Path integration (PI) method for the parameter-retrieval of aircraft wake vortex by Lidar

Area of Science:

• Aerospace Engineering
• Atmospheric Science
• Fluid Dynamics

Background:

• Aircraft wake vortices pose significant aviation safety risks to following aircraft.
• Real-time detection of these vortices is crucial for preventing potential hazards.
• Vortex-core positions and velocity circulations are key parameters for wake vortex characterization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel algorithm, the Path Integration (PI) method, for retrieving aircraft wake vortex characteristic parameters.
• To enhance the accuracy and efficiency of wake vortex detection systems.
• To improve the adaptability of detection methods in turbulent atmospheric conditions.

Main Methods:

• Utilizes Doppler velocity distribution to pinpoint vortex-core positions.
• Employs line-of-sight (LOS) Doppler velocity integration to derive circulation as a linear expression.
• Applies the least squares method to solve for circulation values.
• Incorporates a vortex-core position adjustment to account for Lidar beam scanning effects.

Main Results:

• The Path Integration (PI) method accurately retrieves vortex-core positions and velocity circulations.
• The method demonstrates improved adaptability in turbulent environments and noise mitigation.
• Validation with numerical simulations and field data from Hong Kong and Tsingtao airports confirms high performance.

Conclusions:

• The Path Integration (PI) method offers an accurate and efficient approach for real-time aircraft wake vortex detection.
• Doppler velocity integration enhances robustness against turbulence and noise.
• This technique significantly contributes to improving aviation safety through advanced wake vortex monitoring.