Work

Cellular automata for the investigation of navigation dynamics and aircraft mix in terminal arrival traffic

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Aircraft arrival via the terminal maneuvering area (TMA) is complex, owing to the spatial constraints and safety considerations that predispose the traffic to throughput limitations if not properly managed. The effect of turbulent wake separation (contingent on aircraft size distribution) and routing considerations on TMA traffic evolution over time requires continuous investigation. In this study, we examine these factors and their interactions within the TMA, using a cellular automata that is modified to enable more realistic representation of air traffic movements. Cellular automata is chosen for its ability to capture the dynamism of complex interactions and non-linearity in traffic. Our results show that route flexibility makes traffic less sensitive to changes caused by size-based traffic mix and demonstrate the emergence of an organized flow zone in the fundamental diagram of the flexible strategies. When a gentle TMA saturation behavior is preferred, however, less flexible routes are deemed more suitable. As a general principle, we propose to adopt a mixed strategy that uses a fixed routing strategy at low TMA occupancies and a flexible routing strategy at medium to high TMA occupancies.

Source: Physica A Statistical Mechanics and its Applications

DOI: 10.1016/j.physa.2025.130628

Authors: Ikeoluwa Ireoluwa Ogedengbe, Tak Shing Tai, K.Y. Michael Wong, Rhea P. Liem

Institutions: Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Imperial College London

Language: English

Topic: Air Traffic Management and Optimization

Subfield: Aerospace Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,550