). In the same way, for 9 buses of the 39 buses, the effect of differential LVO over fuel consumption and their interaction with engine LVO was assessed during the second ODI.Test results confirm that the use of LVO could reduce fuel consumption, hence CO₂ emissions. However, special attention should be taken prior to its implementation in a fleet, particularly if the vehicles are powered by engines with high mechanical and thermal stresses during vehicle operation because this could lead to friction loss increase, loss of the potential fuel consumption reduction of LVO and, in the worst scenario, higher rates of engine wear.     

Speed variation during peak and off-peak hours on urban arterials in Shanghai

Increased speed variation on urban arterials is associated with reductions in both operational performance and safety. Traffic flow, mean speed, traffic control parameters and geometric design features are known to affect speed variation. An exploratory study of the relationships among these variables could provide a foundation for improving the operational and safety performance of urban arterials, however, such a study has been hampered by problems in measuring speeds. The measurement of speed has traditionally been accomplished using spot speed collection methods such as radar, laser and loop detectors. These methods can cover only limited locations, and consequently are not able to capture speed distributions along an entire network, or even throughout any single road segment. In Shanghai, it is possible to acquire the speed distribution of any roadway segment, over any period of interest, by capturing data from Shanghai’s 50,000+ taxis equipped with Global Positional Systems (GPS). These data, hereafter called Floating Car Data, were used to calculate mean speed and speed variation on 234 road segments from eight urban arterials in downtown Shanghai. Hierarchical models with random variables were developed to account for spatial correlations among segments within each arterial and heterogeneities among arterials. Considering that traffic demand changes throughout the day, AM peak, Noon off-peak, and PM peak hours were studied separately. Results showed that increases in number of lanes and number of access points, the presence of bus stops and increases in mean speed were all associated with increased speed variation, and that increases in traffic volume and traffic signal green times were associated with reduced speed variation. These findings can be used by engineers to minimize speed differences during the road network planning stage and continuing through the traffic management phase.     

预混合式天然气/柴油双燃料发动机若干问题的分析与探讨

天然气／柴油双燃料发动机是目前柴油机燃用清洁气体燃料的技术方案之一。通过对气质影响、替代率、动力性、热效率、燃料经济性、排放及噪声等问题的研究和探讨，提出了双燃料发动机进一步发展的意见和建议。     

论摆线针轮行星传动新产品的开发

本文论述了日本90年代最新型摆线针轮行星减速机的特点及其为提高产品性能所采用的主要措施,并扼要介绍了我国在此领域中所取得的科研成果,指出了与日本产品相比的差距,以及提高其质量的有效措施.     

基于Arcgis Engine危险品货物及车辆目标的综合显示

描述Arcgis Engine的特点,阐述插件式GIS的基本原理。在分析危险品货物及车辆监控系统的基础上,设计系统的基本框架,该系统具有目标实时监控、目标定位、目标轨迹回放等功能。采用C#语言实现系统框架。     

稳态工况下汽车污染物排放特性的试验研究

利用底盘测功机模拟汽车实际道路行驶稳态工况,以福莱尔QCJ7081型汽车为研究对象进行了在不同载质量、不同车速、不同挡位下的污染物排放特性试验。并分别拟合出在4挡空载情况下,排放因子CO、HC、NOx和总污染物排放因子随车速的变化规律多项式。结果表明,空载情况下,试验车辆总污染物排放因子最低时的车速约为95km/h。通过换挡规律分析认为,汽车排放污染物是由发动机和催化器的匹配以及发动机和变速器的匹配共同决定的。     

滚流对火花点火式发动机性能的影响

火花点火发动机气缸内空气运动的滚流与涡流一样，都可以增加燃烧室中的湍流强度，提高火焰传播速度和燃烧速率，从而改善燃烧过程，提高发动机的动力性能。本文详细介绍了滚流形成机理和影响滚流的气道参数。对2气门TJ376Q发动机的试验结果表明：新进气道的设计提高了缸内空气运动的滚流强度和流量系数，通过进气系统的优化，可以增加发动机最大转矩和最大功率输出，试验在电控燃油喷射下精确控制燃油，降低了最低燃油消耗率。