Economics-Based Optimization of Unstable Flows

Abstract

As an example for the optimization of unstable flows, we present an economics-based method for deciding the optimal rates at which vehicles are allowed to enter a highway. It exploits the naturally occuring fluctuations of traffic flow and is flexible enough to adapt in real time to the transient flow characteristics of road traffic. Simulations based on realistic parameter values show that this strategy is feasible for naturally occurring traffic, and that even far from optimality, injection policies can improve traffic flow. Moreover, the same method can be applied to the optimization of flows of gases and granular media.

Revised version of ``Optimizing Traffic Flow'' (cond-mat/9809397). For related work see http://www.parc.xerox.com/dynamics/ and http://www.theo2.physik.uni-stuttgart.de/helbing.html

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Cited by in corpus (5)

• Traffic and Related Self-Driven Many-Particle Systems
• Modeling bursts and heavy tails in human dynamics
• A realistic two-lane traffic model for highway traffic
• Drift- or Fluctuation-Induced Ordering and Self-Organization in Driven Many-Particle Systems
• Density-feedback control in traffic and transport far from equilibrium