| 2004 Technology
Symposium > Modeling, Simulation and Training
Modeling, Simulation and Training
This area focuses on information technology to support training, and
technology and innovative application of modeling and simulation. The
information revolution is fueling changes in the workplace at an unprecedented
rate, and these changes are threatening to overwhelm conventional education
and training approaches. Fortunately, advanced instructional technologies
like embedded training and collaborative learning environments can help
warfighters and intelligence analysts adapt to these changes. Advances
in simulation infrastructure, interoperability architectures, and modeling
paradigms, have simplified the application of simulation, demonstrated
the feasibility of building simulations from reusable components, and
otherwise facilitated a revolution in simulation application.
Airport Demand/Capacity Model
Ashley Williams, Principal Investigator
Location(s): Washington
Problems
The FAA is exploring market-based solutions to capacity and demand imbalances at several airports. Evaluation of these possibilities requires high-fidelity modeling of the likely responses of airport users. However, in an industry with multiple interdependencies and demand for products based on at least five choice dimensions, a closed-form solution is simply intractable. Objectives
The project will construct a model of the envisioned airport environment that can anticipate the profit-driven evolution of airport users' schedules using the latest machine learning techniques. This will facilitate policy-relevant predictions such as changes to the average fares passengers will face, the number of destinations served, and the number of carriers at the airport. Activities
This research will finalize the model through a six-phase test plan, progressing from simple, easily validated to complex, not easily validated test cases. We will validate the core functionality under correspondingly simple test cases, then add and test more advanced functionality. At the conclusion of the test plan, analyses of price-based operations at LaGuardia (LGA) and Chicago O'Hare (ORD) will be completed. Impact
We plan to deliver the following products as a result of this research: a finalized Airport Demand/Capacity Model (ADCM); technical analyses of LGA and ORD capacity allocation policies, targeted for delivery to the FAA; technical paper(s) describing unique elements of ADCM, targeted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal; and possible conference presentation of technical papers.
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Integrated Time Sensitive Targeting and Interface Missile Defense Experimentation
Susmit Patel, Principal Investigator
Location(s): Washington
Problems
Current ballistic missile (BM) launch discovery results in a short engagement window, during which time BM defensive systems must discover, locate, identify, discriminate, engage, and evaluate. Late launch discovery may rule out certain weapon types (e.g., airborne lasers) and the short flight time of tactical BMs does not give sufficient time to use all possible assets. Objectives
We will demonstrate the viability and usefulness of integrating the Joint Time-Sensitive Targeting (TST) process with BM defense (BMD) systems to effectively extend the engagement window. We seek to understand issues related to interoperability and concepts of operations (CONOPS) for the Missile Defense Agency, and participate in information exchanges for the C2 BM communications element between TST and MD. Activities
We will conduct distributed evolving simulation experiments, employing simulation and C4I systems and leveraging the existing Joint TST multi-laboratory architecture. These experiments will assess constructive, distributed, and human-in-the-loop CONOPS; examine and identify interoperability problems, inserting technical fixes as appropriate; and examine the use of a high-level architecture as the data transfer mechanism/data model. We will document our results and recommendations. Impact
The TST process gathers information about missiles prior to launch. Sharing this information with traditional BMD systems allows repositioning/ prepositioning of assets such as the airborne laser, and allows time for Aegis to upload Aegis BMD software. If the missile type is known prior to launch, attack assets may be chosen earlier in the decision cycle, thus increasing probability of intercept/kill.
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Java Meets Simulation
Richard Weatherly, Principal Investigator
Location(s): Washington
Problems
Simulation early in the system development lifecycle is becoming more prevalent than ever. Building large simulation systems requires iterative development to determine the cost and utility of system requirements. Iterative development requires small, agile teams backed by modern tools. Today scalable, efficient simulations can be built only in proprietary languages that lack tools, third-party software, and developer culture. Objectives
We will make Java, with all its industry support and culture, a language suitable for building significant military and civilian simulations. Specifically, we will add support to Java for efficient, scalable process-based simulation. Activities
We will equip Java to support efficient, scalable coroutines and create an application-programmer interface (API) that supports efficient simulation while retaining access to all Java features. Our approach will maximize the likelihood that the modifications and additions can be absorbed into the Java standard. We will apply the simulation API to problems in air traffic control and military simulation. Impact
This work will enable small teams of programmers to construct significant simulations because the development tools available with Java will make programmers more productive. It will exploit Java's rich resources in graphics, databases, communications, XML, etc., and affect acquisition of large simulation systems by enabling "build a little, test a little" exploration of the cost and utility of system functions.
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Multi-Organizational Human-in-the-Loop Simulation
Patti Liguori, Principal Investigator
Location(s): Washington and Bedford
Problems
Joining air traffic control (ATC) simulations across organizations using the High-Level Architecture (HLA) is a complex and challenging problem. The framework for this environment must be developed from the outset to meet multiple application goals that can be transferred and applied to new objectives. Objectives
This project will assess the technical feasibility of a reusable framework to support multi-organizational human-in-the-loop simulations using HLA and joining different voice communication systems across firewalls. We will focus on creating a reusable model for answering research questions. Activities
Air/ground simulations are the basis for our research. We will build a model of a distributed simulation for sharing flight simulators using HLA and bridging different voice systems. The model will tie the MITRE CAASD simulated ATC ground system to an external flight simulator through laboratory and infrastructure enhancements. A demonstration of the model will be conducted in summer 2004. Impact
A model federation for sharing flight simulators across organizations could provide opportunities for aviation organizations to pursue further exploration of air/ground concepts, and may offer cost-effective methods to address air/ground research issues. It could also provide an opportunity for integrated research across organizations in support of the FAA's Operational Evolution Plan and Joint Planning Office.
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Nanotechnology Trends in Materials and Their Impact on Aviation
Sarah O'Donnell, Principal Investigator
Location(s): Washington
Problems
As nanotechnology influences materials engineering, a new breed of aircraft materials influences the possibilities for robust commercial aircraft with new operating envelopes and versatile flight profiles. How will nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotube reinforced polymer (CNRP) composites, enable new aircraft designs, adaptive wing structures, or massively redundant systems? How will the National Airspace System (NAS) evolve with such vehicles in aviation's future? Objectives
This investigation identifies new aircraft performance characteristics resulting from nanotechnology advances in aircraft materials and the potential propagation of these effects through the NAS. The research focuses on use of CNRP in aircraft structures. Additional work includes following trends in smart materials, molecular electronics, nanosensors, and other enabling innovations in nanotechnology. Activities
The work focuses on refining previous work on nanomaterials in airframes, and expanding the analysis to include molecular mechanics studies on CNRP and parametric aircraft design. We will then analyze the NAS impact of those new airframes using a combination of modeling and simulation tools. Internal and external publications will capture the methodology and analytical results. Impact
Ultra-strong, super-light materials such as CNRP dominate aircraft designs, leading to operational and performance efficiency gains as well as airspace capacity gains. Massively redundant systems may enable real-time nervous system-like health monitoring of the entire aircraft. Nanotechnology may produce enhancements in adaptive materials, leading to airframes with innate information processing capabilities and active flow control that optimizes flight performance.
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Next Generation Model of the National Airspace System
Fred Wieland, Principal Investigator
Location(s): Washington
Problems
Determining the system-wide impact of a local change to the National Airspace System (NAS) is a generic problem with specific instantiations. This project seeks to create a general architecture that runs flights in the NAS and allows analysts to customize that architecture to a particular problem. Many of today's system-wide models are hard to modify, contain outdated assumptions, and/or lack the necessary level of abstraction. Objectives
We will implement a system-wide model of the NAS on a portable PC environment using a programming technique that allows analysts to modify frequently changed algorithms easily. The system will run a full day simulation of the NAS (about 80,000 flights) in a few minutes, and will implement a varying level of detail, depending upon the context and scope of the question being analyzed. Activities
The research involves developing a flexible simulation architecture that is readily changed. The approach involves developing a "scripting" language and tools to easily manipulate and change the language and integrate the language into the overall software system. The simulation architecture/scripting language combination should provide a powerful tool to analyze impacts of various changes to the NAS. Impact
As system-wide modeling is one of MITRE's core businesses, building a flexible architecture will greatly facilitate our ability to address system-wide impact questions, which arise frequently.
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Runway Capacity Modeling for Complex Airports
John Barrer, Principal Investigator
Location(s): Washington
Problems
The Airfield Capacity Model (ACM) provides first-order estimates of the capacity of a runway layout. However, it can no longer support the analysis of all the increasingly complex airports. We will investigate whether a similar, quick turnaround analysis capability can be developed. Based on experience, we think that a combination of analytical models and simulation models can be used. Objectives
Our objective is to add functionality to the existing airfield capacity modeling process, by either extending the existing ACM or creating a new one, so that we have the capability to quickly evaluate the capacity of any runway system. We will improve the connections of the ACM to other MITRE models that rely on "capacity" as an input. Activities
We will develop a new model architecture, build a prototype, refine it, and then build a working model for a limited number of cases. We expect to develop a simulation model, with the user entering a limited set of parameters to control it. Simulation tools and techniques will likely include Monte Carlo, SLX, and Java. Impact
A new ACM that overcomes the current inability to model complex airports will improve our ability to respond to the needs of our stakeholders. The ACM will continue to be the tool for evaluating major investment decisions in aviation infrastructure. Improving the connections to other MITRE modeling tools will enhance our total modeling capability.
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