Completed Studies
2005-2006 Funded Projects
- Main Report: GLMRI End of Grant Report (May 2005 - Nov 2006)
- Tab 1: Seaway-Sized Bulk Carrier Model for Hydrodynamic Optimization of Ballast-Free Ship Design
Michael G. Parsons and Miltiadis Kotinis, University of MichiganThe current research focuses on the design of a typical Seaway-sized bulk carrier and the construction of a scaled model to be utilized in subsequent towing tank experiments. A major part of the initial hydrodynamic analysis that was performed on the modified LASH vessel was based on the ship-specific Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) code SHIPFLOW ® [Flowtech Int. 1998], which has been shown to have significant limitations regarding the prediction of the important viscous flow near the stern. In the current research, the external flow around the Ballast-Free bulk carrier has been investigated numerically using FLUENT ® [Fluent 2005]. These external flow results have been utilized to obtain the necessary boundary conditions for numerical simulation (also in FLUENT ®) of the water flow in the longitudinal ballast trunks. The internal flow was simulated in order to estimate the flow rate scaling factor needed in preparation for the subsequent towing tank experiments. - Tab 2: Expanding Regional Freight Information Resources for the Upper Midwest: The Great Lakes Maritime Information Delivery System
Peter S. Lindquist, Ph.D., and Mark A. Vonderembse, Ph.D., University of ToledoThis project marked the beginning of a long-term endeavor to develop and manage a comprehensive data repository and information clearinghouse for the maritime industry in the Great Lakes. The system is envisioned to facilitate the acquisition, storage, management, analysis and exchange of data between analysts and decision makers within the industry. This system will thus serve as a resource for public policy decisions and for drawing the necessary link between maritime freight movements, economic viability, and environmental quality throughout the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway. As such, the system will serve as a central focus for diverse interests within the industry to support the promotion of sustainable maritime transportation in the region. - Tab 3: Tax Systems and Barriers to Great Lakes Maritime Commerce
Randall K. Skalberg and James A. Skurla, University of Minnesota DuluthThis project inventories the tax impact on the Great Lakes marine transportation system imposed by federal regulations. This project also identifies the unique tax burdens placed on the commercial maritime regulatory process in the Great Lakes, and presents an analysis of the Great Lakes maritime tax structure focusing on its most significant tax, the Harbor Maintenance Tax (HMT). Finally this project discusses possible changes to the current tax structure to improve the efficiency of port maintenance tax collection and expenditure, and to improve intermodal transportation fuel efficiency. - Tab 4: Alternatives to Petroleum Based Fuel for Marine Vessels
Abu R. Hasan, Daniel Pope, James A. Skurla, University of Minnesota DuluthThis project was proposed in two parts: The first part presents engineering aspects of biodiesel fuel use for maritime commerce. This alternative fuel can be used as renewable energy in current diesel engines. The literature suggests that biodiesel fuel has similar energy content to diesel and little impact on performance; the fuel has better lubricity than petro-diesel and it compensates for Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD); and that biodiesel can use the current distribution infrastructure, with some modifications for cold weather. It is also noted that biodiesel biodegrades faster than petro-diesel, and produces reduced emissions. Part two follows this chapter and offers an economic impact analysis. - Tab 5: Feasibility Study: Usefulness of Modern Acoustic Methods to the Maritime Industry in Relation to Changes in Water Depth in the Great Lakes
Steven M. Colman and R. Douglas Ricketts, Large Lakes Observatory (LLO), University of Minnesota DuluthThis project is a feasibility study to determine whether state-of-the-art acoustic imaging techniques, used in basic scientific research studies, can be applied in a way that is useful to the maritime industry. It addresses Great Lakes Maritime Research Institute (GLMRI) focus area “Marine transportation and port environmental issues,” and the specific research topic “Great Lakes Outflow Investigation” listed in the call for proposals. - Tab 6: Great Lakes Maritime Transportation K-12 Education Program for Teachers, Students and Communities
Joan Schumaker-Chadde, Michigan Technological UniversityThis project addressed the GLMRI Focus Area of K-12 public education and outreach programs. The project conducted two one-week teacher institutes in summer 2006, developed an interactive online web module for students, a K-12 Maritime Transportation Education website and a K-12 teaching trunk. A total of 21 K-12 teachers attended the two teacher institutes. They were extremely enthused about their experience and are now excited to teach about Great Lakes shipping in their classrooms. Thousands of students and others in the Great Lakes basin and nationwide will be reached in the coming months and years via the new lessons developed by the teacher participants, or by interacting online with actual photos and real-world challenges of Great Lakes maritime transportation through an interactive web module, website, and teaching trunk. - Full Report: 2005-2006 (15 MB)
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