Thesis (PhD) -- University of Alabama, 1997

Thesis (M.S.)--California Polytechnic State University, 2009. / Title from PDF title page; viewed on Nov. 16, 2009. "October 2009." "In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree [of] Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering." "Presented to the faculty of California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo." Major professor: Charles Birdsong, Ph.D. Includes bibliographical references (p. 76-77).

The purpose of this study is to measure the costs of the perceived safety threat from triple trailer operation in Oregon. This is done using the political referendum model of a common non-market valuation technique, contingent valuation. Specifically, the average cost of allowing triples will be found so that comparison with previously estimated benefits will provide a measure of net social welfare associated with triple trailer use. The data were collected through in-person interviews conducted in five regions in Oregon. Questions relating to the respondents' attitudes toward triple trailer trucks, driving experience, education and other demographics were asked. The empirical model estimates the probability that respondents will vote to ban triple trailers. The results of this study suggest that there are concerns about the safety of triple trailer operation. However, there seem to be still greater benefits; a result which is consistent with the recent ballot measure. / Graduation date: 1995

Thesis (M.S.)--Auburn University, 2007. / Abstract. Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

The effect of configuration changes and add-on devices on the drag reduction of a tractor-trailer is studied through wind tunnel tests using two 1/12-scale models. The configuration changes involve ground clearance, tractor-trailer gap, roof angle and back inclination while add-on devices include flow deflectors, skirts and gap seals. Moving surface boundary layer control as a means of drag reduction is also attempted. Both drag and pressure data are obtained to help identify local contributions. Results suggest that an optimum combination of configuration parameters can reduce drag up to 17% while the add-on devices resulted in a further decrease by a modest amount. The results with moving surface boundary layer control proved to be inconclusive. / Applied Science, Faculty of / Mechanical Engineering, Department of / Graduate

Thesis(M.S.)--Auburn University, 2007. / Abstract. Vita. Includes bibliographic references.

Thesis (M.S.)--Ohio State University, 2008. / Title from first page of PDF file. Includes bibliographical references (p. 153-154).

As science and technology continue to advance, innovative developments in transportation can enhance product safety and security for the benefit and welfare of society. The federal government requires every commercial truck to be inspected before each trip. This pre-trip inspection ensures the safe mechanical condition of each vehicle before it is used. An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) could be used to provide an automated inspection, thus reducing driver workload, inspection costs and time while increasing inspection accuracy. This thesis develops a primary component of the algorithm that is required to implement UAV pre-trip inspections for commercial trucks using an android-based application. Specifically, this thesis provides foundational work of providing stable height control in an outdoor environment using a laser sensor and an android flight control application that includes take-off, landing, throttle control, and real-time video transmission. The height algorithm developed is the core of this thesis project. Phantom 2 Vision+ uses a pressure sensor to calculate the altitude of the drone for height stabilization. However, these altitude readings do not provide the precision required for this project. Rather, the goal of autonomously controlling height with great precision necessitated the use of a laser rangefinder sensor in the development of the height control algorithm. Another major contribution from this thesis research is to extend the limited capabilities of the DJI software development kit in order to provide more sophisticated control goals without modifying the drone dynamics. The results of this project are also directly applicable to a number of additional uses of drones in the transportation industry.