A performance evaluation model for supply chain of shipping company in Iran: an application of the relational network DEA

Shipping business is capital intensive and highly competitive. It necessitates for the shipping companies to constantly monitor their performance and measure relative efficiencies of their supply chains. Despite such importance, the studies devoted to this field have been surprisingly limited. This paper reviews the involved factors and proposes a relational network data envelopment analysis (DEA) model for measuring the efficiency of supply chain of an international shipping company in Iran with relevant sub-processes in the period 2008–2011. First, the supply chain network of the company is illustrated and then the input and output variables associated to each member are determined. The proposed model is suitable for shipping companies which usually use similar pattern in this business. Finally based on the results, recommendations are made for improvements and a new field of business is also proposed.     

Performance Evaluation of Ball CVT and Comparison with Half Toroidal CVT

This study aims at finding an analytical model of ball continuously variable transmission (B-CVT) behavior and performance, based on the existing model of the half-toroidal traction drive. The geometrical and kinematical aspects of this model have been found. Then, force-moment equilibrium equations have been applied for a B-CVT. The contact behavior has been modeled using the isothermal elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) theory, and spin and relative slip losses have been estimated for this CVT. Finally, the overall efficiencies of the B-CVT have been analyzed and compared with the halftoroidal traction drive. This study results have shown that B-CVT has higher torque efficiency and lower speed efficiency in comparison with half-toroidal CVT. Also, it has shown that the adjustment of axial forces in B-CVT leads to higher efficiency in lower input torques.     

Hydrodynamic Performance Prediction of Stepped Planing Craft Using CFD and ANNs

In the present paper, the hydrodynamic performance of stepped planing craft is investigated by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis. For this purpose, th...