Network traffic control based on a mesoscopic dynamic flow model

The paper focuses on Network Traffic Control based on aggregate traffic flow variables, aiming at signal settings which are consistent with within-day traffic flow dynamics. The proposed optimisation strategy is based on two successive steps: the first step refers to each single junction optimisation (green timings), the second to network coordination (offsets). Both of the optimisation problems are solved through meta-heuristic algorithms: the optimisation of green timings is carried out through a multi-criteria Genetic Algorithm whereas offset optimisation is achieved with the mono-criterion Hill Climbing algorithm. To guarantee proper queuing and spillback simulation, an advanced mesoscopic traffic flow model is embedded within the network optimisation method. The adopted mesoscopic traffic flow model also includes link horizontal queue modelling. The results attained through the proposed optimisation framework are compared with those obtained through benchmark tools.     

波浪作用下人工沙滩剖面横向输沙试验研究

随着在滩涂之上建设人工沙滩的举措逐渐增多,人工沙滩剖面横向输沙研究有非常重要的现实意义。在与海岸动力相互适应的原岸滩上建造人工沙滩是较为复杂的问题,并且实际工程中的人工沙滩还受到工程措施的影响,剖面形态较难预测。在原海滩上建造人工沙滩较复杂,它适应了海岸的力量;实际工程中的新滩受工程测量的影响,因此其剖面形状难以预测。针对这个问题,采用物理模型试验的方法,针对受挡沙坝及护岸限制的人工沙滩剖面在不同水位及波浪条件下的形态变化进行试验研究,并应用工程中常用的平衡剖面模型对相对稳定的剖面进行计算比较,得出了形成稳定的剖面形态所需要的条件。试验结果验证了初始岸滩坡度1∶15的适用性,得出了当波浪受结构物影响较小时可以形成均衡沙滩剖面的结论。     

Real time assimilation of HF radar currents into a coastal ocean model

A real time assimilation and forecasting system for coastal currents is presented. The purpose of the system is to deliver current analyses and forecasts on based on assimilation of high-frequency radar surface current measurements. The local Vessel Traffic Service monitoring the ship traffic to two oil terminals on the coast of Norway received the analyses and forecasts in real time.A new assimilation method based on optimal interpolation is presented where spatial covariances derived from an ocean model are used instead of simplified mathematical formulations. An array of high frequency radar antennae provides the current measurements. A suite of nested ocean models comprises the model system. The observing system is found to yield good analyses and short range forecasts that are significantly improved compared to a model twin without assimilation. The system is fast, analysis and 6-h forecasts are ready at the Vessel Traffic Service 45 min after acquisition of radar measurements.     

Challenges in the application of spatial computable general equilibrium models for transport appraisal

The use of spatial computable general equilibrium (SCGE) models for assessing the economic impacts of transport projects is one of the key items on the research agenda for project appraisal in the Netherlands. These models are particularly suitable for analysing indirect effects of transport projects through linkages between the transport sector and the wider economy. Potentially, according to the literature, indirect effects that are additional to first-order direct cost reductions can turn out to be up to almost 80% in magnitude of the direct impacts. Given the relevance of these models for policy appraisal, experiences with this new modelling approach are important to report. After two years of development and application of SCGE models for transport appraisal, we found that the translation of theory behind the spatial equilibrium models into practical model specifications and empirical applications is a challenging task, and may lead to problems in project appraisal in terms of inaccuracies in the assessment of impacts. This paper discusses some key challenges we encountered with the specification of the Dutch SCGE model RAEM. This chapter is especially useful for researchers developing SCGE applications for use in transport appraisal and those who want to get a better understanding of differences between theoretical and computable SCGE modelling.     

Use of SeaWiFS data for light availability and parameter estimation of a phytoplankton production model of the Bay of Biscay

Processing SeaWiFS (Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor) data provides useful information for the observation and modelling of the phytoplankton production of the Bay of Biscay. Empirical algorithms allow the retrieval of chlorophyll a and non-living Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) concentrations. These data are used to constrain a coupled 3D physical–biogeochemical model of the Bay of Biscay continental shelf. Two issues are investigated, depending on the variable used, to constrain the winter to spring phytoplankton production for the year 2001. First, SPM data is used as forcing data to correct the corresponding state variable of our model. This allows the realistic simulation of the light limited bloom at the end of February 2001, as observed with SeaWiFS chlorophyll a images and from the NUTRIGAS field cruise. Second, chlorophyll a data is used for parameter estimation of the biogeochemical model. The ability of assimilating these data is tested to improve the simulation of strong blooms observed in late May 2001 in the Loire and Gironde plumes. A global optimization method (Evolutive Strategies) is adapted to the complete 3-D coupled model, in order to find the best set of parameters. The hydrological conditions during the bloom can be validated with data from the PEL01 field cruise. After selection of the most sensitive parameters, the method is tested with twin experiments. Then, the use of real SeaWiFS data reduces the model/data misfit by a factor of two, improving the simulation of bloom intensities and extensions. The sets of parameters retrieved in each plume are discussed.     

波浪潮流作用下的悬沙输移

本文提出了波浪潮流作用下悬沙输移的二维数值模拟,并讨论了模型中的几个重要参数,模拟结果与天津港区现场情况很吻合。     

Reliability analysis of ovalized deep-water pipelines with corrosion defects

The accurate assessment of the remaining strength of corroded pipes is a subject that has been increasingly investigated over the past decades. This is because of the risk of significant social, economic, and environmental effects that may be caused by an accident. The finite element method has been successfully used to predict the collapse pressure considering external load. It was also used in this study. The literature primarily focused on the corroded pipes subjected to internal pressure. In this study, the out-of-roundness (ovalization) of the pipe was considered to evaluate the collapse pressure. Uncertainties should be incorporated into a computational model to assess the reliability of corroded pipes. Three methods for evaluation of the probability of failure were used: the first-order reliability method (FORM), traditional Monte Carlo (MC), and a new proposed methodology that combines MC results with the kernel density estimation method (MCkde). The probability of failure of ovalized corroded pipes subject to external pressure was computed. The results exhibited a good agreement between FORM and MCkde method. The statistical importance of each random variable was observed and the results were compared with those from intact ovalized pipes. The computation cost of the MC method with numerical simulation limits its use to the application under study. Solutions using the FORM and MCkde methods exhibited good agreement with those of the full MC method. However, the computational effort of the latter was independent of the stochastic dimension, and it was a derivative-free method. As expected, in general, the solutions based on empirical methods were conservative.     

Lane-keeping benefits of practical rear axle steer

The classic two-degree-of-freedom yaw-plane or ‘bicycle’ vehicle model is augmented with two additional states to describe lane-keeping behaviour and further augmented with an additional control input to steer the rear axle. A simple driver model is hypothesised where the driver closes a loop on a projected lateral lane position. The driver can select the preview distance to compensate driver/vehicle dynamics, consistent with the ‘cross-over’ model found in the literature. A rear axle steer control law is found to be a function of the front axle steering input and vehicle speed that exhibits stability similar to a positive-real system, while at the same time improving the ability of the driver/vehicle system to track a complex curved lane and improving steady-state manoeuvrability. The theoretically derived control law bears similarity to practical embodiments allowing a deeper understanding of the functional value of steering a rear axle.     

泥炭质土地基上人行木栈桥沉降监测及模拟

对杭州江洋畈生态公园泥炭质土地基上人行木栈桥沉降及泥炭质土地表沉降进行监测,结果表明木栈桥的沉降主要来自泥炭质土的固结沉降。为深刻认识木栈桥的沉降特性及发展趋势,保证其使用安全,对泥炭质土沉降开展了数值模拟。采用PLAXIS并选用剑桥模型进行分析,并选取实测点的沉降监测结果进行对比,模拟结果表明监测结果吻合较好。对泥炭质土的长期沉降趋势进行预测,表明江洋畈生态公园泥炭质土沉降将会趋于稳定。     

新能源发电系统低电压穿越测试用试验电网数学建模

在新能源发电系统低电压穿越（LVRT）测试时,需要研究试验电网的各种电压跌落故障特性及其对新能源发电系统的影响,因此需对试验电网数学建模并进行相关研究。文章在研究试验电网接线原理基础上,对试验电网数学模型进行了推导：并设计了电压跌落发生器的控制策略。仿真与试验结果验证了该数学模型的正确性和精确性。