Interest in electric vehicles (EVs) has increased rapidly over recent years from both industrial and academic viewpoints due to increasing concerns about environmental pollution and global oil usage. In the automotive sector, huge efforts have been invested in vehicle technology to improve efficiency and reduce carbon emissions with, for example, electric vehicles. Nowadays, the safety and handling of electric vehicles present new tasks for vehicle dynamics engineers due to the changes in weight distribution and vehicle architecture. This thesis focuses on one design area of the electric vehicle – torque vectoring control – with the aim of investigating the potential benefits of improved vehicle dynamics and handling for EVs. A full electric racing car kit developed by Westfield Sportcars based on an in-line motors design has been modelled in ADAMS with typical subsystems, and then simulated with computer-based kinematic and dynamic analyses. Thus, the characteristics of the suspensions and the natural frequencies of the sprung and unsprung masses were found, so that the model was validated for further simulation and investigation. Different architectures of the EVs, namely the in-line motors and the in-wheel motors, are compared using objective measurements. The objective measurements predicted with kinematics, dynamics and handling analyses confirm that the architecture of the in-line motors provides a superior dynamics performance for ride and driveability. An Optimal Driveline Control Strategy (ODCS) based on the concept of individual wheel control is designed and its performance is compared with the more common driveline used successfully in the past. The research challenge is to investigate the optimisation of the driving torque outputs to control the vehicle and provide the desired vehicle dynamics. The simulation results confirm that active yaw control is indeed achievable. The original aspects of this work include defining the characteristics and linearity of the project vehicle using a novel consideration of yaw rate gain; the design and development the Optimal Driveline Control Strategy (ODCS); the analysis and modelling the ODCS in the vehicle and the comparison of the results with conventional drivelines. The work has demonstrated that valuable performance benefits result from using optimal torque vectoring control for electric vehicle.

The Racing River area is situated near the northern end of the Rocky Mountains of British Columbia about sixty miles south of the Yukon border. The Alaska Highway passes through the map area from mile 370 to mile 460. The area covered is about two thousand square miles. Rocks exposed in the map area range in age from Late Precambrian to Upper Cretaceous, and except for thin basic dykes which cut the basement rocks, are made up entirely of sedimentary sequences. Fourteen formations have been recognized, using earlier work by M.Y. Williams (1944) and Laudon and Chronic (1949) as a basis for the subdivisions. Units mapped are essentially rock units and do not always coincide with the Formations. The area includes the physiographic provinces of the Rocky Mountain Foothills Belt, and the Rocky Mountains proper. Topography is closely related to the underlying structures, which are comprised essentially of large thrust sheets overriding each other from the west; the planes of the faults dip towards the west at varying angles. Except close to the thrust faults, the strata in general are remarkably unfolded. Secondary tension fractures have developed, often along pre-existing dykes, and quartz and carbonate material has been introduced. The veins are in places accompanied by copper mineralization. / Science, Faculty of / Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, Department of / Graduate

Drone racing has recently became a topic of interest in research especially with the increase of power of mobile processors. There are many approaches of localizing (perception), planning, and strategizing against an adversarial agent online, with varying degrees of computational complexity and success. This thesis presents a game theoretic approach to solve this problem in the context of drone racing. The game theory planner strategizes against an opponent by using the “iterated best response” learning method from game theory, to attempt to reach a Nash equilibrium, where neither players can improve their strategy. Furthermore, to complement the functionality of the game theory planner, a polynomial trajectory generation algorithm is used to generate a reference track. Lastly, a model predictive controller is used to execute the strategic path generated by the game theory planner. The game theory planner performed better than the pure MPC by holding the lead position significantly longer, even though it had lower maximum velocity. On the other hand, the pure MPC held the lead position for a shorter time when the roles were switched. Furthermore, the game theory planner also performed better against the policy improvement racer. However, the policy improvement racer fared better against the game theory planner compared to the pure MPC. Lastly, some intuitive competitive behaviors such as blocking and overtaking came naturally as a result of the algorithm.

Purpose: Increasing the longitudinal bending stiffness of a running shoe decreases metabolic energy cost. Optimal stiffness occurs at the stiffness with the lowest metabolic cost. However, it is still unclear how optimal stiffness varies among individuals. The primary purpose of this study was to understand how optimal shoe stiffness is affected by running speed. A secondary purpose examined the anatomical and biomechanical characteristics associated with optimal stiffness variation. Methods: Six shoe stiffness conditions were manufactured by inserting carbon fiber plates between the midsole and outsole of a standard running shoe (shoe stiffness range: 9.26–23.83 N/mm). Twenty-one experienced male runners (mass = 67.1 ± 5.0 kg, height = 178.9cm ± 4.0 cm, age = 26.4 ± 8.4 years, American shoe size 10–11.5) completed testing at a slow 2.98 m/s and fast 4.47 m/s speed over two testing days, completing 5 min in each shoe condition. Metabolic cost was measured along with several biomechanical and anatomical variables. Data were also separated by foot strike to allow additional analysis. Results: At the fast speed, average optimal stiffness was 19.29 N/mm (± 5.62) with a metabolic benefit of 3.02% (± 2.62%). Slow speed average optimal stiffness was 17.04 N/mm (± 6.09) with a metabolic benefit of 1.93% (± 1.82%). Only rearfoot strikers demonstrated a significant increase in optimal stiffness (p = .020) and the associated metabolic benefit (p = .024) across speeds. There were no correlations between any of the measured anatomical or biomechanical variables and optimal stiffness. Conclusion: Optimal stiffness varied between subjects but was not correlated to any of our measured characteristics. Rearfoot striking runners may benefit from a high stiffness shoe at faster speeds to enable optimal performance.

Cheung Man-Yuen. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2003. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 35-40). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Chapter 1 --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- Rank Regression --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- Clustering --- p.2 / Chapter 1.3 --- Modeling of the ranked data --- p.3 / Chapter 1.4 --- Application in Horse Racing data --- p.4 / Chapter 2 --- Semi-Parametric Regression Model --- p.7 / Chapter 2.1 --- Review --- p.7 / Chapter 2.2 --- Parameter Estimation --- p.9 / Chapter 3 --- Random Effects --- p.11 / Chapter 3.1 --- Definition --- p.11 / Chapter 3.1.1 --- A Simple Estimation Algorithm --- p.13 / Chapter 3.2 --- Metropolis-Hastings Algorithm for Simulating Random Effects --- p.14 / Chapter 3.3 --- EM Algorithms for Maximizing the Likelihood --- p.16 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- Stochastic EM Algorithm --- p.17 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- MCEM Algorithm --- p.18 / Chapter 4 --- Application --- p.20 / Chapter 4.1 --- Fundamental Variables and Variable Selection --- p.21 / Chapter 4.2 --- Simulation Results --- p.23 / Chapter 4.3 --- Betting Strategies and Comparisons --- p.25 / Chapter 5 --- Conclusions and Further Studies --- p.29 / Appendix --- p.31 / Bibliograply --- p.35

No description available.

This thesis is the first substantive analysis of unregistered proprietary horse racing (or pony racing, as it was popularly known) in Sydney, an extremely popular form of the sport conducted weekly or more frequently between 1888 and 1942. However, a number of researchers working on its periphery have contributed commentary and judgements to a discourse on it that has existed since the establishment of the Sydney Turf Club (STC) in 1943. Their writings have created an orthodox view of the sport that suggests inter alia it was a cultural expression of a ‘needy and greedy’ element of the working class and that its constituency was excluded from that of the racing of the Establishment, conducted by the Australian Jockey Club (AJC). This orthodoxy also holds unregistered racing was subject to endemic corruption, haphazardly conducted, inexpensive to attend, provided poor money and was in general a burlesque of AJC racing. The thesis engages this discourse and tests the tenets of the orthodoxy through examination or re-examination of relevant primary sources, including parliamentary papers, contemporary newspapers and journals, race books and other documents, administrative records, photographs, and the memoirs and transcripts of oral history provided by human participants. / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

This creative project started out as initially proposed. During the many long hours of work, the project changed. Many unexpected events made the project more difficult. The original idea was to organize, select, print, market and copywrite eleven years of auto racing negatives.The selection of a print shop was the first problem. The cost of the book was considerable. The result was an inferior printer. A problem in communication was next. Deadlines were given and agreed upon but never were met during the whole project. The failure to meet the deadlines over a extended period of time left no alternative. An agreement was reached with the print shop manager and I began to do the work with the notable exception of the running of the press. This was the major change in the original project.This change led to a more technical approach. The actual involvement with the book was now centered around learning about layouts, signatures, flats, halftones, line than raw talent to be successful. Things like training, copy, cutting and pasting photographs, dot patterns, and making plates for the press. This proved to be a positive learning experience.In closing, there are three main points. The first point is how much the project changed over the course of time. The result of little money, poor communication and the use of a poor quality printer led to the failure of the final product as a marketable book. Point two is that even though the final product is not as planned, the project will continue even beyond the creative project. A final marketable product is the goal and the creative project is just a step in reaching that goal. Lastly, I have developed a new appreciation for what a true artist is. It takes more education, experiences, environment, dedication, money are just a few of the qualities needed. All of these factors and more have been discovered in the making of this book. It has helped me establish new guidelines for what makes a true artist.

Post Time is a non-fiction video program depicting some of the careers found at North American horse race tracks. Through the use of videotaped footage taken at eight race tracks and three training farms, the horse racing industry's trainers, jockeys, owners and grooms are profiled in the world they call the backstretch. The video begins with a brief history of horse racing and the origins of thoroughbred horses followed by closer examinations of the economic and social experiences faced by the owners, trainers, jockeys, and grooms as they attempt to prepare horses for racing every week.

During the second half of the 20th century the Stock Car Racing enjoyed substantial growth and development. General enthusiasm for fast cars built within American culture by racers, hot rodders, and automaker advertising campaigns helped fuel rapid acceptance of production-based racing. Widespread popular fascination with automotive speed helped stock car racing withstand criticism of the violent nature of the sport leveled by public safety groups and politicians during the first decade of its organization. Indeed, the perceived rebelliousness of stock car racing helped drive stock car racing to develop a loyal fan base in the American South. For the National Association for Stock Car Automobile Racing (NASCAR) control over the technology of competition and the conduct of race events brought respectability, scale, and profitability to this entertainment phenomenon between 1949 and 1979. The power to specify technology offered NASCAR leverage over the actions of racers who, despite their status as independent contractors, remained fiercely loyal competitors. Control over the technology of competition also helped maintain strictly stock perceptions of NASCAR racing that made corporate sponsorship attractive to automakers and held the interest of the general public. After initial forays across the nation, NASCAR chose advantageous concentration on the southeastern markets where racing spectacle found the most enthusiastic and devoted audience. This thesis is an account of the process of systematization that brought the grass-roots phenomenon of production-based to a region and an nation, and how NASCAR relied on a stock-appearing racecar as a device to simultaneously control participants, lure corporate promotional dollars, and attract fans.