Three-Dimensional Segmented Trajectory Optimization ... - Google Sites

Three-Dimensional Segmented Trajectory Optimization for Runway-Independent Aircraft Min Xue∗ and Ella M. Atkins† University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742 Vertical or short takeoff and landing aircraft can increase passenger throughput at crowded urban airports via the use of vertiports or stub runways. The concept of simultaneous non-interfering operations has been proposed to reduce terminal area traffic delays by creating approach and departure corridors that do not intersect existing fixedwing routes. This paper introduces an optimization technique for segmented 3-dimensional simultaneous non-interfering trajectory design based on an incremental search strategy which combines k-ary tree and Dijkstra’s algorithm. Existing fixed-wing traffic corridors are modelled as impenetrable obstacles. The objective function is based on the existing Quasi-Static Acoustic Mapping noise database for Blade-Vortex Interaction noise prediction and also population density distribution. Flight envelope limits are represented as search-space constraints. Final approach trajectories for Baltimore-Washington International airport are presented, illustrate the effects of population density, entry region, varied number of trajectory segments. This optimization tool will provide airport and airspace designers with a host of alterative trajectory options for analysis of potential landing sites, associated traffic procedures, and entry options.

Nomenclature V˙ V g x y z αT P P γ β µ t

Acceleration, f t/s2 Flight velocity, knots Gravitational constant, f t/s2 coordinate with direction from west to east, f t coordinate with direction from south to north, f t coordinate upward, f t Main rotor tip-path-plane angle, degree flight path longitudinal angle (in x − z plane), degree flight path lateral angle (in x − y plane), degree advance ratio time, s

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Introduction

The National Airspace System must accommodate the increasing demand for commercial air transportation. In urban environments, runway real estate is limited and airspace bottlenecks form when traffic merges to final approach and departure corridors. Runway-independent aircraft (RIA) can increase passenger throughput by offloading short to medium-haul (