The Experts below are selected from a list of 2238 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Christopher Dorrington - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Investigation of Parking Dwell Time at Rest Areas on Rural Highways
Transportation Research Record, 2011Co-Authors: Ahmed Al-kaisy, Brian Church, David Veneziano, Christopher DorringtonAbstract:Highway rest areas provide several functions for travelers, including a chance to use the restroom, walk around, stop for a meal, sleep for a while, or pause to use a cellular phone. These activities directly influence dwell time, that is, the time that the traveler in a vehicle spends using a rest area. According to the activity performed at the rest area, the duration of dwell time varies from short to long. Existing information and guidance on parking dwell times at rest areas are generally outdated and are inconsistent among sources. A study was conducted by collecting and analyzing dwell time data from three rest areas in Montana: two located along Interstate highways and one located at the intersection of two state highways. The results showed that the mean dwell time at the three study sites ranged from 14 min 15 s to 23 min 20 s. When dwell times were examined by vehicle type, heavy Vehicles had the greatest mean dwell time, followed by Recreational Vehicles and then cars. Examination of mean dwel...
Min Jou - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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real time monitoring weld quality of resistance spot welding for the fabrication of sheet metal assemblies
Journal of Materials Processing Technology, 2003Co-Authors: Min JouAbstract:Abstract Resistance spot welding (RSW) is used for the fabrication of sheet metal assemblies. The process is used extensively for joining low carbon steel components for the bodies and chassis of automobiles, trucks, trailers, buses, mobile homes, motor homes and Recreational Vehicles, and railroad passenger cars, as well as cabinets, office furniture, appliances and many other products. High-strength low-alloy steel, stainless steel, nickel-, aluminum-, titanium and copper alloys are also spot welded commercially. The major advantages of spot welding are high speed and adaptability for automation in high-volume and/or high-rate production. Despite these advantages, RSW suffers from a major problem of inconsistent quality from weld to weld. This problem results from both the complexity of the basic process as well as from numerous sources of variability, noise, and errors. Any or all of these complicate automation, reduce weld quality, demand over-welding (i.e., the production of more welds than are structurally needed, if each were perfect), and drive up production costs. For this reason, ensuring weld quality has been and remains a major challenge and goal. The objective of this research is to explore the phenomenon of how changes in a controllable parameter of (i.e., percentage heat input) affect a measurable output signal indicative of strength and weld quality (i.e., electrode displacement) for various sheet steels used in the automotive industry. The approach of this research is to create a relationship between a key process input variable and the key process output of a quality weld. The input parameter chosen is the percentage heat input, as this directly affects the size and strength of the resulting weld. The output chosen is electrode displacement, as this has been shown to accurately reflect the formation and growth of a weld nugget. A series of experiments will be conducted to explore how changes of the percentage heat input affect the electrode displacement curve for various sheet steels used in the automotive industry.
Bruce Prideaux - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Profiling four wheel drive tourism markets for desert Australia
Journal of Vacation Marketing, 2008Co-Authors: Andrew Taylor, Bruce PrideauxAbstract:Sales of four wheel drive (4WD) Recreational Vehicles in Australia continue to grow at a faster rate than for other vehicle types. Meanwhile anecdotal reporting suggests there is a growing demand for 4WD tourism experiences to Australia's desert areas. To date there has been no segmentation of 4WD tourism markets and this has encouraged destination marketing organizations and product developers in desert areas to adopt a broad-brushed approach for attracting visitors. In this article we present findings from focus groups and surveys of 4WD enthusiasts conducted at large 4WD shows to propose a segmentation of the market. The findings emphasize that the market is not homogeneous. For desert areas, the Explorer-traveller segment expresses a high favourability for trips there; however, other segments are important. Those directly and indirectly involved in 4WD tourism should benefit from applying this understanding to develop products and experiences which reflect the motivations and experiential aspirations of their target segments.
Mickey Gilbert - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Side-By-Side Utility and Recreational Vehicles—A Safety Analysis
2011Co-Authors: H Alex Roberts, Mickey GilbertAbstract:Recently there has been a dramatic increase in the popularity and sales of side-by-side utility and Recreational Vehicles (sometimes referred to as utility terrain Vehicles (UTVs) and Recreational off highway Vehicles (ROVs). One potential reason for the increased popularity is the perceived additional safety of the side-by-side compared to a standard all terrain vehicle (ATV). These side-by-sides more closely resemble passenger Vehicles than ATVs because of such features as a steering wheel, bench or bucket seats, 3 point safety belts, and a roll-cage or protective structure. However, there are increasing numbers of low speed accidents on these Vehicles resulting in catastrophic injuries and even deaths. This paper will analyze the causation of these low speed accidents and will address the effectiveness of the safety features of these Vehicles at protecting the occupants during such events. This paper will first address the vehicle dynamics involved and their role in the loss of control and tip-over of the vehicle. Secondly, the paper will examine various occupant restraint systems (i.e. belts and the occupant containment envelope) found on these Vehicles. Conclusions will be made addressing the shortcomings of some of the current designs, and suggestions at how to improve these will be discussed.
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side by side utility and Recreational Vehicles a safety analysis
22nd International Technical Conference on the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles (ESV)National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2011Co-Authors: Alex H Roberts, Mickey GilbertAbstract:Recently there has been a dramatic increase in the popularity and sales of side-by-side utility and Recreational Vehicles (sometimes referred to as utility terrain Vehicles (UTVs) and Recreational off highway Vehicles (ROVs). One potential reason for the increased popularity is the perceived additional safety of the side-by-side compared to a standard all terrain vehicle (ATV). These side-by-sides more closely resemble passenger Vehicles than ATVs because of such features as a steering wheel, bench or bucket seats, 3 point safety belts, and a roll-cage or protective structure. However, there are increasing numbers of low speed accidents on these Vehicles resulting in catastrophic injuries and even deaths. This paper will analyze the causation of these low speed accidents and will address the effectiveness of the safety features of these Vehicles at protecting the occupants during such events. This paper will first address the vehicle dynamics involved and their role in the loss of control and tip-over of the vehicle. Secondly, the paper will examine various occupant restraint systems (i.e. belts and the occupant containment envelope) found on these Vehicles. Conclusions will be made addressing the shortcomings of some of the current designs, and suggestions at how to improve these will be discussed.
Ahmed Al-kaisy - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Investigation of Parking Dwell Time at Rest Areas on Rural Highways
Transportation Research Record, 2011Co-Authors: Ahmed Al-kaisy, Brian Church, David Veneziano, Christopher DorringtonAbstract:Highway rest areas provide several functions for travelers, including a chance to use the restroom, walk around, stop for a meal, sleep for a while, or pause to use a cellular phone. These activities directly influence dwell time, that is, the time that the traveler in a vehicle spends using a rest area. According to the activity performed at the rest area, the duration of dwell time varies from short to long. Existing information and guidance on parking dwell times at rest areas are generally outdated and are inconsistent among sources. A study was conducted by collecting and analyzing dwell time data from three rest areas in Montana: two located along Interstate highways and one located at the intersection of two state highways. The results showed that the mean dwell time at the three study sites ranged from 14 min 15 s to 23 min 20 s. When dwell times were examined by vehicle type, heavy Vehicles had the greatest mean dwell time, followed by Recreational Vehicles and then cars. Examination of mean dwel...