Maximum Flow Rates for Capacity Estimation in Level Flight with Convective Weather Constraints

This article discusses problems arising from maximum flow rates in airspace capacity estimation given the condition of convective weather constraint. This problem is a projection for future air traffic control (ATC) and air traffic management where routing logistics are removed and given over strictly to geometrical limitations of prevailing weather conditions. Four varying flows, with descriptors referencing the quantified aircraft flows, are discussed in the article: unidirectional routes, all altitudes, monotonic rule, and alternating altitude rule. Simulation tests, based on both real and synthesized data, were conducted for these flows with maximum flow rates being determined. This throughput rate was then compared to the theoretical upper bound that is typically used in network flow theory. A complexity metric for the given situations is also presented herein.