A Mathematical Model for Locating a Plane Lost Over a Large Body of Water
Abstract
As seen with the missing flight MH370, when a plane disappears, time is of the essence. If the location of the downed plane is unknown, a logical and time-sensitive search method is needed. We present a mathematical model to find a plane traveling from point A to point B that disappears over a large body of water. Furthermore, we consider variables such as ocean currents and flight paths. Our model describes a method to determine the search area for the downed plane and an efficient algorithm to canvass the region, incorporating the effects of time and ocean current patterns. We also present an example that implements our model and calculates the time it would take to find the downed plane.
Session Name:
Poster Presentation Session #1 - Poster #13
Start Date
10-4-2015 11:30 AM
End Date
10-4-2015 12:15 PM
Location
HSB 3rd Floor Student Commons
A Mathematical Model for Locating a Plane Lost Over a Large Body of Water
HSB 3rd Floor Student Commons
As seen with the missing flight MH370, when a plane disappears, time is of the essence. If the location of the downed plane is unknown, a logical and time-sensitive search method is needed. We present a mathematical model to find a plane traveling from point A to point B that disappears over a large body of water. Furthermore, we consider variables such as ocean currents and flight paths. Our model describes a method to determine the search area for the downed plane and an efficient algorithm to canvass the region, incorporating the effects of time and ocean current patterns. We also present an example that implements our model and calculates the time it would take to find the downed plane.