Optimal velocity profile for a cable car passing over a support

Abstract

In this paper, we present a theoretical model that solves the problem of minimization of aerial ropeway vehicle oscillations that are induced as the vehicle passes over a support. The task is formulated as an inverse problem, where the vehicle oscillations are minimized by an appropriate choice of the velocity profile of the hauling cable. We study two general cases numerically, a single vehicle system (FUNIFOR), as well as a classical aerial ropeway with two vehicles. In both cases we find optimal velocity profiles that show a considerable improvement of the oscillatory behavior of the vehicles as compared to constant velocity profiles and optimal profiles that have been obtained analytically by loosening some of the constraints for the system. In addition to a minimization of the vehicle oscillations, we also optimize the time that elapses as the vehicle is hauled through the system. We believe that this exploratory study lays a sound basis for various possible future studies and practical applications (Computer Aided Engineering).