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This report discusses the major technical issues, environmental impacts, and economic factors for the design and analysis of an electrical pipeline system. Researchers reviewed the history and related work on pipeline transportation, as well as linear electric motors, analyzed basic components for an electrical pipeline system, and devised and compared several possible system configurations. They selected a moving-primary linear induction motor configuration for medium- to long-range freight transportation. For this system configuration, preliminary designs are conducted on capsule structure, linear induction motor units, and pipetubes. A comprehensive computer simulation program is coded based on governing equations of motion. Researchers conducted system operation design and simulations by using the computer program.

This project studies a new system concept for freight transportation. The idea is to use capsules to transport cargos in concealed pipelines powered by linear electric motors. Such a concept advocates the separation of freight transportation from human movement and can be very effective in reducing the ever-increasing highway congestion problem. This report examines the technical aspects of such a freight pipeline system powered by linear induction motors. Forces acting on a capsule are first discussed, followed by the study of aerodynamic drag forces on a capsule and linear induction thrust forces. Stabilities of both a single capsule and a multiple capsule system are also discussed. These results reveal the basic characteristics of a freight pipeline system, propelled by linear induction propulsion. Various technical issues are discussed. Several related topics are recommended for future research.

This report presents the results of a study of automated route planning and optimizing software to be used by Mn/DOT Metro Division and by Hennepin County for snow plow and for snow and ice control logistical planning. The study has: 1. Produced a uniform set of specifications for the two agencies; 2. Identified and analyzed a large number of commercially available software simulation packages for route and logistical planning; 3. Prepared recommendations on how to proceed with the project with a detailed analysis of their advantages and shortcomings. This report is unpublished. 15 copies were produced and distributed.