Cellular automaton model within the fundamental-diagram approach reproducing some findings of the three-phase theory

Jun-fang Tian, Zhen-zhou Yuan, Martin Treiber, Bin Jia and Wen-yi Zhang

Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, 2012, vol. 391, issue 11, 3129-3139

Abstract: We propose a simple cellular automaton for traffic flow within the fundamental diagram, which could reproduce aspects of the three-phase theory. This so-called average space gap model (ASGM) is based on the Nagel–Schreckenberg model with additional slow-to-start and anticipation rules. The anticipation rule takes into account the average space gap of multiple leading vehicles and conveys to the model its three-phase property. Due to the anticipation rule, ASGM can show the transition from free flow to synchronized flow. Due to the slow-to-start rule, ASGM can show the spontaneous wide moving jam emerges in the synchronized flow. Simulations are carried out for periodic and open boundary conditions. Under periodic boundary condition, the fundamental diagram, and the properties of synchronized flow are studied. Under open boundary condition, different congested patterns induced by an on-ramp are analyzed. We found that the ASGM produces the same spatiotemporal dynamics as many of the more complex three-phase models. Due to its simplicity and its close relation to conventional slow-to-start models, this model can shed light on the relation between ‘two-phase’ and three-phase models.

Keywords: Cellular automaton; Synchronized traffic flow; Fundamental diagram; Three-phase theory (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2012
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (8)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:phsmap:v:391:y:2012:i:11:p:3129-3139

DOI: 10.1016/j.physa.2011.12.067

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