bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Rail Test Frequencies Using Risk Analysis
Authors: Jeong D. Y. , Gordon J. E.
Published: August 2009

Several industries now use risk analysis to develop inspection programs to ensure acceptable mechanical integrity and reliability. These industries include nuclear and electric power generation, oil refining, gas processing, onshore and offshore exploration and production, chemical processing, and pipelines. Risk analysis may also be used as a decision-making tool in the railroad industry to develop systematic improvements in track maintenance and inspection strategies. In the course of conducting research in support of the Federal Railroad Administration, a Monte Carlo risk assessment model has been developed to simulate certain aspects of rail inspection (also referred to as rail testing) to find and remove defects that may grow to sufficient size to cause rail failures. In this paper, the model is used to examine the relationship between the occurrence of rail failures and various operational factors. These operational factors include rail size, average axle loading, and inspection frequency. In addition, the risk assessment model is used to evaluate an alternative rail testing concept in which detector cars would conduct inspections at speeds higher than those used in current practice.
A New Security and Safety Solution for Public Guided Transport
Authors: Schu¨tte Jo¨rg , Scholz Sven
Published: August 2009

Railway and Public Guided Transit Properties often employ large numbers of video cameras to supervise critical areas and facilitate incident management. Capabilities of Central Control Staff is, however, limited to check the increasing number of CCTV images and so far automated image processing solutions had been insufficiently reliable. TelSys GmbH (a railway telematics company in Dresden, Germany) had therefore developed over the last seven years together with the University of Technology in Dresden and some public transport providers (subway of Berlin, subway of Prague) a robust solution to supervise automatically critical areas like tunnel entrances, station tracks or station platform edges. Also qualifications with German Railways and in Finland had been performed. The automatic image processing software reliably differentiates between trains (“permitted” objects) and objects that move from the platform into the tracks or move too close to otherwise prohibited areas. Object sizes, alarm times, reliability and safety requirements had been taken from the VDV 399 standard of the German Public Transport Operators Association. After years of reliability and safety research and demonstration the system is now in regular operation (stopping automatically incoming driverless trains if an object is detected in the track) and can be considered as the first safe video image processing system according to railway standards. Experiences, system architecture and principles as well as further development plans and planned demonstration installation in North America are discussed.
Railway Timetable Optimization Using Non-Proportional Distributed Allowance Arrangement Method
Authors: Yang Jinhua , Klemenz Marc
Published: August 2009

In order to keep certain level of train punctuality and flexibility of adjustment in practical operation phase, allowance which normally is set proportionally is added to the minimum running and dwell time. This paper develops a new strategy that through changing allowance arrangement to optimize timetable quality by using non-proportional distributed method–curving train path (CTP). With Railsys® as simulation tool, results shows that CTP is quite optimal to decrease delay and delay transfer, to spare more room for train path while the travel time remains constant, and timetable quality is improved to a new balance level.
Validation Testing of Bearing Temperature Differentials and Identification of Root Causes on Selected Union Pacific Railroad Hot and Warm Trend Set-Outs
Authors: Toth David G. , Hupp Brian M. , Snyder Todd W. , Karunakaran Selva
Published: August 2009

This paper is the summary report on work started in 2007, and initially introduced in a presentation at the joint ASME – TTCI Bearing Symposium in Chicago in September of 2007 [1]. The identification of the root cause(s) for “warm bearing trend” temperatures has also been the subject of other technical papers [2, 3]. Traditional railroad journal bearing hot box detector (HBD) systems monitor journal bearing temperatures, and typically provide an alarm based on a measured in-service bearing absolute temperature, or against a programmed “delta” over the ambient temperature level. More recently, bearing operating temperatures have been statistically analyzed for temperature “trending”, and identification of temperature “outliers”, or bearings which display a higher temperature relative to the majority of bearings in the same train. AAR rules now facilitate the removal from service of bearings which either: 1) exceed traditionally defined limits, or 2) meet the statistical criteria set forth by these newly established AAR industry rules, to ideally prevent or eliminate “burn off journals” and potential derailments. This study is focused on testing of railroad journal bearings that were removed from service for “Why Made Code 50” (an “overheated” journal bearing), and exhibited no visually obvious external signs of distress. Dynamic testing and a corresponding tear down investigation to determine the root cause(s) for the elevated temperature was performed for the trend and mate bearings. This dynamic rig testing and corresponding investigation(s) have resulted in the determination of a significant and potential root cause for warm trend bearings.
Complex Bogie Modeling Incorporating Advanced Friction Wedge Components
Authors: Sperry Brian , Sandu Corina , Ballew Brent
Published: August 2009

This research focuses on the dynamic behavior of the three-piece bogie that supports the freight train car bodies. While the system is relatively simple, in that there are very few parts involved, the behavior of the bogie is somewhat more complex. Our research focuses primarily on the behavior of the friction wedges under different operating conditions that are seen under normal operation. The Railway Technologies Laboratory (RTL) at Virginia Tech has been developing a model to better capture the dynamic behavior of friction wedges using 3-D modeling software. In previous years, a quarter-truck model, and half-truck variably damped model have been developed using MathWorks MATLAB®. This year, research has focused on the development of a half-truck variably damped model with a new (curved surface) friction wedge, and a half-truck constantly damped model, both using the MATLAB® based software program. Currently a full-truck variably damped model has been created using LMS Virtual.Lab. This software allows for a model that is more easily created and modified, as well as allowing for a much shorter simulation time, which became a necessity as more contact points, and more complex inputs were needed to increase the accuracy of the simulation results. The new model consists of seven rigid bodies: the bolster, two sideframes, and four wedges. We have also implemented full spring nests on each sideframe, where in previous models equivalent spring forces were used. The model allows six degrees-of-freedom for the wedges and bolster: lateral, longitudinal, and vertical translations, as well as pitch, roll, and yaw. The sideframes are constrained to two degrees-of-freedom: vertical and longitudinal translations. The inputs to the model are vertical and longitudinal translations or forces on the sideframes, which can be set completely independent of each other. The model simulation results have been compared with results from NUCARS®, an industrially-used train modeling software developed by the Transportation Technology Center, Inc. (TTCI), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Association of American Railroads (AAR), for similar inputs, as well as experimental data from warping tests performed at TTCI.
Arc Flash Hazard Analysis in Traction Power Substations
Authors: Pham Kinh D. , Jones Robert
Published: August 2009

Arc flash hazards can result from accidents or equipment deterioration such as dropping tools, accidental contact with electrical equipment, build up of conductive dust, corrosion, condensation, over-voltage stress, or insulation failure. An arc is produced when electric current passes through ionized air after an initial flash over or short circuit, resulting in a flash that could produce significant heat, with temperature in excess of 35,000°F. The extremely high temperature of an electric arc can cause major burns within ten feet and fatal burns within five feet of an arc flash. Recently enacted guidelines and regulations by OSHA and NFPA 70E regarding arc flash hazards have compelled many rail transit agencies to require that an arc flash hazard analysis be performed. The purpose of this analysis is to determine the potential risk of arc faults at every switchgear and electrical panel board to which a worker may be exposed. To comply with OSHA and NFPA, appropriate work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) must be utilized to reduce the risks associated with arc flashes. Several methods for calculating the arc-flash hazard have been developed. This paper will examine and discuss the following three methods: a) the Ralph H. Lee’s theoretical model, b) the NFPA 70E equations and tables, and c) the IEEE Std 1584 methods. None of the above methods addresses arcing faults in DC switchgear. To date, there is no written standard for DC arc flash hazard analysis. DC arcing faults and calculation methods are discussed. Sample arc flash hazard analysis from a recent rail transit project is included.
Waste Combustor Ash Utilization
Authors: Wilson Willard
Published: August 2009

The incorporation of municipal solid waste combustor (MWC) ash into bituminous pavements has been investigated in the United States since the middle 1970s. Thus far, most, if not all of these projects, have attempted to answer the questions: Is it safe? Is it feasible? Or does it provide an acceptable product? Polk County Solid Waste located in Northwest Minnesota has now completed three Demonstration Research Projects (DRP) utilizing ash from its municipal solid waste combustor as a partial replacement of aggregate in asphalt road paving projects. The results of these projects show no negative environmental or worker safety issues, and demonstrate improved structural performance and greater flexibility from the ash-amended asphalt as compared to conventional asphalt. Polk County has submitted an application to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to obtain a Case-Specific Beneficial Use Determination (CSBUD), which would allow for continued use of ash in road paving projects without prior MPCA approval. However, concerns from the MPCA Air Quality Division regarding a slight increase in mercury emissions during ash amended asphalt production has resulted in a delay in receiving the CSBUD. Polk County decided to take a different approach. In January 2008, Polk submitted and received approval for their fourth ash utilization DRP. This DRP differs from the first three in that the ash will be used as a component in the Class 5 gravel materials to be used for a Polk County Highway Department road rebuilding project. The project involves a 7.5 mile section of County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 41, which conveniently is located about 10 miles south of the Polk County Landfill, where the ash is stored. The CSAH 41 project includes the complete rebuilding and widening of an existing 7.5 mile paved road section. Ash amended Class 5 gravel would be used in the base course under the asphalt paving, and also in the widening and shouldering sections of the road. The top 2 inches of the widening and shouldering areas would be covered with virgin Class 5 and top soil, so that all ash amended materials would be encapsulated. This has been the procedure followed in previous projects. No ash will be used in the asphalt mix for this project. This paper discusses production, cost, performance and environmental issues associated with this 2008 demonstration research project.
Control of Fine Particulate Matter by Means of High Efficiency ePTFE Membrane Filter Laminates
Authors: Pranghofer Gernot G.
Published: August 2009

The COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION has enacted laws to improve the quality of the ambient air: The “COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 1999/30/EC of 22 April 1999 relating to limit values for sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen, particulate matter and lead in ambient air” and the “DIRECTIVE 2008/50/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 21 May 2008 on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe”. The Member States had to bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with these Directives. These Directives are raising the expectations on the reduction of fine particulate matter on the potential emitters, mainly public traffic, industry and waste-to-energy (WtE) plants. Although there is currently no European regulation on stack emissions of fine particulate matter, local regulatory authorities have tightened the emission limits of total particulate matter. For example, quite a number of Italian WtE plants are expected to meet dust emission levels of less than 2 mg/m3. In order to assure compliance strong efforts and large investments have been made to optimize the efficiency of their APC system. Different dust filtration technologies will be compared and the filtration principles of depth filtration and surface filtration will be detailed. A comparison of an experimental study and the practical performance of the different technologies are discussed. Special focus will be given to the development and application of High Efficiency Membrane Filter Laminates for retention of fine particulate matter. These filter materials consist of micro-porous expanded PolyTetraFluoroEthylene (ePTFE) membranes laminated onto suitable backing materials, retention rates of > 99.99% of PM2.5 have been achieved. A number of large European WtE plants have already completed their APC upgrades by using the High Efficiency Membrane Filter Laminates. Some of them are on operation for a couple of years, performance reviews will be detailed.
Recapture of Energy and Metals From MSW and ASR
Authors: Jaap Michael , Shapiro Daniel J.
Published: August 2009

CarbonTech, LLC is the business vehicle to commercialize the licensed CATO Research Corporation process (US Patent No. 7,425,315) to generate an energy rich source of carbon from wastes such as municipal solid waste (MSW) and automobile shredder residue (ASR). With a focus on renewable energy technology, CarbonTech is in a unique position to reduce waste to landfills by 90%, generate a coal equivalent source of sustainable fuel to help reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, and recover metals for scrap recycling purposes.
Implementation of the Taunton, Massachusetts Regional Solid Waste Management Facility
Authors: Binder James J. , Torres Stephen A.
Published: August 2009

Taunton, Massachusetts (City) is a city of 55,000 people located in Southeast Massachusetts, approximately 35 miles from Boston. Currently it hosts a regional landfill that will reach capacity in 2013. Beginning in 2005, the City began the process of searching for a solid waste management technology to replace the landfill. The focus for the search has been on conversion technologies capable of recovering materials and producing electricity or fuels, and maximizing diversion of waste from landfilling. Technologies being considered include both traditional and emerging technologies; e.g., composting, co-composting, thermal gasification, aerobic and anaerobic digestion, hydrolysis and mechanical means of waste separation into useful products. Landfilling and traditional waste-to-energy technology are not being considered.
Integration of an Energy From Waste Facility Into an Urban Environment
Authors: Chromec Peter R. , Burelle Raymond J.
Published: August 2009

The maximum environmental benefits from a new Energy from Waste (EFW) facility may require locating the new plant close to both the source of the waste and the potential energy customers. This paper will present design features that were incorporated into several new EFW facilities to allow them to be located directly into urban environments while minimizing their impact on the community and often improving the quality of life for the surrounding communities. Locating the EFW facility directly into an urban community: • Minimizes the cost and the environmental impact of waste transport. • Allows electrical power to be generated at the point of consumption. • Provides thermal energy for district heating and cooling. • Reduces the dependence on imported fossil fuel for electrical generation and for heating / cooling. • Provides secure and well paying jobs for members of the community. • Reduces the carbon foot print of the community. • An EFW plant typically leads to higher recycling rate, both pre and post combustion. Some of the specific measures that have been considered for EFW plants in urban environment have included architectural enhancements, more stringent noise and odor control, significant reduction or even elimination of visible plumes. The two case studies included in this paper will be the new Isse´ane EFW plant in Paris and the recently awarded Riverside EFW plant in London.
Retrofit Injection of Humid Gas From Sludge Dryer and Secondary Air in WTE Furnaces of Que´bec City
Authors: Fre´chet Yves
Published: August 2009

This paper discusses the retrofit injection of humid gas from sludge dryer with secondary air in the WTE furnaces in Que´bec City. In 1992, a municipal sludge treatment plant was added in the WTE building. Three sludge dryers, each connected to a furnace, were added. Direct contact with hot furnace gas was used to dry sludge in a rotary drum. Humid gas from the dryer was returned to the rear wall of the furnace just above the finishing grate. CFD modeling showed cold flow of humid gas on the rear furnace wall, restriction of the combustion area on the principal grate, and stratification of the flow inside the boiler. A retrofit of the first chamber of the boiler was designed using injection of humid gas from the sludge dryer with secondary air on the front and rear walls. The main purpose of the retrofit was to maintain CO levels of under 57 mg/m3 on a 4 hour mobile average. The first boiler was retrofitted in winter 2008 and results have been very encouraging.
Advanced Plant Upgrades Using Modern Technology and Design Tools: Increasing the Combustion Capacity and the Performance of Existing Waste to Energy Plants
Authors: Madsen Ole Hedegaard
Published: August 2009

The amount of municipal solid waste is still increasing and the calorific value of the waste is steadily growing. The combined result is an increasing demand for new thermal treatment capacities. An alternative solution to new waste-to-energy projects is an expansion and technical upgrade of existing incineration plants. This is an advantageous option for waste management companies because they avoid the NIMBY syndrome and the difficulties in getting permits for green field projects. Furthermore, the investment cost per tonne burned waste is less than that for a new incineration line. This paper will present the basic ideas and principles used in upgraded projects. The core of the technology is a combination of a new furnace design, new water cooled wear zones and combustion grates and new control systems. Moreover, CFD modelling is an important tool in the design phase, and the paper gives a demonstration of the flow design process applied at Babcock & Wilcox Vo̸lund. CFD gives the designer the possibility of checking the design for a large number of critical factors such as velocities, mixing of combustion products and secondary air, oxygen and CO concentration, temperature, surface temperature, corrosion etc. This ability is extremely valuable in the case of expansion of existing incineration plants because many of the process parameters have to be within the limits of the old plant.
New Sources, New Requirements, New Challenges: Air Quality and New Waste-to-Energy Capacity
Authors: Sawyers Douglas E. , Chattopadhyay Amit , Cohn Joel S.
Published: August 2009

Renewed interest in waste-to-energy (WTE) has spurred a number of plans for facility expansions, retrofits and in several cases, new facilities. Complex federal and state regulations governing stationary air pollution sources challenge projects to develop and implement a compliance strategy that meets current and emerging regulatory requirements and which consists of commercially available and technically feasible control technologies, while managing the financial viability of the project. Past experience in the WTE industry is indicative of current challenges, and the deliberate development of WTE in the United States over the last 15 years now creates challenges when technologies developed and implemented elsewhere must be considered. One example is control of nitrogen oxides. Individual projects are subject to regulatory requirements differently, with net emissions increases, location and other attributes establishing the basis for regulatory compliance. This paper will discuss the complex New Source Review permitting requirements that typically apply to WTE projects, review commercially available air pollution control technologies, and discuss, through the use of a case study, the decision-making process used to develop the air pollution control strategy for the York County Resource Recovery Center expansion, one recent development of new WTE capacity in the United States.
A Survey of Erosion and Corrosion Resistant Materials Being Used on Boiler Tubes in Waste to Energy Boilers
Authors: Dooley Randall , Wiertel Eric
Published: August 2009

Waste-to-Energy boilers, including mass-fired, RDF-fired, and biomass-fired boilers, produce very corrosive and erosive environments which can significantly reduce the life of furnace, super heater, boiler, and in-bed tubes. Combustion products from municipal waste refuse are very corrosive. This corrosion is typically caused by chloride compounds which deposit on the furnace, superheater, and boiler tubes. Due to high flue gas velocities and soot blowing required to remove ash and slag deposits, and BFB media, these tubes are also subject to substantial erosion. Since 2000, Inconel weld overlays have been used for corrosion and erosion protection on boiler tubes. During this period, many other materials have also been tested in waste-to-energy boilers with mixed results. This paper will provide an overview of the materials that have been tested on in-bed, furnace, superheater, and boiler tubes in waste-to-energy boilers. The test results will be based on laboratory analysis used to evaluate these corrosion and erosion protection solutions. In addition, field results will be reviewed from various waste-to-energy sites to support the laboratory analysis.
Benchmarking Mass Burn WTE Facility Performance: How Does Your Facility Measure Up?
Authors: LoRe Anthony M. , Oswald Kesli Jo
Published: August 2009

Owners and operators of waste-to-energy (WTE) facilities have a keen interest in the performance of their facilities since it drives the overall success and cost effectiveness of their projects. There are a number of parameters that are commonly used to gauge the performance of a WTE facility and, in many cases, the contract operator. This paper compares historical data from a number of mass burn WTE facilities to establish benchmarks for various performance criteria. This paper also discusses how these benchmarks compare with performance standards that were used as the basis of design for the existing generation of mass burn WTE facilities and operating contracts and discusses how to set performance expectation levels for new projects.
The Center for Sustainable Utilization of Resources: Quantifying Climate Change Impacts of Managing Wastes
Authors: Zannes Maria , Barlaz Morton , Castaldi Marco , Themelis Nickolas J.
Published: August 2009

The environmental impact and potential for utilization of the billions of tons of used products and materials discarded each year by humanity is immense. The sheer magnitude of the materials and complexity of waste management and reuse make the issue of quantifying impacts and best practices all the more difficult. In recognition of this task, the Earth Engineering Center (EEC) of Columbia University and the Environmental Engineering Group of North Carolina State University combined resources in 2008 to form a research organization that is focused on defining and promoting best practices for sustainable waste management. This is the Center for Sustainable Use of Resources (SUR; wwwSURcenter.org) and its mission is to quantify the greenhouse gas emissions and other life cycle impacts of various “waste” management practices; and use this information for advancing the best practical means for managing used materials, in the U.S. and globally. The SUR Center builds on the strengths of past research at Columbia and North Carolina State on recycling, composting, waste-to-energy, and landfilling. This paper describes some of the research work completed and underway at the Center.
Technical and Economic Impacts of Pre-Shredding the MSW Feed to Moving Grate WTE Boilers
Authors: Fitzgerald Garrett C. , Themelis Nickolas J.
Published: August 2009

Chemical rate and heat transfer theory indicates that the combustion performance and productivity of a moving grate waste-to-energy boiler should be enhanced by means of pre-shredding of the MSW, thus reducing the average particle size, homogenizing the feed, and increasing its bulk density by an estimated 30%. However, the capital, operating and maintenance costs of the shredding equipment should be low enough so that existing or new WTE facilities consider pre-shredding of the MSW. In cases where MSW is transported to a central WTE from a number of Waste Transfer Stations (WTS), pre-shredding may take place at the WTS, thus increasing density and decreasing transportation costs. This is a mechanical engineering study that examined the evolution and present state of shredding equipment since 1994 when the last WTE shredder in the U.S. was installed at the SEMASS facility. The quantitative benefits realized through the pre-processing of MSW by means of modern shredding equipment are evaluated both for the traditional high speed hammermills and the new generation of low-rpm, high-torque shredders. The combustion characteristics of shredded MSW were analyzed and compared to those of the “as-received” material that is presently combusted in mass burn WTEs. The emphasis of the project has been on equipment that can be integrated in the traditional flowsheet of a WTE and serviced readily. The most important criterion in the final design will be that the economic and energy benefits of pre-shredding be clearly greater than the conventional operation of combusting as received MSW.
Is De-NOx by SCR To Be the Future in US?: Technology and Tendencies Within APC-Equipment
Authors: Kamuk Bettina
Published: August 2009

The paper will present available De-NOx technologies as well as the paper will present the operational experience in European countries where the technology has been operating for approx. 10–15 years. The experience is based on Ramboll’s experience with NOx control on advanced WtE plants in Europe. Technical SCR solutions will be discussed and specific technical obstacles and specific precautions to be taken will be highlighted and illustrated by showcases. Investment and operating costs for SNCR versus SCR will be presented. Finally it will be evaluated which effect De-NOx at WtE facilities will have compared to the energy sector in general.
Quantitative Analysis of the Flow, Mixing, and Size Segregation Phenomena of Municipal Solid Waste Particles on a Traveling Grate of Waste-to-Energy (WTE) Combustion Chamber
Authors: Nakamura Masato R. , Castaldi Marco J. , Themelis Nickolas J.
Published: August 2009

Flow, mixing, and, size segregation of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) particles on the traveling grate of a mass-burn waste-to-energy (WTE) combustion chamber is analyzed for understanding those parameters that control the combustion processes and for designing the chamber. In order to quantify these phenomena, a full-scale physical model of the reverse acting grate was built and used for investigating the effects of the motion of the reverse acting grate under a MSW packed bed with tracer particles ranging from 6 – 22 cm in diameter. Based on these experimental data, a stochastic model of MSW particle within the packed bed on a traveling grate was applied for simulating the MSW particle behavior. The result shows that the motion of the traveling grate, whose speed ranged from 15 to 90 reciprocations/hour, increases the mean residence time of small and medium particles by 68% and 8%, respectively, while decreasing the mean residence time of large particles by 17%. This is because of size segregation of particles known as the Brazil Nut Effect. When the ratio of particle diameter to the height of moving bar, d/h, increases from 0.46 to 1.69, the mixing diffusion coefficient, De at 60/hour., decreases from 96 to 38.4. This indicates that the height of the moving bars should be greater than the diameter of targeted particles.
Amsterdam Waste Fired Plant©: First Year Operating Experience
Authors: de Waart Hendrikus A. A. M.
Published: August 2009

Mid 2007 the Amsterdam Waste and Energy Company (AEB) commenced initial operations of their new Waste Fired Power Plant© (WFPP). The unit processes 530,000 metric tons of unsorted municipal solid waste producing electricity with a net efficiency of 30%. (Picture 1)The major contributor to the efficiency increase from the conventional 22% to 30% is a new and patented technology, whereby steam from the high pressure turbine is reheated by steam, rather than flue gas, before entering the low pressure turbine. The WFPP facility has operated successfully throughout 2008 and to this date. Also, for a period of nearly three years, AEB operated a commercial scale pilot plant, with a maximum capacity of 50 tons per hour, to develop the necessary process steps, to recover ferrous, non-ferrous, as well as precious metals from the bottom ash. In this recycling process, heavy metals and other toxicants are removed from the ash, rendering it suitable as a raw material for use in building materials, leaving less than 5% material to be landfilled. The operating results of both experiences are presented in this paper.
Towards an Architecture Model for Emotion Recognition in Interactive Systems: Application to a Ballet Dance Show
Authors: Clay Alexis , Couture Nadine , Nigay Laurence
Published: August 2009

In the context of the very dynamic and challenging domain of affective computing, we adopt a software engineering point of view on emotion recognition in interactive systems. Our goal is threefold: first, developing an architecture model for emotion recognition. This architecture model emphasizes multimodality and reusability. Second, developing a prototype based on this architecture model. For this prototype we focus on gesture-based emotion recognition. And third, using this prototype for augmenting a ballet dance show. We hence describe an overview of our work so far, from the design of a flexible and multimodal emotion recognition architecture model, to a presentation of a gesture-based emotion recognition prototype based on this model, to a prototype that augments a ballet stage, taking emotions as inputs.
Toward Enhancement of the Airborne 3D Visualization Capabilities of the Holovizio System
Authors: Kooijman Adrie , Horva´th Imre , Rusa´k Zolta´n
Published: August 2009

Implementation of tangible virtuality means providing means for creating airborne visual images, rendering them with physical properties and making them sensible for the human senses. Airborne creation and direct manipulation requires separating the virtual objects from the image generating (physical rendering) device. One step in this direction is using electroholographic, or pseudo-electroholographic, devices which are able to create virtual objects in mid-air by various light interference techniques. A virtual object is a computer model, visualized by the projection system to appear as a real, tangible object. Te enable the required direct interaction with the virtual objects these have to be perceptually separated from the projected device, they have to be perceived as floating in the air. In our research we use the Holovizio Hv128WD system, a mono-parallax, high resolution holographic imaging device supporting 3D image visualization rather than physical rendering of virtual objects. The device generates 62 views of virtual objects where each view is visible from a specific viewing direction. The user of the system perceives this as a stereo view to the object. We have been collecting application experiences related to this device for more than one year, and we have found some restrictions and limitations in the image creating capabilities which we are trying to eliminate in our current research. This paper reports on the first phase of research which focuses on some major image generation problems and exploration of possible hardware, software or data management causes. The goal of this first phase is to develop and validate the proper measurement methods. A pilot experiment is performed to verify the applicability of the method. The results show that the proposed measurement methods are feasible and helpful in analyzing the observed problems. Some problems appear to have a more fundamental cause and may only be worked around.
Demands and Opportunities for Haptic and Tactile Feedback Technologies in an Airborne 3D Visualization Environment
Authors: de Smit Bram , Horva´th Imre
Published: August 2009

The goal of this paper is to explore the field of haptic feedback technologies from the aspect of airborne visualization applications. While conventional Virtual Reality (VR) applications in most cases make extensive use of body mounted equipment this is expected to be unfavorable for airborne visualization environments. There new constraints and demands will govern. We give an overview of currently known VR technologies and explore possible directions in which new solutions for airborne visualization environments should be searched.
Virtual Bloxing – Assembly Rapid Prototyping of Near Net Shapes
Authors: Lim Theodore , Medellin Hugo , Sung Raymond , Ritchie James , Corney Jonathan
Published: August 2009

Virtual reality (VR) provides another dimension to many engineering applications. Its immersive and interactive nature allows an intuitive approach to study both cognitive activities and performance evaluation. Market competitiveness means having products meet form, fit and function quickly. Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing (RP&M) technologies are increasingly being applied to produce functional prototypes and the direct manufacturing of small components. Despite its flexibility, these systems have common drawbacks such as slow build rates, a limited number of build axes (typically one) and the need for post processing. This paper presents a Virtual Assembly Rapid Prototyping (VARP) project to evaluate cognitive activities in assembly tasks via immersive virtual reality along with a novel non-layered rapid prototyping for near net shape (NNS) manufacturing of components. It is envisaged that this integrated project will facilitate a better understanding of design for manufacture and assembly (DFMA) by utilising equivalent scale digital and physical prototyping in one rapid prototyping system.
Motion Cueing Strategies for Driving Simulators
Authors: Colombet Florent , Kemeny Andras , Me´rienne Fre´de´ric , Pe`re Christian
Published: August 2009

By studying drivers’ behavior, driving simulation is used in automotive industry for designing and testing new driving aid systems. In order to have a behavior similar as much as possible to the one observed in real conditions, driver has to be provided with visual, audio or kinesthesic cues as well as inertial cues. A “one to one” motion rendering is usually not possible due to physical limitations of dynamic driving simulators, so a so-called “motion cueing algorithm” is used to transform virtual vehicle trajectory into admissible simulator trajectory. Our knowledge of the human motion perception is currently incomplete. A way to improve motion rendering is to increase driving simulators physical abilities. “High performance” driving simulators thus obtained can provide inertial cues nearer to those in real conditions, but they need large simulation rooms and complex operational facilities. The second manner to improve motion rendering is to develop new motion cueing algorithms, and this is what is proposed in this paper. In the framework of a partnership between Arts & Me´tiers ParisTech and Renault, a new dynamic simulator called SAM has been built. This simulator is equipped with traditional hexapod motion-platform, nevertheless it is using an innovative motion cueing algorithm. In this paper, an overview of existing motion cueing algorithms will be presented, especially their limitations and the relevance of a predictive algorithm. Finally, an experiment will be also presented for comparison of the different cueing algorithms.
A 3D Physics-Based Hydraulic Excavator Simulator
Authors: Gonza´lez Manuel , Luaces Alberto , Dopico Daniel , Cuadrado Javier
Published: August 2009

The actuation of hydraulic excavators is a complex and not intuitive task which requires long and costly training periods, since the qualification of the operator has a significant impact in productivity and safety. Simulation-based training combined with virtual reality is becoming a competitive alternative to traditional training to reduce costs and risks in the instruction of excavator operators. Several excavator training simulators have been developed, but none of them features a dynamic model of the machine complete enough to simulate all the maneuvers performed in the daily work of real excavators. The authors have applied real-time simulation techniques from multibody system dynamics to develop a full 3D physics-based excavator simulator made up of 14 rigid bodies with 17 degrees of freedom. The simulation engine includes a custom collision detection algorithm and detailed tire force and contact force models. Terrain excavation and bucket loading and unloading are also simulated. The resulting model delivers realistic real-time behavior and can simulate common events in real excavators: slipping on slope terrains, stabilizing the machine with the blade or the outriggers, using the arm for support or impulsion to avoid obstacles, etc. The simulator console has a semi-immersive virtual reality interface that emulates the excavator cabin. The operator console imitates most of the controls of the real machine cabin using low-cost standard USB input devices: steering wheel, 2 joystiks with the standard excavator functions and 2 pedals. A tactile screen replicates the digital control panel of the excavator, which lets the operator control different machine settings. A hard shell hemispherical dome of 2 m diameter is used to project the subjective view from the operator’s position. The resulting simulator, which can run in a standard PC due to its high computational efficiency, can reproduce almost all the maneuvers performed by real excavators.
Sparsh UI: A Multi-Touch Framework for Collaboration and Modular Gesture Recognition
Authors: Ramanahally Prasad , Gilbert Stephen , Niedzielski Thomas , Vela´zquez Desire´e , Anagnost Cole
Published: August 2009

Most current multi-touch libraries provide support to recognize the touch input from particular hardware and seldom support complex gestures. For rapid prototyping and development of multi-touch applications, particularly for collaboration across multiple disparate devices, there is a need for a framework which can support an array of multi-touch hardware, provide gesture processing, be cross platform compatible, and allow applications to be developed in the desired programming language. In this paper we present criteria for evaluating a multi-touch library and “Sparsh UI”— an open source multi-touch library which is a novel attempt to address these issues by enabling developers to easily develop multi-touch applications. We also compare Sparsh UI with other multi-touch libraries and describe several Sparsh-based applications, including BasePlate, a system for collaborative virtual assembly.
Haptic Feedback to Guide Interactive Product Design
Authors: Fischer Andrew , Vance Judy M. , Vo Dao M.
Published: August 2009

Virtual Reality (VR) allows engineers to naturally interact with three-dimensional digital models in a three-dimensional space. This provides a unique interface between users and computer models not found in traditional desktop environments. Common uses of virtual reality in product design include prototype evaluation, virtual assembly and visualization of engineering analysis results. This work described in this paper is based on a methodology for interactive design that uses virtual reality as an interface to product design and analysis. Computer analysis models coupled with fast reanalysis approximations and geometric models in a virtual environment are developed to facilitate shape design changes and updated analysis results in real-time. This combined design and analysis environment encourages the rapid investigation of many possible shape and design changes and how they affect the final product performance. The application developed to test this methodology is referred the Immersive Virtual Design Application (IVDA).
Modeling Dynamic Behavior of Parts in Virtual Assembly Environment
Authors: Garbaya Samir , Zaldivar-Colado Ulises
Published: August 2009

Physically-based behavior of parts and subassemblies provides the user with realistic virtual assembly planning environment. Parts’ mating is an important phase of the assembly operation. It determines the feasibility of the operation and affects the assembly sequence generated from the interaction with virtual parts. Haptic sensation of forces generated by the contacts between parts, during the mating phase, is a perception cue which assists the operator in locating the parts in their final assembly positions and orientations [1]. The research work reported in this paper focuses on modeling the dynamic behavior of mechanical parts during the execution of virtual assembly operation. The concept of spring-damper model was adopted to preclude the interpenetration of parts during the mating phase. The concept of “visual dynamic behavior” representing the manipulation of real parts was developed. More investigations are required to extend this concept to include the manipulation of subassemblies.
Amplifying the Pacific Climate System Response to a Small 11-Year Solar Cycle Forcing
Authors: Meehl Gerald A. , Arblaster Julie M. , Matthes Katja , Sassi Fabrizio , van Loon Harry
Published: August 2009

More Than the Sum of the Parts

The radiative output of the Sun varies distinctly with the 11-year cycle of sunspots, although the change in energy output is small—less than a tenth of a percent in magnitude. Nevertheless, that small variation produces changes in sea surface temperatures two or three times as large as it should, and the mechanism by which this occurs has remained unclear.

Meehl
et al.

(p.
1114
; see the news story by

Kerr

) employ three global, coupled climate models to simulate this phenomenon. Two mechanisms appear to act in conjunction to cause this ocean response: a change in the abundance of stratospheric ozone owing to fluctuations of shortwave solar forcing; and a coupled surface ocean-atmosphere response. This combination of effects enhances precipitation maxima, reduces low-latitude cloud cover, and lowers the temperature of surface waters in the tropical Pacific Ocean, resulting in the larger warm-to-cold variation.
Response to Comment on “Floral Iridescence, Produced by Diffractive Optics, Acts As a Cue for Animal Pollinators”
Authors: Whitney Heather M. , Kolle Mathias , Andrew Piers , Chittka Lars , Steiner Ullrich , Glover Beverley J.
Published: August 2009

Morehouse and Rutowski make interesting comments on the difficulties of untangling complex optical phenomena. However, our use of a four-colored transfer test in our original study, along with spectrophotometric analysis of the nonoverlapping colors produced by our target disks, allows us to conclude that bees can learn to use iridescence as a foraging cue.
Good Genes and Good Luck: Ammonoid Diversity and the End-Permian Mass Extinction
Authors: Brayard Arnaud , Escarguel Gilles , Bucher Hugo , Monnet Claude , Brühwiler Thomas , Goudemand Nicolas , Galfetti Thomas , Guex Jean
Published: August 2009

“Rapid” Recovery

The Permian-Triassic extinction 252 million years ago was Earth's most severe biotic crisis since the Precambrian and is thought to have depressed diversity in its wake for millions of years.

Brayard
et al.

(p.
1118
; see the Perspective by

Marshall and Jacobs

) show, however, that ammonoids, a large group of marine organisms that were severely affected, recovered remarkably quickly. Only 1 million years after the extinction, ammonoids had recovered to levels higher than in the Permian, compared with the 10-million-year biotic recovery period for other benthic organisms. The Triassic recovery seems to include several cycles, but the immediate recovery of ammonoids may have left them as one of the most diverse groups in the earliest Triassic.
Antibiotics for Emerging Pathogens
Authors: Fischbach Michael A. , Walsh Christopher T.
Published: August 2009

Toward New Scaffolds

Most existing antibiotics are derived from a small number of core molecular structures or scaffolds. As more and more pathogens emerge that are resistant to existing antibiotics,
Fischbach and Walsh
(p.
1089
) review why renewed efforts must be made to find not only new antibiotics but new scaffolds. Approaches in the areas of natural products, synthesis, and target-based discovery are all yielding promising antibiotics candidates. The battle against resistance should also involve researching narrow-spectrum antibiotics and using combination therapies to extend the usefulness of drugs with high intrinsic resistance rates.
Cash-Starved deCODE Is Looking For a Rescuer for Its Biobank
Authors: Kaiser Jocelyn
Published: August 2009

Iceland's deCODE Genetics announced earlier this month that it has enough cash to keep going for only a few more weeks. Halting its research efforts would bring to an end a remarkably productive run in the search for genes underlying common diseases.
Confronting a Toxic Blowback From the Electronics Trade
Authors: Stone Richard
Published: August 2009

The processing of electronic waste in China may create problems that dwarf other cases of environmental contamination, scientists argued at a symposium on flame-retardants in Beijing on 22 August.
Changes at Berkeley Raise Fears of Shrinking Commitment to Diversity
Authors: Mervis Jeffrey
Published: August 2009

A standalone center for underrepresented minorities and women engineering students at the University of California, Berkeley, has been merged into a larger student services office, raising questions about the school's commitment to diversity.
Joining Forces to Pump Up a Variable Sun's Climate Effects
Authors: Kerr Richard A.
Published: August 2009

A new computer model might reveal how sea and air currents amplify small changes in the sun's output into major swings in global climate.
Researchers Prevent Inheritance of Faulty Mitochondria in Monkeys
Authors: Kean Sam
Published: August 2009

Shoukhrat Mitalipov and colleagues at the Oregon Health and Science University near Portland have achieved a technical feat in monkey cells that could lead to new methods for preventing the inheritance of mitochondrial diseases.
Going to the Dogs
Authors: Morell Virginia
Published: August 2009

Cognitive scientists once spurned the dog as too domesticated to study. But now many are leaping at the chance to use man's best friend to help understand how social cognition evolved.