Abstract

Within the framework of SENSKIN EU project (grant No. 635844), we have developed a soft capacitive sensor using silicone dielectric elastomer for Structural health monitoring (SHM). This sensor has a thin layer of stretchable silicone dielectric film and soft silicone electrodes as the active layer, which transduces strain signal into the easy-monitored capacitance change. The sensor output is measured as a ration of the sensor’s capacitance to the known value of the reference capacitor. The capacitive output of the sensor showed a linear response upon stretching in the strain range of 4.5 % to 5.5% with a pre-strain of 5.0 %. The sensor output increased by 0.01 when the strain was increased by 1.0 %. The sensor was exposed to a temperature change from -35 oC to 55 oC (the supposed working temperature range) with a ramping of 0.2 oC/min and, as a result, it showed a linear temperature dependence behavior with a slope of -0.001 sensor output per oC. Therefore, with the help of the embedded Platinum-1000 temperature sensor, the thermal expansion effect on the capacitive output can be excluded from the actual strain-induced capacitance change. These results provide practical reference to the application of the silicon-elastomer sensor for the SHM systems.

Abstract

The continuous development of maritime trade over the last decades has led to a significant growth of needs in"br" every section of maritime transport and port operations. During the next 5 years the annual volume at global"br" container terminals will rise significantly, making terminal utilization rates higher than the ones where the"br" systems operate optimally. There is a need for finding more efficient, quick and economic ways of transporting,"br" handling and storing goods as well as seeking more productive strategies for yard management and terminal"br" operation. Inspired by markets’ growing demands and the possibilities of transforming conventional vehicles"br" into automatic ones, an algorithm for smart job allocation and routing of automated vehicles (Straddle Carriers)"br" in terminals is presented in this paper. A management strategy for handling a fleet of autonomous straddle"br" carriers in port yard areas aiming at minimizing the energy consumption while maintaining the performance of"br" the port operations is developed. The strategy is based on a three-layer approach, with job assignment and"br" individual routing at the first two levels and conflict resolution at the last layer, aiming at providing collisionfree"br" trajectories and speed profiles. The algorithm is integrated into the terminal operating system of the port and"br" constitutes a complete solution for small-medium sized ports.

Abstract

This map summarizes information on the connectivity of 67 important South Asian cities concerning infrastructure networks. The map combines four information layers to reveal a city's overall stature in the region's infrastructure networks, i.e. rail, road, air, and information technology networks. Three dimensions of connectivity are shown: edge thickness reflecting tie strength between pairs of cities; node size reflecting a city's betweenness centrality; and node color reflecting the dominant geographical orientation of a city's connections. A threshold is used for the edges to ensure the map does not appear clogged. The map shows that major connections tend to be within-country linkages between large cities. There are five communities in South Asia's urban infrastructure networks, which largely follow national borders. Delhi, Mumbai, Lahore, Karachi, Chennai, Colombo and Dhaka are shown to be important nodes for the infrastructural integration of South Asia, as these cities mediate flows between relatively unconnected communities and cities. Document type: Article