KU's transportation systems effort fosters the promotion and execution of
cross-disciplinary studies on critical national transportation issues that have
broad societal significance. Efforts are focused on three interrelated
areas: vehicle emissions and environment, infra-structure, and advanced vehicle
technologies. Each area has substantial funding at KU at the present time, and
is poised to significantly expand funding levels in the near future. Researchers
in the proposed thrust areas seek research endeavors that encompass design,
demonstration, analysis, and evaluation, all within large-scale projects whenever possible.
Emissions/Environment
Advanced Vehicular Technologies
Infrastructure, Systems, and Materials
Research programs in the Emissions and Environment focus area are centered on a specific
set of transportation-related technologies, problems, and health-related issues. The group
is focusing on the utilization of environmentally benign catalysts for the production of
alternative fuels. The primary objective is to produce more environmentally beneficial
(high efficiency/lower air pollution emissions) fuels through the use of technology that is
itself environ-mentally responsible. Catalysts are being fabricated and tested for the production
of high quality liquid transportation fuels from methane, the production of hydrogen suitable for
use as a proton exchange membrane fuel source, and the production of bio-diesel fuel from waste oil
and inexpensive renewable feed stocks. Another major research interest is directed toward the fate and impact
of contaminants, particularly heavy metals, on human health and environmental systems. Potential
transportation sources of these contaminants include exhaust emissions from vehicles, surface runoff
from road and parking lot surfaces, discarded vehicles and vehicle parts, and materials used in the
construction and maintenance of transportation infrastructures. Air quality modeling schemes are under
development that will permit mathematical and statistical descriptions of pollutant fate in the
environment. Air quality issues that are related to the transportation industry are also a focus.
Opportunities for developing research efforts related to transportation-specific issues include the
determination of metal content of particle vehicle emissions as a function of particle size, the use
of roadside vegetated strips for treatment of pavement runoff, and assessment of waste generation and
treatment from vehicle repair and maintenance facilities.
Fuel cells are one example of an advanced technology under study at KU. PEM fuel cells are expected
to provide a significant alternative power source in the near future, because the energy conversion
process involved is potentially more efficient than conventional thermal processes. The use of fuel
cells in both stationary and mobile sources will lead to better utilization of hydrocarbon fuel sources,
and will lead to much lower emissions to the air. KU's specific research interests are in the development
of high power density/high conversion efficiency membrane and electrode assemblies, and the development
of diagnostic tools for PEM fuel cells. Studies of methods to fabricate a catalytic membrane in which
the metal catalyst would be adhered directly to the surface of the membrane are underway.
Intelligent transportation vehicles and systems are examples of other technologies that are underway
through the SAFETEA-LU programs. Research funding in intelligent transportation operations and safety
at KU has been substantial. The TRI is also able to capitalize on Kansas DOT's strong support of academic
research and education, and its leadership among transportation agencies with respect to the application
of technology to transportation operations and safety.
The development of Smart Transportation elements is usually done in a series of stand-alone projects, although
governmental guidance emphasizes that a systems-based model is necessary if 21st century transportation needs
are to be met; this requires the establishment of effective partnerships to build and maintain multi-modal
and inter-modal transportation systems. Effective partnerships depend upon the modes involved, but would
typically include the US DOT, state DOTs, local government and private operators. This research area will
include a significant technology transfer component
The TRI's Flight Research Laboratory's (FRL) conducts basic and applied research to advance the state-of-the-art
in aerospace vehicles. Faculty, staff, and student teams conduct research in computational fluid dynamics,
fluid physics and turbulence, applied aerodynamics, aeroacoustics, structural mechanics and materials, flight
dynamics, and flight testing. SoE faculty collaborate on transportation logistics, smart transportation
operations and safety, environmental issues and infrastructure; advanced flight hardware, flight control systems,
and vehicle con-cepts for future air-ground distributed transportation systems; alternative fuels and propulsion
technology (fuel cells, miniaturization); and advanced vehicle sensors, avionics, displays and control systems.
Campus partners contribute expertise on human factors, and vehicles. Such expertise will enable validation of
developed components, vehicles and operational concepts.
Current projects involve the use of ground vehicles, rovers and air vehicles, which provide platforms for testing
sensors, actuators, control, navigation, novel power sources, communications, and autonomous control. A focus
on Multi-Mode Transportation Systems permits a systemic approach to integrating air and ground vehicles through
synergistic technologies. This effort also requires attention to, and development of, an Intelligent Infrastructure,
which involves airport upgrades, ground assets, rental fleets, emerging fuel access, and communication systems.
Research in Infrastructure and Systems covers structural engineering, engineering materials, geotechnical engineering,
and construction. The most active areas structural engineering and engineering materials currently include
studies to evaluate the corrosion performance of rein-forcing systems; the construction of bridge decks to minimize
cracking and, thus, improve long-term durability; bond tests of new high-strength reinforcing steel; and the evaluation
of the fracture and fatigue response of steel girder bridges. The major emphasis in geotechnical engineering is the
design and evaluation of mechanically stabilized earth structures, while current construction research includes
projects on energy efficient materials, sustainable transportation development, highway work zone safety, and bridge
replacement techniques. Because of their inherent impact on new construction and total lifetime cycle costs,
transportation agencies are placing increasing emphasis on materials, design procedures, and construction techniques.
The $60M freeway management system (SCOUT) in Kansas City (Kansas and Missouri DOTS) offers research opportunities
to only three institutions across the country, including KU. With the resources to capitalize on the opportunity,
the Smart Transportation program will become a national leader. The Smart Transportation program already has received
three national awards in the last two years.
The most significant benefit to improving future transportation systems may be found in increasing the level of
autonomy to that required for an integrated, multi-modal distributed air-ground transportation system for the
general public. KU and Northeast Kansas industries are uniquely suited to system integration and demonstration of
advanced technologies for autono-mous vehicle operation. Technologies developed and flight tested in the realm of
semi-autonomous and autonomous systems will eventually have an impact on civil aviation and global transportation.
Future efforts in Infrastructure and Systems will include the extension of studies to improve the corrosion
resistance of reinforcing steel with special emphasis on bridge decks. A highly successful ongoing program that
involves both laboratory tests and full-scale bridge construction and is supported by fifteen states and the Federal
Highway Administration will be expanded through added partnerships and increased interaction with the participating
states. Research efforts involving the evaluation of fracture and fatigue of steel girder bridges will be expanded
to include the use of smart materials that not only reinforce fatigue-prone regions, but also automatically signal
when repairs are needed. In geotechnical research, efforts to couple full-scale testing with laboratory tests and
computer modeling will be expanded beyond mechanically stabilized earth structures to include drill shafts, ground
improvement, and pavement materials. In the field of construction, interdisciplinary work is planned on sustainable
transportation, infrastructure maintenance, rapid repair and replacement of damaged bridges and pavements, improvements
in safety for both transportation workers and the traveling public, and improved energy management.
