Experience of using a CFD code for estimating the noise generated by gusts along the sun-roof of a car

The problem to be examined here is the fluctuating pressure distribution along the open cavity of the sun-roof at the top of a car compartment due to gusts passing over the sun-roof. The aim of this test is to investigate the capability of a typical commercial CFD package, PHOENICS, in recognising pressure fluctuations occurring in an important automotive industrial problem. In particular to examine the accuracy of transporting pulsatory gusts traveling along the main flow through the use of finite volume methods with higher order schemes in the numercial solutins of the unsteady compressible Navier-Stokes equations. The Helmholtz equation is used to solve the sound distribution inside the car compartment, resulting from the externally induced fluctuations.

Analysis of crush behaviours of a rail cab car and structural modifications for improved crashworthiness

In this paper, the authors present a crashworthiness assessment and suggestions for modification of a conventionally designed rail vehicle with a driving cab (cab car). The analytical approach, based on numerical analysis, consisted of two stages. Firstly, the crashworthiness of the cab car was assessed by simulating a collision between the cab car and a rigid wall. Then, after analysing structural weaknesses, the design of the cab car was modified and simulated again in the same scenario. It was found that downward bending is an intrinsic weakness in conventional rail vehicles and that jackknifing is a main form of failures in conventional rail vehicle components. The cab car, as modified by the authors, overcomes the original weaknesses and shows the desired progressive collapse behaviour in simulation. The conclusions have general relevance for other studies but more importantly, point to the need for a rethink of some aspects of rail vehicle design.

Penalties on car rental agreements

Examines the Cambridge County Court ruling in Volkswagen Financial Services (UK) Ltd v Ramage on whether a clause in a car hire contract which allowed the finance company, upon repudiation of the contract after the hirer fell into arrears, to claim compensation equivalent to the lost future rental payments was unenforceable as a penalty clause, rather than being a reasonable pre-estimate of actual loss. Refers to case law including the Court of Appeal ruling in Anglo Auto Finance Co v James in considering the differing losses which would occur during the course of the hire term according to the natural depreciation of the value of the car. Notes the reasoning of the Court on: (1) contracts of hire compared with hire purchase agreements; (2) the comparative position of the parties and the freedom to contract elsewhere; and (3) the reasonable prediction of future losses.

A Community Study of the Psychological Effects of the Omagh Car Bomb on Adults

Background: The main aims of the study were to assess psychological morbidity among adults nine months after a car bomb explosion in the town of Omagh, Northern Ireland and to identify predictors of chronic posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms.

Method: A questionnaire was sent to all adults in households in The Omagh District Council area. The questionnaire comprised established predictors of PTSD (such as pre-trauma personal characteristics, type of exposure, initial emotional response and long-term adverse physical or financial problems), predictors derived from the Ehlers and Clark (2000) cognitive model, a measure of PTSD symptoms and the General Health Questionnaire.

Results: Among respondents (n = 3131) the highest rates of PTSD symptoms and probable casesness (58.5%) were observed among people who were present in the street when the bomb exploded but elevated rates were also observed in people who subsequently attended the scene (21.8% probable caseness) and among people for whom someone close died (11.9%). People with a near miss (left the scene before the explosion) did not show elevated rates. Exposure to the bombing increased PTSD symptoms to a greater extent than general psychiatric symptoms. Previously established predictors accounted for 42% of the variance in PTSD symptoms among people directly exposed to the bombing. Predictors derived from the cognitive model accounted for 63%.

Conclusions: High rates of chronic PTSD were observed in individuals exposed to the bombing. Psychological variables that are in principle amenable to treatment were the best predictors of PTSD symptoms. Teams planning treatment interventions for victims of future bombings and other traumas may wish to take these results into account.

Access to a Car and the Self-Reported Health and Mental Health of People Aged 65 and Older in Northern Ireland

This article examines relationships between access to a car and the self- reported health and mental health of older people. The analysis is based on a sample of N 1⁄4 65,601 individuals aged 65 years and older from the Northern Ireland Longitudinal Study linked to 2001 and 2011 census returns. The findings from hierarchical linear and binary logistic multilevel path models indicate that having no access to a car is related to a considerable health and mental health disadvantage particularly for older people who live alone. Rural–urban health and mental health differences are mediated by access to a car. The findings support approaches that emphasize the importance of autonomy and independence for the well-being of older people and indicate that not having access to a car can be a problem for older people not only in rural but also in intermediate and urban areas, if no sufficient alternative forms of mobility are provided.

Which communication strategy should a male luxury (fashion) brand – associated with a luxury car brand – develop, in order to increase its awareness in Europe

This work project explores how a male luxury (fashion) brand (subsidiary) that is associated with a luxury car brand (parent company) should develop its communication strategy in order to increase awareness in Europe. For this purpose a quantitative research was conducted. The aim was to find out whether the company in question had low brand awareness among European luxury consumers. Hereafter, a qualitative research revealed important insights in regard to luxury communication among male luxury consumers. Both the results of the research and the recommendations of luxury experts laid the foundation for the development of a solution-oriented communication strategy. The result of the analysis crystallizes the importance of the shared heritage and the synergistic effects, of which the subsidiary should make vast use when communicating.

Taxi side car, Central News, New York : [photographie de presse] / [Agence Rol]

Référence bibliographique : Rol, 59415

1000 cm3, Dejon sur [side-car] Harley Davidson [critérium motocycliste de l'A.A.M.M., Association des anciens motocyclistes militaires à Auxerre, le 24 mai 1920] : [photographie de presse] / [Agence Rol]

Référence bibliographique : Rol, 59361