An autonomous catamaran, based on a modified Prindle-19 day-sailing Catamaran, was built to test the viability of GPS-based system identification for precision control. The catamaran was fitted with several sensors and actuators to characterize the dynamics. Using an electric trolling motor, and lead ballast to match all-up weight, several system identification passes were performed to excite s...

Non-native aquatic species can be introduced in new areas through emptying of the ballast tanks, with a high impact on health, economy and environment. This is considered by the International Maritime Organization (IMO): (i) in 2004, the IMO adopted the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments (BMW Convention) in orde...

This paper summarizes the results of laboratory tests in which authors investigated effects extremely high vertical load to a railway track segment. The segment consisted cut concrete sleeper (contact area: 290×390 mm) with pair direct-elastic rail fasteners; pieces had standard, full height; structure typical 350 mm depth ballast, underneath approx. 200 sandy gravel supplementary layer. whole ...

Railroad trespassers are persons on railroad property whose presence is prohibited or unlawful. Most trespassers are walking along or across railroad tracks. In 1997, fatalities to railroad trespassers became the leading cause of railroad-related deaths in the United States. In 1998, 513 persons were injured and 536 persons were killed while trespassing (Federal Railroad Administration, unpubli...

Recent studies with numerical models regarding edge protection systems (EPS), class C according to standard EN 13374, showed that some requirements are inadequate for human safety. This problem mainly arises when a person is injured by falling directly against the EPS supports. To analyse this subject, three series of numerical models, in accordance with EN 13374, have been produced. The paper ...

Dimming fluorescent lamps is an attractive feature that provides mood and brightness effects as well as having tremendous energy savings potential. Designing a dimmable electronic ballast, however, is a complicated and challenging task. This paper presents an overview for designing a dimming electronic ballast for a T5 35W lamp. Lamp requirements, dimming control methods, and resonant output st...

In this study, the performance of shred tire mixed with railway subgrade is evaluated to reduce environmental vibrations caused by trains’ passage. Since incorporating the Shred Tire seeds in soil affects on its shear strength and deformability parameters so, the first stage of the study was allocated to conducting a series of laboratory tests such as the unconfined compression test, and CBR an...