Achieving transport modal split targets at intermodal freight hubs using a model predictive approach

The increase of international freight commerce is creating pressure on the existing transport network. Cooperation between the different transport parties (e.g., terminal managers, forwarders and transport providers) is required to increase the network throughput using the same infrastructure. The intermodal hubs are locations where cargo is stored and can switch transport modality while approaching the final destination. Decisions regarding cargo assignment are based on cargo properties. Cargo properties can be fixed (e.g., destination, volume, weight) or time varying (remaining time until due time or goods expiration date). The intermodal hub manager, with access to certain cargo information, can promote cooperation with and among different transport providers that pick up and deliver cargo at the hub. In this paper, cargo evolution at intermodal hubs is modeled based on a mass balance, taking into account hub cargo inflows and outflows, plus an update of the remaining time until cargo due time. Using this model, written in a state-space representation, we propose a model predictive approach to address the Modal Split Aware – Cargo Assignment Problem (MSA–CAP). The MSA–CAP concerns the cargo assignment to the available transport capacity such that the final destination can be reached on time while taking into consideration the transport modality used. The model predictive approach can anticipate cargo peaks at the hub and assigns cargo in advance, following a push of cargo towards the final destination approach. Through the addition of a modal split constraint it is possible to guide the daily cargo assignment to achieve a transport modal split target over a defined period of time. Numerical experiments illustrate the validity of these statements.     

基于前轮转角约束自适应模型预测控制的路径跟踪研究

针对在车辆行驶中较小的前轮转角无法充分利用路面附着能力,较大的前轮转角使得车辆的行驶稳定性差的问题,文章提出了一种前轮转角约束自适应模型预测方法。首先建立车辆的动力学模型,然后通过计算得到轮胎纵向力,最终得到车辆的前轮转角。将车辆的状态量与前轮转角自适应约束条件输入给模型预测控制器,输出车辆的前轮转角,实现对参考路径的跟踪。在Carsim和MATLAB平台上联合仿真,仿真结果表明前轮转角约束自适应模型预测控制的车辆相比固定转角约束的车辆具有较好的跟踪能力和稳定性。     

Validation of an extended discrete first-order model with variable speed limits

This paper validates the prediction model embedded in a model predictive controller (MPC) of variable speed limits (VSLs). The MPC controller was designed based on an extended discrete first-order model with a triangular fundamental diagram. In our previous work, the extended discrete first-order model was designed to reproduce the capacity drop and the propagation of jam waves, and it was validated with reasonable accuracy without the presence of VSLs. As VSLs influence traffic dynamics, the dynamics including VSLs needs to be validated, before it can be applied as a prediction model in MPC. For conceptual illustrations, we use two synthetic examples to show how the model reproduces the key mechanisms of VSLs that are applied by existing VSL control approaches. Furthermore, the model is calibrated by use of real traffic data from Dutch freeway A12, where the field test of a speed limit control algorithm (SPECIALIST) was conducted. In the calibration, the original model is extended by using a quadrangular fundamental diagram which keeps the linear feature of the model and represents traffic states at the under-critical branch more accurately. The resulting model is validated using various traffic data sets. The accuracy of the model is compared with a second-order traffic flow model. The performance of two models is comparable: both models reproduce accurate results matching with real data. Flow errors of the calibration and validation are around 10%. The extended discrete first-order model-based MPC controller has been demonstrated to resolve freeway jam waves efficiently by synthetic cases. It has a higher computation speed comparing to the second-order model-based MPC.     

A methodology for evaluating the performance of model-based traffic prediction systems

Model-based traffic prediction systems (mbTPS) are a central component of the decision support and ICM (integrated corridor management) systems currently used in several large urban traffic management centers. These models are intended to generate real-time predictions of the system’s response to candidate operational interventions. They must therefore be kept calibrated and trustworthy. The methodologies currently available for tracking the validity of a mbTPS have been adapted from approaches originally designed for off-line operational planning models. These approaches are insensitive to the complexity of the network and to the amount and quality of the data available. They also require significant human intervention and are therefore not suitable for real-time monitoring. This paper outlines a set of criteria for designing tests that are appropriate for the mbTPS task. It also proposes a test that meets the criteria. The test compares the predictions of the mbTPS in question to those of a model-less alternative. A t-test is used to determine whether the predictions of the mbTPS are superior to those of the model-less predictor. The approach is applied to two different systems using data from the I-210 freeway in Southern California.     

机场轨道交通对陆侧交通分流情况的预测研究

机场轨道交通的发展将是解决机场陆侧交通拥堵问题的主要途径之一.本文首先通过灰色预测模型GM(1,1)对首都机场的陆侧交通量进行预测,得出进出机场的旅客中乘坐机场巴士及出租车的人数.在此基础上,运用排队论的方法,分析机场轨道交通对机场巴士及出租车交通量的分流情况,得出各自具体的分流率和分流量.最后,根据马尔可夫链的方法,对分流情况的发展趋势进行分析,得出其稳定分流率.     

基于模型预测控制的智能车轨迹跟踪控制研究

为了完成智能车的轨迹跟踪,提出一种基于模型预测控制的轨迹跟踪方法,利用将运动学模型这个非线性系统线性化的方案,来获得必须的线性时变系统,采取模型预测控制的三要素来设计控制器。并且基于MPC在控制过程中能增加多种约束的优点,建立基于车辆运动学模型的约束做轨迹跟踪仿真实验,最后,基于山东理工大学智能车平台上GPS提供的定位信息,在校园中采集路线并对前提规划好的的轨迹进行实车验证。实验结果表明:基于MPC算法所设计的控制器能快速且稳定地跟踪期望轨迹。     

微型扑翼飞行器空气动力学研究进展

微型扑翼飞行器(FMAV)作为一种新概念的航空器,有着广泛的功能和用途,已经受到了各国的高度重视.综述了国内外对微型扑翼飞行器的低雷诺数空气动力学问题的研究现状及未来的发展趋势,讨论了目前研究中需要解决的一些关键技术.在此基础上,总结出今后研究的重点,并为微型扑翼飞行器的设计提供了参考依据.     

美国联邦公路局路阻函数探讨

路阻函数在交通分配过程中左右着路径的选择,目前广泛采用的路阻函数是美国公路局提出的BPR函数,但在交通分配的实践过程中使用美国公路局推荐BPR参数得到的结果并不理想。论文对国内外关于BPR函数的修正模型研究进行了介绍;分析了现存BPR模型的优点与缺陷;提出了BPR函数适用情况的思考。     

基于高雷诺数的并联双圆柱绕流研究

文章采用基于边界瞬时涡量守候的拉格朗日方法(IVCBC),结合并列双圆柱的特点,建立了双圆柱绕流数值计算模型。对高雷诺数下Re=6×10~4,间隙率为T/D=1.1~7的并联圆柱双圆柱二维绕流特性进行了研究。提出了双圆柱间隙中点的速度区别宽窄尾流的新方法。分别讨论了流体力系数随间距增加的特点,脉动流体力的特点,尾流特征以及斯托哈尔数特征。研究发现:区别宽窄尾流的新方法是可靠的;在双圆柱尾流附近有五种尾流模型存在;同时发现了在宽窄尾流的频率,存在一个中间频率。     

Unsteady finite-depth effects during resistance tests on a ship model in a towing tank

This paper covers an extension of the study of Doctors et al. (J Ship Res 52(4):263–273, 2008) on oscillations in wave resistance during the constant-velocity phase of a towing-tank resistance test on a ship model to the case of relatively shallow water. We demonstrate here that the unsteady effects are very prominent and that it is essentially impossible to achieve a steady-state resistance curve in a towing tank of typical proportions for a water-depth-to-model-length ratio of 0.25. This statement is particularly true in the speed region near a depth Froude number of unity. However, on the positive side, we show here that an application of unsteady linearized wave-resistance theory provides an excellent prediction of the measured total resistance, when one accounts for the form factor in the usual manner. Finally, a simple application of the results to the planning and analysis of towing-tank tests is presented.