Transport Systems BT - Springer Handbook of Mechanical Engineering

Abstract

Transportation is derived from two Latin words trans and porta meaning in between and carrying, respectively. Transportation is seen as one of the basic human needs and has a significant impact on a countryʼs economy; productivity usually correlates well with the amount of transportation of goods and people. Transportation takes place on the ground, sea, and in the air and can be subdivided into the areas automotive, railway, naval, and aerospace. The respective engineering disciplines have gained increasing importance in the past as they face severe challenges for the future arising from: (i) increased transportation demand and customer needs, (ii) shortage of energy and rising fuel prices, and (iii) more stringent legislative requirements regarding for example pollutant and noise emissions and safety issues.