Defining Multi-Resolution Networks for Flow Contingency Management

Abstract

This paper describes a network modeling approach developed to support Flow Contingency Management, a component of the strategic traffic flow management system in the Next Generation Air Transportation System. The overall concept and associated modeling framework described in this paper provide a set of requirements for defining the network structure. Specifically, the network must be designed to allow a queuing model to propagate stochastic flows and analyze the impact of flow constraints as well as demandshaping controls. In addition, the network topology must result in a computationallytractable framework to support strategic timeframe decision making. To address these needs, a network model that uses multiple levels of resolution to represent various National Airspace System resources is proposed. Specifically, it is proposed that a boundary forming an area(s) of interest be defined, within which resources are represented at a greater level of detail than resources outside the area(s). Finally, an example problem, based on historic traffic and weather, is used to validate the effectiveness of using multiple levels of resolution within the network model and analyze the benefits and costs associated with proposing various boundaries on the area of interest.