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The possibility of using local materials in the construction of structural layers of pavement is considered in the paper. The paper presents a method of technical and economic analysis, for which it is necessary to know the calculated deformation moduli of the materials being compared. Knowing the turnaround time for each of the options under consideration, it is possible, by comparing them with the payback periods, to more fully identify the technical and economic features of such options. The main criterion for the admissibility of the use of local material in the corresponding structural layer is the equal strength of pavement structures or individual structural layers made of local and imported materials. The criterion of economic feasibility of using local material can be written as an inequality. Using the principle of equivalence of systems, it is possible to replace individual structural layers of pavement, made of certain materials, with equivalent layers of stiffness from other materials, increasing or decreasing their thickness, depending on the strength characteristics of the materials themselves. The main condition for the technical feasibility of using local material has been determined on the basis of the condition of equal strength structures made from local and imported materials. A schedule for preliminary determination of the technical and economic feasibility of using local materials in the structural layers of road pavements has been built. The total value of the investment costs can be used as an additional criterion for the economic benefits of the compared options.

In recent years, intensive research on urban transport has been observed. The search is about finding such solutions that will enable, among others: increasing the importance of public transport, matching transport for the needs of people with reduced mobility, increasing capacity, reducing emissions, energy efficiency (technical and organizational dimension through the organization of transport on demand), increasing the vulnerability to recycling and remanufacturing. The paper presents the main concept and technical solutions of the innovative transport system – HMASSUT Prometheus (Hybrid Modular Autonomous System for Sustainable Urban Transport), which combines the concepts of personal rapid transport and an electric vehicle at the L4 autonomy level (according to the Society of Automotive Engineers classification). An assessment of the effectiveness of an innovative transport system using indicators used in road engineering is given in the paper. The concept of simulation and optimization of the transport network is presented together with the theory of cellular automata.

The purpose of this paper is a spectrum analysis of signals of various nature, construction of the signal scalogram using Morlet wavelet, modification of the scalogram to obtain a more informative graphic representation of the signal. Spectral analysis of the signal is constructed by means of the Fourier transform. A modification of the graphical representation of the result of the wavelet transform has been developed with the help of the Mathematica system. For this, a wavelet scalogram has been used as a two-dimensional representation of the original signal. A scale has been introduced on it for the value of the signal amplitude depending on the time and period of its constituent components. This graphical representation allows us to obtain additional information about the dynamic properties of the original signal. A modification of the representation of the original signal scalogram has been developed for a more complete spectrum analysis (determination of the period of the constituent components). The paper contains an example using a modified scalogram for the analysis of a signal containing two pulses, an audio signal and white noise. The basic wavelet in this case is the Morlet wavelet. A comparison of the scalogram, obtained using the built-in function, and the modified scalogram has been made in the paper. The disadvantage of the first scalogram is the impossibility of assessing the frequency of the signal; its advantage is the ability to assess the localization of the pulse. For a modified scalogram, the advantage is the estimation of the signal periodicity, and the disadvantage is the inaccuracy in determining the range of pulse localization. For spectrum analysis in Mathematica, it is recommended to use a combination of two approaches (using a standard built-in function to determine the localization of the pulse) and a modified scalogram (to determine the periods of the constituent components).

In the operation schemes of optical electronic devices (OED), such as digital autocollimators, direction finders, Shack-Hartmann sensors, as well as astro-orientation systems, projection measuring systems, geometric calibration schemes for OED, the photo-detector acts not only as a receiving device, but also as a measuring device. The tasks facing the OED photo-detectors. The solution to the problem is the use of several photo-detectors installed on one electronic board. Since OED photo-detectors act, inter alia, as measuring devices, it is necessary to perform their geometric calibration. Geometric calibration involves the measurement of interior orientation parameters used in the processing of OED images. Geometric calibration makes it possible to eliminate errors in mutual exposure of photo-detectors on one electronic board installed in the focal plane, as well as distortions introduced by the OED lens, primarily by distortion. The correctness of the interior orientation parameter determination is influenced by the relative position of the collimator, with the help of which the geometric calibration is performed, and the calibrated OED itself, i. e. the external orientation elements. The task is to separate the interior orientation parameters and the elements of external orientation. This is achieved using the method of mathematical processing of measured data in the forward and inverted positions of the collimator. This method of geometric calibration allows to use it for geometric calibration of OED with a large number of photo-detectors. The paper presents the results of the geometric calibration of the interior orientation parameters when the collimator projects a test object onto three photo-detectors of the OED layout. The factors influencing on the accuracy of the geometric calibration of the interior orientation elements for OED are determined in the paper. The developed method for geometric calibration of the interior orientation parameters for multi-matrix OED provides high measurement accuracy – not more than 0.1''–0.2''.

Metro Service has a huge impact on the development of urban transport infrastructure. The need to increase the efficiency of passenger transportation is caused by the rapid growth in passenger turnover as well as an increase in the distance from the outskirts of the city to the center. In connection with the need to develop a metro service network in Minsk city, which is confirmed by research in the area of passenger traffic in the main areas of the city, the CSM Bessac tunnel boring machine was purchased, which allows significantly to increase the speed of tunnel driving. The use of a mechanized tunnel boring machine in the traditional concept of the metro network construction, in which driving of tunnels is carried out after construction of stations, does not allow to use a shield with maximum economic efficiency due to the small extent of tunnels. There is also a need to build assembly-shield chambers and carry out works on disassembling and assembling the shield. The application of the new concept developed by Yu. S. Frolov and called “through driving” is actual in the conditions of the use of a mechanized tunnel boring machine. Its essence lies in the continuous driving of tunnels on the line section under construction and the consecutive construction of each station complex as the tunnel boring machine passes through it. To implement the concept of “through driving”, it is relevant to use a semi-closed construction method, in which the floor structure is constructed in an open way, and the other elements are closed. The available solutions of the metro stations constructed while using a semi-closed method of work have been analyzed in the paper. A detailed analysis has been carried out with due account of the adaptation to the construction conditions in Minsk, and the development of structural elements and assemblies of the platform area of the station, which is a two-cantilever vault with a developed transom part, resting on pile-columns of a circular cross section. Forces from the open ring of flexible tunnels lining are supported by a cantilever part of an arch and a bottom plate. The paper considers a design of a metro station, its main elements, their purpose and specificity of work, as well as optimization issues and the results of the design feasibility study.

Nowadays there are a lot of modern technologies in electronic lexicography: speech synthesis technology, cross-referencing between dictionary modules, spell-checking functions, etc. The increasing availability of online information has necessitated intensive research in the area of automatic text summarization within the Natural Language Processing community. Belarusian scientists are also interested in this sphere and new lexicographical approaches for creating a linguistic database are shown in the paper. The authors present English-Belarusian-Russian electronic dictionary TechLex. This is the project of the 2nd English Department and the Department of Software for Information Systems and Technologies of the Belarusian National Technical University. The linguistic database of the dictionary is compiled not by the traditional method of processing a large number of paper dictionaries and combining the received translations, but by sequential processing of scientific and technical English-language periodicals. While the designing the dictionary the authors have taken into account the analysis of modern electronic multilingual translation dictionaries and created a client-server application in the Java programming language. The client part of the system contains a mobile application for the Android operating system, which has been tested on tablets and smartphones with different screen diagonals. The interface of the TechLex dictionary is designed taking into account the possibility of adding new subject areas and filling them with appropriate lexical material. The main advantage of our dictionary is that it is the first technical multilingual electronic dictionary having a Belarusian version.

The paper considers theoretical and methodological foundations for studying network mechanisms of innovative development in the Republic of Belarus and in order to reach the purpose it is necessary to specify the concept of a systematic approach in the context of the study of the indicated mechanisms and develop a methodology for conducting such investigations. Systematic and historical approaches, principles of synergetics have been used as research methods. The paper substantiates the necessity to study the network mechanisms of innovative development in the Republic of Belarus from the point of view of a systematic approach. In this case, the author has refused traditional contrast of stable, essential, regularly repeating connections and relationships in the system to random, chaotic processes, and he has proceeded from the need to consistently apply a law of hierarchical compensation, as well as taking into account such features of the development of the modern economy as the rapid evolution of network technologies, further development of the risk economy, emergence of new challenges for traditional (including old industrial) industries. This has made it possible to define a systematic approach as a se quential and comprehensive examination of an object not as isolated from external influences, but as half-closed, but with an approach to an open system in which the synergetic processes generated by evolution of network technologies, development of the risk economy, and emergence of new challenges for industrial production (including traditional ones). It has been established that a consistent and comprehensive review of the network mechanisms of innovative development in the Republic of Belarus requires not only to determine initial categories and concepts, to show general and special determining factors, genesis and development trends, but also to conduct constant monitoring aimed at identifying dynamics of needs and interests of political-economic and economic entities involved in this process, as well as material and social technologies for implementation of the needs and interests.

The lifetime of traction battery systems is an essential feature of the economy of battery electric urban bus fleets. This paper presents a model for the analysis and prediction of the lifetime of urban electric bus batteries. The parameterization of the model is based on laboratory measurements. The empirical ageing model is an integral part of a three-stage battery model, which in turn is an important component of the methodology for the overall system design, evaluation and optimisation of battery electric urban bus fleets. In an equidistant closed simulation loop, the electrical and thermal loads of the traction battery are determined, which are then used in the ageing model to calculate the SOH (state of health) of the battery. The closed simulation loop also considers the effects of a constantly changing SOH on the driving dynamics of the vehicles. The model for lifetime analysis and prognosis is presented in the paper, placed in the context of the overall system design and demonstrated by means of a practice-oriented example. The results show that the optimal system design depends, among other things, on whether an ageing simulation was used. Taking battery aging into account, system costs in the example presented can be reduced by up to 17 %.

The task of controlling multi-link robots with manipulators for implementation of high-tech processes in industry has been considered in the paper. The paper presents sequential steps of using computer technology in construction of robotic-manipulators, including mathematical, algorithmic, and hardware and software tools for creating a multi-drive mechatronic system controlled by OMRON industrial microcontroller. A kinematic scheme of a robot manipulator has been described in the paper and it performs the following two types of movements – rotation around the z axis and rectilinear movement of a working element along a turning radius with precise positioning at a given point in the working space. Electromechanical design of the manipulator allows to ensure transportation of production objects in accordance with a given technological process. For designing the technological process of transporting production objects, a software module has been developed that makes it possible to automate description of basic operations for movement of the robot manipulator working body with subsequent automatic generation of a command sequence for a control program ensuring operation of electric drives in manipulator links in real time. To speed up the process of designing trajectory of the working body, a spatial simulation model of a robot-manipulator in the MatLab-Simulink environment has been developed. The paper considers a generalized diagram of a mechatronic control system for a robot-manipulator based on the OMRON programmable logic controller operating under control of a program developed in the programming environment Sysmac Studio Automation. A program for a programmable terminal with interface elements and animation elements has been developed for industrial use of the mechatronic system during adjustment and operation period. The paper provides an appearance of a robot-manipulator prototype. The developed mechatronic system of the robot-manipulator can be technologically oriented towards solving other problems of industrial production.

The paper considers issues pertaining to creation of a model for controlling road traffic with the purpose to minimize delays on street and road network, which is proposed as an innovative one while developing an intelligent transport system of the large city that is Minsk. The developed model has a complex structure of algorithmic support. The first-level model has been implemented on the basis of fuzzy logic, for which a program has been developed and conditions have been determined, and operation of traffic light at a real local intersection of Minsk, which is included in the automated traffic management system, has been simulated. Innovation in the first-level model is an approach in determining conditions while detecting a fuzzy set without using a standard algorithm that is an algorithm of local flexible regulation. The paper proposes and investigates a model that works on the basis of operationally obtained parameters of traffic flow intensity at characteristic points (sections) of street and road network. Efficiency of the first-level model has been equal to 8 % due to optimization of a traffic light cycle (reduction of transport delays during passage of stop lines). Results of the simulation using the proposed computer program have made it possible to improve efficiency of traffic management on the studied highway (Logoysky trakt) in Minsk city of Minsk by 15 % due to decrease of delay level in case of unilateral coordination. The algorithm has been already implemented as part of the current automated traffic management system in the city of Minsk and it has shown its efficiency. However this efficiency can be increased if it is used together with an algorithm for searching maximum volume of motion in a cycle with a distributed intensity pulse. It has been planned to take into account this specific feature when increasing possibilities for algorithmization of traffic management.

The paper presents a designed device for checking acuteness of injection needle point and development of methodology for conducting corresponding tests. Basic information on disposable injection needles including their purpose, structural elements and requirements for the state of their points. The paper describes a standard method for checking acuteness of injection needle point which is based on measuring maximum force for piercing a high-pressure polyethylene film of a certain thickness by an injection needle during its translatory motion at a given speed. A description is given of the design and operating principle of the developed device that implements this method for checking acuteness of injection needle points. Main provisions of the developed methodology for conducting these tests including sequence and content of actions during their execution have been set out in the paper. Results of the experiments on verification of acuteness in injection needle points of four-diameter confirm practical use validity of the developed device and methodology for conducting corresponding injection needle tests. The obtained oscillograms on changes in the force acting on a needle in the process of polyethylene film piercing are highly informative and that makes it possible to investigate in detail specific features at all stages of the process being studied, including both the stage of film piercing by a test needle and the subsequent stage of removing it from the contact with the film.

The paper analyzes approaches to interpretation of a competitive advantage source in various schools of strategic management. Systematizing concepts and approaches of foreign and national researchers within the framework of this or that strategy school the author of the paper gives preference to the Lakatos concept that various scientific-research programs may coexist and compete simultaneously. Strategic management science does not have any obstacle to compare competing theories in justifying sources of strategic competitive advantage. An internal logic of a theory serves as the basis to compare quality of verbal or formal school models, and consideration of successful / unsuccessful strategies in modern dynamically developing economy makes it possible to obtain data for empirical verification of the models. Purpose of the paper is to evaluate prospects of scientific-research programs proposed by various strategy schools in the context of their approaches to sources of competitive advantage. Evolution of science and practice in strategiс has led to shift in emphasis for understanding a company not as a set of business units but as a set of resources and competencies that contributed to obtaining a dominant position in strategic management of resource-based strategy concept. Search for sources of competitive advantage has been shifted to specific resources which a company possess. Such approach lays a solid foundation for a qualitative analysis of strong and weak points of the organization while forming a sustainable long-term advantage based on the development and protection of company's internal resources. Research of competitive advantage resources from the perspective of the concept of company’s dynamic abilities (modern stage of resource-based concept development) is considered as the most promising one because it is based on endogenous nature of advantage sources. This approach rejects implausible assumptions and emphasizes importance of an entrepreneurial factor.

The paper proposes a systematic approach to producing non-detachable connections which is based on unified technical solutions in the field of welding, soldering, gluing and other technologies. The given approach includes not only direct execution of the connection but its designing, preparatory operations and also measures carried out after connection producing. The proposed approach is also based on the principles of the required diversity, feedback, hierarchy and decomposition that ensures high efficiency of the developed technical solutions, possibility for setting-up and successful solution of problems in the field of producing non-detachable connections. In order to ensure a successful realization of systematic approach it is proposed to take into account a number of aspects, including the following: systematic and structural aspect that presupposes determination of internal relations and dependences between elements of the given system and it permits to obtain an overview about internal structure (composition) of the investigated system; systematic and functional aspect that presupposes determination of functions, and the system is created for performing these functions; systematic and purposeful aspect that signifies a necessity of scientific determination of system goals and sub-goals, their harmonization between themselves; systematic and resource aspect that presupposes thorough determination of the resources which are required for system performance and solution of various problems with the help of the system; systematic and integration aspect that presupposes to determine a complex of system qualitative properties which ensure its integrity and specificity; systematic and communication aspect that requires determination of external relations of the given system with others that is its relations with the environment; systematic and historical aspect that permits to determine conditions for creation of the investigated system, its past stages, modern state and also possible prospects of development. New connection designs of combined (hybrid) type have been developed on the basis of the systematic approach and the paper presents examples and classification of such connections.

One of the reasons constraining use of a continuously adjustable gear train with compound poly-sector gear wheels in general and its most perspective version that is a planetary continuously adjustable gear train in particular is its design complexity. For example, a complex design of the mechanism for regulation of transmission gear ratio is specified by the use of involute gearing that requires a presence of backlash and bottom clearances for normal functioning and, therefore, autonomous but synchronous movement of a planet gear, as well as sectors of a central gear. In order to simplify the design of especially this mechanism for continuously adjustable gear train the paper justifies a transition to a backlash-free gearing and during this process either a planet gear or sectors of central gear are forcibly moving for regulation of the transmission ratio without losing contact with the mating element. Contact constancy of interacting elements under load is ensured by their force closure which is meant to overcome an action of gearing forces. The paper describes options for implementation of backlash-free gearing as a result of planet gear and central gear force closure, each variant is characterized by selection of active (controlled) and passive (execution of force closure) gear element. In the case of gear transmission with planet pinion coaxial tooth rims it is appropriate to implement a version with involute gearing, passive planet gear and active gear sectors of central gears. In the case of gear transmission with planet pinion opposite tooth rims the most acceptable option is with the cycloidal pin wheel gear, active planet gear and passive gear sectors of central gears. The paper proposes to carry out the force closure for teeth of gear components by means of an elastic element (a spring). A method for determination of parameters for an elastic element has been described depending on a planet gear design and the paper also shows simplification level in the gear design.

The paper considers application and development of information technologies while carrying out project management in construction. Organizational and technological support of works throughout its life cycle exerts an influence on quality and efficiency of successful implementation of the construction project. In order to achieve the project goal it is necessary perfectly to organize and plan works, distribute roles and responsibilities of the project participants, regulate composition and content of the project documentation. While analyzing technical and economic indices of construction organization activity and management systems operating in these organizations, conclusion has been made that market experience in functioning of operational management systems has not been adequately applied in practice of domestic construction organizations. Thus, introduction of integrated management systems for quality, costs, time parameters pertaining to project construction, their resource support will contribute to improvement of economic situation of construction organizations. The solution consists in application of up-to-date information technologies, maximum implementation of computer systems and programs in the sphere of production, creation of application software. It has been shown that it is necessary to develop a software model that provides a possibility comprehensively to apply information technology tools for monitoring progress of construction and installation works, systematization of information technology application that allow to control key parameters of construction and installation works, improvement of system for providing actual information in project implementation process. An example of complex application of software products Primavera P6 Professional R8.3.2 and ArchiCAD 17.0.0 is given in the paper.

Sintered friction materials are widely used in friction units of automotive vehicles and special purpose vehicles. The main purpose is to transmit torque to the actuator. The development of the technology market requires the development and use of new units. At the same time, the creation of new materials is required, which also applies to sintered friction materials. This group of materials is characterized by a high service life, efficiency of torque transmission, as well as the ability to restore performance in case of violation of operating modes. One of the most significant parameters characterizing a sintered friction material is wear resistance. In most cases, it determines not only the resource of the unit itself, but the entire machine as a whole. A special place is occupied by brake units, which also use friction materials. The increased wear resistance of the friction material contributes to a decrease in the efficiency and service life of the brake system. Evaluation of the wear resistance of a friction material for the given operational parameters is a very long and costly process. The development of methodology and methods for accelerating the assessment of wear resistance is an important scientific and practical task. The paper presents the results of using artificial neural networks to predict the service life of a composite friction material based on copper on the sliding speed, pressure on the material and the amount of lubricant supplied to the friction zone. An artificial neural network has been trained using an array of experimental data for the FM-15 friction material. The training results have shown high accuracy, correctness of the proposed and implemented network architecture. The developed software has demonstrated its efficiency and the possibility of using it in calculations to determine the wear of a composite friction material.

The problem of analytical synthesis of the control acceleration for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) during its flight along a complex trajectory, consisting of sequentially located horizontal flight sections, located at different heights relative to the earth's surface has been solved in the paper. The problem has been solved as an analytical definition of the optimal control of a linear non-stationary system for a specified minimized quality functional. The mathematical model of the system is presented in the form of differential equations of UAV motion in the vertical plane of a fixed coordinate system related to the earth's surface. A feature of the proposed methodology for solving the problem is the substantiation of the original form of the minimized functional and parameters included in the law of variation of the control acceleration obtained by known methods. As the components of the quality functional, the values of coordinates and velocity of the UAV are considered and they are specified at the corresponding points in space through which the UAV path must pass, in order to obtain the optimal curvature of the trajectory. The derived mathematical dependences make it possible to implement them on board of an aircraft and, ultimately, solve the problem of ensuring the minimum energy consumption when controlling an object (UAV). Computer simulation of the analytically obtained results in the form of the UAV flight trajectory and the processes of changing its acceleration and speed have shown the efficiency of the proposed technique and the prospects of its use at the initial stage of the synthesis of the UAV control system.

The cross-country capability of multi-purpose wheeled vehicles is one of the most important operational properties of these technical objects. In many ways, it is determined by their traction characteristics. There are a number of ways to improve traction and coupling properties of multipurpose wheeled vehicles, the main ones are the use of various kinds of traction control systems, blocking of interaxle and interwheel differentials, the use of ballast and several others. Recently, one of the ways to improve the traction properties and cross-country ability of vehicles on soils with weak load-bearing capacity is a regulation of air pressure in the tires of the driving wheels of multi-purpose wheeled vehicles. The paper describes the process of interaction of the wheel mover with the ground surface when the air pressure in the tire changes. The influence of air pressure on the traction properties of wheeled vehicles is established. The system of automatic control of air pressure in tires of mobile cars depending on road conditions is offered. The use of the proposed regulation principle will significantly increase the cross-country ability of multi-purpose wheeled vehicles in heavy traffic conditions, eliminating the subjective factor in the person of the vehicle operator.

To ensure quality of dry friction clutch engagement in automated mechanical transmission during vehicle starting-up and maneuvering the control range of clutch actuator has to be maximum wide. It depends on the consistency of the clutch actuator geometric parameters with the electrical characteristics of the used solenoid valves, the output stage of the controller and the PWM control signal frequency. In addition to precision electronic control the driver must be able to “manually” operate the dry friction clutch in emergency. That is why friction clutch must have two independent control circuits. The original automated drive with a duplicate pneumohydraulic circuit for the friction clutch is presented in the paper, as well as the research results of the PWM frequency influence on operating range of the clutch pneumatic actuator. The research was based on the analysis of semi-natural experiment for assessing the functional performance of the designed automated mechatronic control system for the truck mechanical transmission. Ecomat R360 controllers were used as a hardware base of the test bench information control system. The developed software for the controller with one-parameter feedback on the clutch release lever movement allows to provide the PWM signal of varying duty ratio to the proportional solenoid valve of the automated drive. A graphical representation of the research results was performed with visualization possibilities of CoDeSys V2.3. During the semi-natural experiment, the polynomial dependence between variation of the clutch actuator control range and the generated PWM signal frequency in the range up to 400 Hz was revealed as well as practical recommendations on the choice of the optimum PWM signal frequency are also given in activity. The research results can be used in an adaptive control algorithm for automated mechanical transmission of trucks and road trains to ensure precise control of the clutch actuator in the starting-up and maneuvering processes.

Currently, due to the increase in the average speed of vehicles to ensure their visibility, the luminous intensity of their lightning equipment is constantly increasing, that can lead to blindness of other road users, especially at night. On the other hand, if you do not increase the luminous intensity if lanterns, a vehicle will not be noticeable in difficult road conditions (fog, rain, dust) and it can cause an accident. To eliminate this contradiction, a fundamentally new modular design of the adaptive rear combined vehicle light with non-replaceable light sources based on single powerful light emitting diodes and effective secondary optics of large diameter has been developed in the paper. The design provides for the use of an integrated microcontroller to control luminous intensity of its lights, depending on the conditions of external illumination, braking dynamics of a car and surface condition of a lamp diffuser with the possibility of transmitting data via a CAN-bus. Thanks to the built-in microcontroller, the developed flashlight is suitable for installation on vehicles without an on-board computer. These properties allow the flashlight to ensure visibility of a vehicle, and to avoid blinding the remaining road users. The design of the adaptive lamp is small in thickness (up to 40 mm), high luminous efficiency (at least 85 %) and reliability. The conducted lightning tests have shown that the developed lamp fully complies with UN Regulation No 6, 7, 23, 38, 48. The design has been compared with existing analogues of foreign production, which showed that such a lamp consumes less energy (30 %) and has a lower probability of failure due to the use of high-power LEDs used as a light source.

For any company that sells its products in the networks of city stores, the urgent issue is the optimal delivery of their goods. During routing it is necessary to take into account many restrictions caused by specific conditions of transportation process in the city: number of cargoes, nature of cargoes, delivery time, structure of fleet and its presence, work time of enterprises for load matching, drivers’ working hours, loading capacity, road congestion etc. These days, the process of efficient manual routing is difficult because of many restrictions and delivery points wherein it is almost impossible to take into account the road congestion for specific routes. Today's companies are increasingly interested in outsourcing. One of the options for routes planning for enterprises is to use special software products that allow to plan optimal routes according to the chosen criteria and under specific conditions. The process of formation of routes using the Ant Logistics service, based on the Ant Colony optimization algorithm are analysed in the paper. Comparing the two options of forming routes to serve one of the largest retail chains in Kharkiv with the application of Ant Logistics service, it has been elucidated that the application of Ant Colony algorithm is more optimal than the Clarke-Wright algorithm based on delivery routes indicators.

The currently existing deterministic models for determination of structure service life do not take into account to the full extent variety of factors that have an effect on them and also stochastic characteristics of the used natural materials and conditions for manufacturing construction products, possible errors during the process of designing and construction etc. More trustworthy approach determining longevity and growth rate of destruction processes for structures in future periods can be obtained with the help of statistic methods that take into account a probabilistic essence of the process. The paper presents a possible approach of the probabilistic analysis on reinforced concrete structure service life while assessing rates of variation in depth growth of carbonization in a concrete protective layer on the basis of the existing experimental and calculated data pertaining to changes of the given index in reinforced concrete structures of various types. Variability of the existing approaches for determination of structure longevity as a whole has been shown firstly due to various number of basic vаriables used in calculations. Stochastic processing of the data on parameters of carbonization depth in the concrete protective layer has been carried out and this processing has made it possible to determine variation rates which allow to assess the presupposed service life of reinforced concrete structures having similar characteristics and being operated under analogous conditions. A definitive non-uniformity in statistic indices has been established that testifies about the necessity to increase accumulation of data on the investigated characteristics and to execute its processing more thoroughly. An expedience in usage of a concrete impermeability as a main factor determining its longevity has been established on the basis of statistical assessment of the existing data.

Growing vehicle variant diversity, legal requirements to reduce fleet CO2 emissions and innovations in the area of drive train technologies, coupled with the increasing pressure to cut costs, pose new challenges for parties in the automotive sector. An implementation of optimized development and production processes supports the effective handling of these challenges. One important aspect includes engineering efficiency improvement by optimizing the entire automotive bodywork development process and the involved data management. Research activities focus on the data exchange processes between design, simulation and production engineering within various CAx environments. This concerns constantly changing boundary conditions and requirements in the area of automotive body development, including but not limited to the introduction of new materials and material combinations and new types of joining technologies. From the viewpoint of an automotive engineering supplier, additional challenges caused by different customer-related development environments have to be considered. To overcome these challenges, various data exchange strategies between OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturer), automotive suppliers and the use of different data management tools need to be investigated. In this context, the paper presents an approach of an optimized data exchange process of CAD-based data between different CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) environments that supports the entire body development, including data provision for manufacturing engineering. In addition, an optimization of data exchange processes saves development costs and improves the product quality.

The paper describes the process and results of the development of the light commercial electric vehicle. In order to ensure maximum energy efficiency of the developed vehicle the key parameters of the original electric motor. The article also presents the results of power electronic thermal calculation. For the mathematical model of the vehicle, the driving cycle parameters of the electric platform were determined in accordance with UNECE Regulations No 83, 84. The driving cycle was characterized by four successive urban and suburban cycles. The mathematical model also takes into account the time phases of the cycle, which include idling, vehicle idling, acceleration, constant speed movement, deceleration, etc. The model of the electric part of the vehicle was developed using MatLab-Simulink (SimPowerSystems library) in addition to the mechanical part of the electric car. The electric part included the asynchronous electric motor, the motor control system and the inverter. This model at the output allows to obtain such characteristics of the electric motor as currents, flows and voltages of the stator and rotor in a fixed and rotating coordinate systems, electromagnetic moment, angular speed of rotation of the motor shaft. The developed model allowed to calculate and evaluate the performance parameters of the electric vehicle. Technical solutions of the electric vehicle design were verified by conducting strength calculations. In conclusion, the results of field tests of a commercial electric vehicle are presented.

In the XXI century, when environmental awareness is growing and the impact of human activity on the planet is more and more noticeable, striving to minimize energy consumption seems to be a necessary direction in the development of technology. This development cannot take place without an initial understanding and describing the relationships influencing specific technologies. It also needs empirical verification of assumed theories. Modern trams play an important role in the functioning of urban transport. Being one of the oldest modes of environmentally friendly transport, in European capitals they are currently perceived as one of the most convenient means of transport. This is due, among other things, to the high velocity of transport along the route. The energy consumed by trams indirectly depends on the driving characteristics, i. e. speed, acceleration and stops on the route, which are also caused by stopping at traffic light controlled junctions. This paper presents the results of an experiment showing the change in the level of electric energy consumption depending on the applied method of traffic light control. This article presents the conditions influencing the power consumption in trams, describes the possible strategies of traffic lights control and their consequences for other traffic participants. The research was carried out in real conditions in everyday traffic, measuring the level of electricity consumption in case of both fixed-time and actuated signaling with full priority for trams. On the examined section there were both modern asynchronous-drive as well as traditional resistor-drive vehicles. The conclusions drawn from the survey confirm the validity of introducing modern solutions and may be useful for estimating investment costs.

The paper shows results of an experimental and theoretical study of dynamic processes in the vehicle transmission after kinematic alignment of elements during gearshifts. The purpose of the research is increasing the quality of transient processes in the vehicle transmission. Applying an analysis of experimental results obtained through looking into dynamics of a 3-ton vehicle transmission and studying literature sources it was established that dynamic loading of the transmission after the kinematic stage of shifting (i. e. synchronizing speeds of driving and driven elements in the gearbox) is influenced by oscillations which are in the single-node mode. Solving the task of increasing transient processes is achieved by applying a method of control power redistribution. By employing simulation models a number of methods were used to regulate power redistribution. Results of computations made it possible to determine that the efficiency of power redistribution are closely related to initial conditions of the process under the study. In the progress of the research a method for identifying the initial conditions was developed. This method is based determining signatures of the torque and its derivatives. In accordance with the research results it turned out that it is appropriate to apply the ZVD (zero vibration derivation) algorithm of power redistribution for low gears (below 4th) from point of view achieving better overshoot and robustness characteristics and a satisfactory response rate level. For higher gears it is recommended that the Ramp algorithm (linear increase in the control input) be used for the cases when the response rate is not longer than period of the single-node mode of oscillations occurring in the dynamic system during a gear shift. Application of the proposed algorithms allows to bring down dynamic loading of the transmission and also to improve the comfort in vehicles.

The use of information technologies and, in particular, information training systems increases capacity of both a teacher and a student to achieve their goals in an educational process, taking into account individual characteristics of each and providing opportunities for continuing education. The paper proposes and considers a new automated learning management system, called CATS (Care About the Students). The proposed system covers all components of the educational process, allows to conduct an electronic journal of visiting and defending laboratory works, distribute topics and monitor progress of course and diploma projects (creating automatically task sheets with subsequent export to MS Word editor). The CATS LMS makes it possible to test students’ knowledge in control and self-education modes, to form electronic educational and methodical complexes, to inform students about topics of lecture and practical classes with the possibility of downloading relevant materials, to provide educational content in SCORM format, developed by teachers around the world. Working in the CATS system, it is possible to exchange messages with students and teachers, to monitor progress and process of studying in respect of the proposed material by students, to check accomplished assignments of students for plagiarism. The system under consideration also takes into account specificity of training at a technical higher education institution, providing for work with an integrated project management system and ability to submit bugs. The CATS LMS has been implemented as a web application using modern technologies and it is available in the local network within the whole university at [172.16.11.72:2020].

In order to increase reliability and accuracy of robot manipulators or other construction equipment used for lifting operations an optimum dynamic mode for moving its boom system has been calculated in the paper. Results of the research have made it possible to construct a mathematical model for manipulator movement and obtain kinematic characteristics of the optimum dynamic mode. While determining the optimum dynamic motion mode, a criterion action has been used as an optimization criterion which represents a time integral with an integrand function expressing a dynamic component of manipulator drive power. Functions for changing kinematic characteristics of an manipulator boom have been calculated when it moves from one predetermined position to another one and which correspond to optimum dynamic mode of motion. Search for an optimum motion mode has been performed by minimizing the optimization criterion using the Euler–Poisson equations. In this case a generalized angle of rotation has been used which permits to relate movement of the boom and oscillations of its support part. As a linking component differential equations of system motion have been also applied, in which relationships between an oscillation angle, rigidity of a manipulator support, and its mass-geometric characteristics have been recorded. Results of the work can be useful for refinement and improvement of existing engineering methods for calculating the drive mechanisms of manipulators both at design/construction stages and in real operation modes, and the results can also be used while making design or improvement of similar executive mechanisms for construction equipment and robots.

Assuming that there are perpetual roads solution of the problem pertaining to strength and longevity of road concrete pavements are mainly determined by theoretical prerequisites which are considered as basic ones in technology for strengthening micro-structure of their top surface layer. Application of fine grain concrete with ultra-disperse additives partially helps to obtained strengthened top layer of such pavements. At the same time further search and improvement of theoretical analysis for the given problem are required for development of technological parameters. Investigations on this direction are rather insignificant and the problem continues to be considered as an actual one. There is a known method for application of colloid cement glue and activated gunite solution for strengthening binding of new and old concrete in engineering structures. However it is necessary to point out the fact that investigations in the field of protection of road concrete pavements against corrosion destructions are actually absent. Such approach restrains a wide application of the mentioned methods in engineering practice for provision of efficient maintenance of concrete pavements. In this case it is necessary to consider the existing theoretical statements on the essence of quantum structure-formation mechanics in the systems consisting of colloid-disperse particles. This approach to road concrete science is accepted a new one ant it is connected with the possibility to regulate processes of structure-formation micro-mechanics in mineral systems while creating protective surface layers in road concrete pavements. The given paper is devoted to this problem.

Transient modes of bridge cranes movement determine their energy, dynamic and electrical performance, as well as productivity and durability of work. An optimal control problem of its movement has been solved while making an analysis of indicators for efficient performance of a bridge crane. Terminal and integral criteria have been selected as optimization criteria. They represent undesirable dynamic properties of the crane. Legendre method has been used to determine the possibility for achieving minimum of the optimization criterion. An analysis of the Euler-Poisson equation, which is a necessary condition for the minimum of the integral criterion, has shown that it is impossible to find a solution for the optimization problem in an analytical form. A method of differential evolution has been used in order to find an approximate solution to the optimization problem. The approximate (suboptimal) solution has been found in the complex domain, which is a limited domain conjunction of dynamic parameters and phase coordinates of the system. Limitation in the domain of the system phase coordinates (a polynomial basis function has been used in the paper) provides the possibility to attain absolute minimums of terminal problem criteria. A simulation of the bridge crane motion has been carried out in order to establish an efficiency for implementation of the suboptimal control. During this process dynamic mechanical characteristics of its electric drive have been taken into account. While carrying out the simulation, a frequency and an amplitude of the electric drive voltage in the crane movement mechanism have been changed (frequency scalar method for speed changing of an asynchronous electric drive has been used). A comparative analysis of the dynamic, kinematic, electrical and energy performance indicators of the bridge crane under suboptimal and S-curved (standard) laws of frequency and voltage variations in the crane electric drive has made it possible to establish an improvement in the efficiency of its operation under suboptimal control.

The paper presents description of a mechatronic control system for mechanical transmission of a 20-ton truck, as well as its adaptive start-up algorithm, transient process behavior which significantly affects durability of automated power unit elements, vehicle movement smoothness and driver’s comfort when driving. A multidisciplinary model of the mechatronic control system has been developed in the software package Imagine Lab AMESim because its power unit including a diesel engine, a dry frictional two-disc clutch, a main mechanical stepped gearbox and an additional gearbox has electrical components besides mechanical and pneumatic ones. The given model allows to test complex control algorithms and analyze the behavior of intelligent systems in the early designing stages. The research has been carried out on the basis of the test complex at Department “Automobiles”, Automotive and Tractor Faculty, Belarusian National Technical University. Research results confirm an adequacy of the AMESim developed multidisciplinary model. Feedback on the increment of an angular velocity difference between driving and driven parts of the friction clutch has been introduced for precise friction clutch control. Threshold values of a feedback parameter have been determined on the basis of the developed computer model and these values will be used for programming a microprocessor unit when implementing an adaptive algorithm for a truck start-up process

The paper proposes a methodological approach to selection of rational directions for modernization of highway network while taking into account an increasing requirements of the national economy in a modern transport infrastructure being formed under conditions of the development of national transport and logistics system. The initial data required for variant development of design solutions contain information on existing transport and operational characteristics of the road network, intraand inter regional transport and economic relations, formed logistics supply chains, volume and structure of transportation and possible development stages for certain sections of highways. In this case initial data have a certain degree of uncertainty that requires to take design decisions with due consideration of the possibility to change information in a certain interval. The proposed options to use economic criteria make it possible to assess efficiency of logistics systems and their participants carry out operations pertaining to supply and handling of products and cargoes on specific sections of a road network and these measures are proceeding from common goals based not only on national or regional level, but also on the global level in the context of strategic planning. Study objectives play a significant role in selection of a calculation method, as well as its structure, a degree of its aggregation. Construction of an optimal scheme for modernization of a highway network presupposes to determine such totality of design solutions for construction, reconstruction and repair of motor roads with year-wise distribution for calculation period and certain network sections and such distribution of their freight flows when an amount of the reduced costs for transportation of the entire volume of products and modernization of motor roads would be minimal in accordance with transportation rates.

The paper considers large-panel constructive system of multi-storey buildings and its industrial basis creates conditions for intensive volume growth in house construction. Application of hollow-core panels are recommended as floor slabs that allows to increase a distance between bearing walls, to improve planning solutions, and also significantly to increase thermal and sound protection properties of floor discs (coatings). Keyed joints having the highest resistance to shearing forces are used to ensure joint action of the slabs with wall panels. A supporting unit of floor elements in the precast-monolithic constructive system ARKOS by means of concrete keys is considered as a prototype of the considered joint. In order to increase a bearing capacity and improve reliability of joints it is envisaged to reinforce keys with space frames. Improvement of joint units is possible to carry out with due account of total number of the factors influencing on strength. Poltava National Technical University named after Yuri Kondratyuk has developed a general methodology for assessment of bearing capacity in keyed joints which is based on the variational method in the theory of concrete plasticity and reflects specificity of stress-strain state of the failure zone. For experimental verification of this methodology investigations have been carried out with the purpose to test operation of keys when they are reinforced in mid-height and reinforcement is distributed in two tiers. The observed experimental fracture pattern in the specimens has confirmed kinematic schemes accepted for calculations and comparative analysis of experimental and theoretical values points to their closeness. Two-level reinforcement significantly improves plastic properties of concrete keys and excludes brittle failure. The proposed design of the joint unit for floor slabs with wall panels is characterized by the ratio of key dimensions and shape of reinforcing cages in the form of hollow cylinders which ensure higher strength and seismic resistance of a joint.