A theoretical model of speed-dependent steering torque for rolling tyres

ABSTRACT

It is well known that the tyre steering torque is highly dependent on the tyre rolling speed. In limited cases, i.e. parking manoeuvre, the steering torque approaches the maximum. With the increasing tyre speed, the steering torque decreased rapidly. Accurate modelling of the speed-dependent behaviour for the tyre steering torque is a key factor to calibrate the electric power steering (EPS) system and tune the handling performance of vehicles. However, no satisfactory theoretical model can be found in the existing literature to explain this phenomenon. This paper proposes a new theoretical framework to model this important tyre behaviour, which includes three key factors: (1) tyre three-dimensional transient rolling kinematics with turn-slip; (2) dynamical force and moment generation; and (3) the mixed Lagrange–Euler method for contact deformation solving. A nonlinear finite-element code has been developed to implement the proposed approach. It can be found that the main mechanism for the speed-dependent steering torque is due to turn-slip-related kinematics. This paper provides a theory to explain the complex mechanism of the tyre steering torque generation, which helps to understand the speed-dependent tyre steering torque, tyre road feeling and EPS calibration.     

Practicability study on the suitability of artificial,neural networks for the approximation of unknown steering torques

For steer-by-wire systems, the steering feedback must be generated artificially due to the system characteristics. Classical control concepts require operating-point driven optimisations as well as increased calibration efforts in order to adequately simulate the steering torque in all driving states. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) are an innovative control concept; they are capable of learning arbitrary non-linear correlations without complex knowledge of physical dependencies. The present study investigates the suitability of neural networks for approximating unknown steering torques. To ensure robust processing of arbitrary data, network training with a sufficient volume of training data is required, that represents the relation between the input and target values in a wide range. The data were recorded in the course of various test drives. In this research, a variety of network topologies were trained, analysed and evaluated. Though the fundamental suitability of ANNs for the present control task was demonstrated.     

波浪对箱形船作用的三维耦合计算模型

为获得具有工程实用价值的港口三维船非线性波浪力的时域计算方法,该文建立了波浪对港口中船非线性作用的三维时域计算耦合模型:用欧拉方程计算船底面下的内域,用Boussinesq方程计算船侧面到港口边界的外域,两域在交界面处匹配条件是流量连续和压力相等.并进行了相关模型实验,实验结果和数值计算结果比较表明该耦合计算模型具有满意的精度.此外,该三维耦合模型数学处理简单,计算效率高,可适用于工程计算.     

Real-time implementation of a traction control algorithm on a scaled roller rig

Traction control is a very important aspect in railway vehicle dynamics. Its optimisation allows improvement of the performance of a locomotive by working close to the limit of adhesion. On the other hand, in case the adhesion limit is surpassed, the wheels are subjected to heavy wear and there is also a big risk that vibrations in the traction occur. Similar considerations can be made in the case of braking. The development and optimisation of a traction/braking control algorithm is a complex activity, because it is usually performed on a real vehicle on the track, where many uncertainties are present due to environmental conditions and vehicle characteristics. This work shows the use of a scaled roller rig to develop and optimise a traction control algorithm on a single wheelset. Measurements performed on the wheelset are used to estimate the optimal adhesion forces by means of a wheel/rail contact algorithm executed in real time. This allows application of the optimal adhesion force.     

Can clusters be bi-polar? Exploring the case of the Piraeus port–maritime cluster

ABSTRACT

Further to being Greece’s biggest port, Piraeus has been a traditional pole of attraction for a plethora of organisations, companies, and institutions engaged in port- and shipping-related activities. Regional development literature has already indicated that the benefits deriving from adjacency and agglomeration economies are maximised when individual entities are organised in forming business clusters. Therefore, the paper critically addresses the existence of theoretical preconditions to a competitive port–maritime cluster formulation in wider Piraeus area. Based on a thorough review of cluster theory, the basic characteristics of clusters are identified to provide the analytical tools for examining the geographical concentration and economic specialisation in Piraeus. Field research in the form of in-depth interviews with leading shipping- and port-related business representatives and institutional bodies and the analysis of qualitative and quantitative data collected revealed that necessary preconditions for successful cluster formulation are met despite the inexistence of a formally recognised cluster. Two distinct poles of economic activity (shipping and port related) are recognised, demonstrating differentiated clustering behaviours and patterns of interaction with other players. The paper concludes with proposals deriving from this dual cluster structure and governance and the need for innovative, differentiated strategies.     

Dynamic hardening behaviors of various marine structural steels considering dependencies on strain rate and temperature

This paper presents a new formula for prediction of the dynamic hardening effect for various marine structural steels, considering dependencies on the strain rates and temperatures. Dynamic tensile tests are carried out for three kinds of marine steels, 2W50, EH36, and DH36, changing the steel layer in the thickness direction, the strain rates, and temperatures. Considering two thickness layers at the middle and surface, five strain rate levels of 0.001/s, 1/s, 10/s, 100/s, and 200/s, three temperature levels of LT (−40 °C), RT, and HT (200 °C), and two repetitions, the total number of tests is 180. Dynamic hardening is clearly seen at LT and RT regardless of the material type, while dynamic strain aging occurs at HT, leads to negative strain rate sensitivity, and thus elevates the quasi-static flow stress above the dynamic flow stress to a certain strain rate. Dynamic hardening factors (DHFs) are derived as a function of the proof strains of 0.05, 0.10, and 0.15 according to each material type and temperature level. A new formula to determine the material constant D of Cowper–Symonds constitutive equation is developed. The correctness of the proposed formula is verified through comparison with test flow stress curves and reference test data in large plastic strain and high strain rate ranges.     

The economic impact of logistics infrastructure: the case of PLAZA – the Zaragoza Logistics Platform

Abstract

The economics literature offers many examples of studies of the economic impact of transportation infrastructure such as highways, ports, and airports; however, little attention has been paid to other types of infrastructure such as logistics platforms. This article is a first assessment of the economic effects of the largest logistics platform in Europe – PLAZA, the Zaragoza Logistics Platform – located in Spain. More precisely, this paper analyzes the economic significance of PLAZA on the economy of the Aragon region where it is located. The methodology is based on the application of input–output analysis to the final demand of logistics platform-based companies in a manner that is similar to well-established studies of the economic impacts of tourism on tourist expenditure. This makes it possible to quantify the various levels of economic effects (direct, indirect, and induced) in terms of jobs, salaries, and wages, turnover, gross operating surplus (GOS), and gross value added (GVA). The conclusions reveal the economic importance PLAZA has for the regional economy of Aragon, representing just over 2% of total GVA and 3% of turnover.     

Enhancing the Travel Survey Process and Data Using the CATI System

Abstract

This paper describes an intelligent interface developed to assist in the task of collecting detailed information regarding daily travel behaviours. The computer-assisted telephone interview (CATI) system, developed by the MADITUC Research Group for the Montreal large-scale travel surveys, is structured in three main screens (household, person and trip) and assists the interaction between an interviewer and a respondent during a phone interview. This tool enhances the quality of the data collected by performing real-time validation of the spatio-temporal details related to travel behaviours. In addition to describing the design of the CATI tool, this paper proposes some empirical measurements associated with the CATI use by the interviewers owing to the processing of numerical logs saving every action taken by the user during an interview. Using these data, variables significantly influencing interview duration are identified.     

渗流中离子扩散作用对码头护坡整体抗滑的影响

根据土体的应力-渗流-离子扩散耦合方程组,在离子扩散的整个过程中,推算其整体滑动带,进而获得其整体稳定系数。其研究结果可为今后研究工作提供一定的基础,对码头护坡整体抗滑的计算有一定的参考价值。     

可压缩等熵欧拉方程组外问题的爆破

考虑等熵欧拉方程组在初始条件具有紧支集支撑下外问题的初边值问题经典解的爆破。通过创造性地构造新的泛函,当初始泛函足够大时得出了初边值问题的经典解在有限时间内爆破的结论。