Research On Modeling Of Apron Push-back Simulation

As a major part of the airfield, apron plays an important role in holding aircrafts, and loading or unloading passengers as well as cargo. How to articulate the ability that apron deals with aircrafts is significantly critical for assessing the ability of apron system to accommodate flights, developing gate assignment plan, and improving the utilization rate of gate. It mainly focuses on simulating apron pushback from the sight of operation.It first introduces the basic concepts of apron and the factors affecting the apron size.Second, detailed descriptions of apron operation circuit and pushback process are explained and conflicts that may arise during the operation are discussed. Third, theory of agent and communication methods and coordination manners used in construction model are described.By using AnyLogic as the simulation modeling platform, a blackboard model based on contract is established and takes versatility into consideration. And the basic frame and structure are determined in accordance with the method of software engineering and pushback simulation system is created. What's more, factors that affect the operation efficiency of apron are summarized and aprons are reclassified to propose evaluation index of apron operation efficiency. And by applying simulation methods to analyzing quantitative effects of different factors having on operation efficiency, the influence of each factor is defined. Finally, Xiamen International Airport is used as an example of simulation to quantitatively analyze and evaluate the operation efficiency of aprons.Research shows that based on Agent technology, the use of the blackboard model for communication and taking contract net protocol as a coordination mechanism can realistically simulate the operation process of the aircraft in the apron. Also, when faced with the solution of the conflict, avoidance strategy is more in line with the controller's control and command experience habit. In conclusion, simulation based on Agent is versatile, and offers a fine simulation to the pushback process. The simulation data can be a good guidance to the airport operation and management.