Researchers Work to Improve Air Transport

Oct. 5, 2006
The Purdue University simulation is part of research with NASA to develop an air transportation system concept that would be better able to withstand such factors as severe weather, equipment malfunctions and shifting future demand.

Scientists say they've created a mathematical simulation that could be used to ease U.S. airport congestion and improve the overall transportation system.

The Purdue University simulation is part of research with NASA to develop an air transportation system concept that would be better able to withstand such factors as severe weather, equipment malfunctions and shifting future demand, said Daniel DeLaurentis, an assistant professor of aeronautics and astronautics.

"There have been other studies of next-generation air transportation systems, but they typically focus on particular aspects or details, such as the need for a certain kind of airplane, radar system or runway additions at large airports," DeLaurentis said. "What we do in this study is look at technological, economic and policy factors simultaneously, and that was our unique starting point. One of the problems in the current system is that it takes so long to develop new capacity at a major airport that by the time the capacity is available, the demand has already changed."

A report based on the research was completed earlier this year and submitted to NASA.

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