Collision Geometry Formulae and Application to Collision Warning Techniques.

Abstract

The paper discusses two dimensional collision geometry in which straight and nonaccelerated flight paths are assumed. A derivation of the time dependence of the range (R), relative velocity (dR/dt), and relative acceleration (2nd dR/dt) will be presented and the quantities expressed as a function of R. The time to collision (tau) will be discussed, also. These quantities are applied to realistic collision geometries based on present Army aircraft operations. Also, a discussion of relative velocity versus range curves with reference to tau min (where tau = dR/(dR/dt)) and constant range warning lines is given. These parameters are incorporated in present state-of-the-art techniques such as the Doppler and range increment techniques. The former technique attempts to detect any change in the Doppler frequency when tau = tau min ( in this case, 15 seconds). A change in the Doppler frequency indicates a noncollision course. The range increment technique measures differences in ranges over small constant time intervals and uses these range changes to obtain tau. A sample error measurement analysis in one of the low range rate change situations gives an indication of the magnitude of the range error measurement. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 1971
Accession Number
AD0723977

Entities

People

  • Anthony Musillo

Organizations

  • United States Army Communications-Electronics Command

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aircrafts
  • Army Aircraft
  • Collisions
  • Flight
  • Flight Paths
  • Frequency
  • Geometry
  • Intervals
  • Mathematics
  • Measurement
  • Physical Properties
  • Time Dependence
  • Time Intervals
  • Two Dimensional

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Approximation Theory.
  • Geodesy
  • Molecular Photonics/Laser Physics

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Orbital Debris