A NEW APPROACH TO PROBLEMS OF TRAFFIC FLOW THEORY

The problems of modelling traffic flow when approaching maximum capacity are outlined and a new approach developed by the authors is described. This method allows for the spontaneous formation of different kinds of localised structures in traffic flow as congestion increases. A comprehensive macroscopic model of traffic flow based on a 'Navier-Stokes-like' equation is is first considered. The decisive role of localised perturbation is then described which forms local clusters of vehicles of 3 types, a) a traffic jam, b) a low density traffic downstream which is formed by the jam and c) a transition layer between the low density traffic and the initial traffic flow. Diagrams of the different states of traffic flow are discussed. For the covering abstract see IRRD 886400.