THE ABILITY OF THE MAIN ROAD TRAIN TO OVERCOME STEEP ROAD CLIMBS

The analysis of changes in the dynamic characteristics of the transport operation of a trunk road train in road conditions with overcoming sections of obstructed traffic characterized by the presence of steep ascents is considered. The solution of the problem under consideration is presented in the variants of determining the maximum angle of elevation of the road that can be overcome by a road train with the specified operational characteristics and the cost of engine power spent on overcoming these road sections.

Methodological Foundations of Renewal and Expansion of Car Fleet

Currently, Russian international road transport carriers do not have sufficient potential to successfully compete with their foreign partners. The main reasons for this are significant deterioration of the car fleet and its non-compliance to modern environmental requirements, lack of own funds for timely renovation and development of the motor transport fleet, as well as systemic lag in development of transportation technologies and their logistics support.The objective of the article is to substantiate the choice of rational measures to solve the problem of expanded reproduction of car fleet used in international road haulage. The methodology used in preparation of the article is based on the use of general scientific methods in combination with special methods, including the analysis of statistical data on international road haulage, a comparative analysis of the state of the car fleet of Russian carriers, considering the basic conditions and operational characteristics, classification of the fleet of trucks based on typification of their operational characteristics with subsequent subdivision of this fleet into three main groups, an overview analysis and benchmarking of foreign operating experience and future development of car fleet, an analysis of the economic and legal possibilities of raising funds for renewal of car fleet.The article examines and studies: a) urgency of solving the problem of renewal and expansion of the car fleet used by Russian carriers in international road transportation; b) foreign experience and trends in development of fleet used for international haulage; c) the main directions of providing economic opportunities for transition to expanded renewal of vehicles; d) analysis of the legal possibilities of providing public support for expanded reproduction of the motor transport fleet of Russian international road carriers including through the use of public-private partnerships.Based on the results of the study, proposals have been developed aimed at ensuring renewal and expansion of car fleet and increasing the efficiency of international road haulage operations.

Ultra-Compact Eddy Current Transducer for Corrosion Defect Search in Steel Pipes

This research is devoted to the application of non-destructive testing methods for detecting defects of the internal structure of the material in steel pipelines. Despite the use of modern approaches to the design and manufacture of pipelines, which make it possible to lay a significant margin of safety in the created system, the task of developing new approaches to measuring the technical and operational characteristics and parameters of steel parts using software and hardware complexes for non-destructive testing does not lose its relevance. The paper presents the results of the development of defect detection system aimed at detecting damage of the structure of the material with a diameter of 0.2 mm and located at a depth of up to 2 mm. The proposed system is based on the physical principles of the influence of the existing defect on the value of the transformer voltage, which is induced in the measurement circuit of the sensor built on eddy current effects. The focus of the research is the relationship between the linear dimensions of the defect, its location and the generated voltage indications of the developed sensor. Also, within the framework of the study, the results of processing and analysis of the data collected by the defect detection system are presented, the result of which was the determination of the parameters of the detected defects.

Assessing the investment environment in container terminals: A knowledge gap model

This paper aims to evaluate the investment environment in container terminals (CTs) in one seaport from the attitudes of both terminal operators (TOs) and port companies (PCs). Evaluation criteria (ECs) regarding the investment environment in CTs are first created based on the prior literature and the CTs’ operational characteristics. A knowledge gap model based on an improved fuzzy AHP approach is then developed to assess the perceived differences on the ECs between TOs and PCs, by which the PCs managers could formulate practical policies to improve their investment environment in CTs. As an empirical study, the Taiwan International Port Corporation (TIPC) and its terminal operators in Kaohsiung port are examined to verify the research model. Results indicate that ECs with higher knowledge gap for TIPC include: Intra-port coopetition, Number of shipping carriers, and Business tax. Based on the result, theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.

The Improvement of the Operational Characteristics of the Ventilated Front Brake Discs

Wear and crack resistance are important operational characteristics of brake discs. The paper presents the most optimal concentration of sulfur in cast iron, which ensures its least wear, and discusses the implementation of the front brake discs manufacture from Gh190 cast iron having 0.11 ... 0.13% sulfur content at contrast to the 0.01 ... 0.03% sulfur content, and proves the change leads to a significant increase in wear and frictional properties of the discs. In the course of research, it is found that the increase in the crack resistance of brake discs is possible due to the improvement of the thermophysical properties of cast iron with the increase in the carbon content (up to 3.55 ... 3.60%) and the decrease in the silicon content (up to 1.45 ... 1.50%), while the carbon equivalent is constant.

Regulating Work Experience Programs in the Greek Post-Secondary Education: The Case of Traineeships

The smooth transition of young people to the labor market and their competency in successfully planning and developing their careers constitute key aims of all modern education systems. The implementation of work placements plays an important role in the realization of these aims by enhancing the communication between the education providers and the world of work, and by contributing to the development of professionally oriented competences by young learners. The paper focuses on traineeships, a particular type of work placement, which is implemented by post-secondary education institutions in Greece. A traineeship includes a variety of training processes with clear objectives and predetermined assessment strategies, which help trainees to gain professional skills and experience through an experiential process. Its ability to exercise a strong influence on the professional prospects of young people led many education institutions to integrate traineeship opportunities in their study program either as a compulsory component or as a non-mandatory option. The paper analyses the traineeship component of the study programs of three post-secondary education institutions in Greece, i.e. Institutes of Vocational Training (IVTs), Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and Technological Educational Institutes (TEIs). More analytically, the paper investigates the legislative provisions concerning the organization and implementation of student traineeships, and records the evolution of the particular learning option over the years. In addition, it attempts to identify indications of interaction between post-secondary education institutions as regards the organization and the particular features of student traineeship schemes, which may imply the development of mutual learning. The paper concludes by articulating some remarks regarding the implementation of traineeships in Greek post-secondary institutions and the improvement of their organizational and operational characteristics.