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Cockrell School of Engineering

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Transportation Research

Modeling complex traffic networks to ease the traffic

Using a 2004 Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) award from the National Science Foundation, Dr. Travis Waller, assistant professor of civil engineering will research complex transportation systems, such as roadways, railways or airline systems that can be modeled as networks. His models will allow travelers in the network to receive information about costs or travel times throughout the system as they travel, so they can continually reevaluate their travel decisions. Very few mathematical models exist for systems like these because of their complexity. Each user's decisions affect other users. For example, if one traveler decides on one path, it will increase the travel time on that path for other users. The interdependence of travelers' decisions, the inherent uncertainty of some factors in the network (such as the exact number of travelers) and changing system dynamics all contribute to the network's complexity. "As the fundamental behavior of travelers changes regarding information availability, we may find we should design our transportation systems differently," says Waller.

Photo: http://www.engr.utexas.edu/news/action_shots/pages/NSFCareer.cfm

 

Sensors monitor pollution emitted from vehicles

Dr. Matthew J. Hall, mechanical engineering professor, has developed two sensors that will help monitor emissions from vehicle engines.

 The first sensor is designed to fit into a diesel engine’s exhaust system. It will continuously detect variations in the emitted concentration of pollutants from the engine in real time, allowing for a quick response. The sensor is the first mobile, permanent and inexpensive emissions sensor for particulates.

The second sensor, also compact, inexpensive and designed to provide real time information, uses a light diode to measure the emission of particulate matter. It can be placed in exhaust pipes or chimney stacks at industrial plants, and can also be used at mobile vehicle inspection stations and microelectronic clean rooms.