A fully-dynamic network flow model of the NAS

Author

Myers, T. ; Kierstead, D. ; Wagner, D.H.

Author_Institution

Metron Aviation, Inc., Dulles, VA, USA

fYear

2011

fDate

10-12 May 2011

Abstract

We present a fully-dynamic multi-commodity Network Flow Model (NetFM) representation of the National Airspace System (NAS). NetFM is a high-level aggregate model incorporating time-varying demand and capacity profiles to define the optimal routing and scheduling of all NAS traffic within a matter of minutes. NetFM routing solutions are not limited to a set of user-inputted route options. Rather, spatial-temporal flight paths are computed through a hexagonal network of nodes and arcs over successive time steps. We present the NetFM formulation. NetFM results include a set of diagnostics which show predicted capacity, traffic flow patterns, and regions where additional capacity would be most beneficial. These diagnostic results may offer improved situational awareness and decision support to Traffic Flow Management (TFM) planners. NetFM capabilities also enable a laboratory in which TFM researchers can study advanced TFM concepts such as integrated airspace flow and ground delay programs.

Keywords

air traffic control; aircraft communication; telecommunication network routing; NAS traffic scheduling; National Airspace System; NetFM routing solution; TFM; capacity profile; fully-dynamic network flow model; multicommodity network flow model; optimal routing; spatial-temporal flight path; time-varying demand; traffic flow management; traffic flow pattern; Atmospheric modeling; Delay; Equations; Mathematical model; Nickel; Weather forecasting;

fLanguage

English

Publisher

ieee

Conference_Titel

Integrated Communications, Navigation and Surveilance Conference (ICNS), 2011

Conference_Location

Herndon, VA

ISSN

2155-4943

Print_ISBN

978-1-4577-0593-9

Type

conf

DOI

10.1109/ICNSURV.2011.5935279

Filename

5935279