MODELLING THE STABILITY OF TRAFFIC FLOW UNDER AUTOMATED VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEMS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35546/kntu2078-4481.2026.3.12Keywords:
traffic flow, traffic flow stability, mathematical model, spatial density heterogeneity, automated speed control, traffic flow disturbancesAbstract
This article examines the problem of ensuring traffic flow stability in the context of increasing traffic volume and the widespread adoption of automated vehicle speed control systems. The relevance of this research stems from the need to improve the efficiency of road transport operations, reduce fluctuations in traffic speed, and prevent traffic congestion.
The aim of the work is to develop an analytical model for stabilizing traffic flow, taking into account the spatial heterogeneity of traffic density and the parameters of automated speed control.
The paper proposes a generalized mathematical model of traffic flow that accounts for the dynamics of vehicle interaction within a platoon, spatial changes in density, and the influence of automated control systems. Unlike classical vehicle-following models, the proposed approach involves extended vehicle interaction, taking into account information about several preceding vehicles, as well as the influence of spatial density gradients.
Based on the developed model, an analytical study of traffic stability and numerical modelling of the propagation and damping processes of velocity and density disturbances were carried out. It was established that velocity disturbances are wave-like in nature and, under stable conditions, gradually dampen along the traffic platoon. The formation of local zones of increased and decreased density is demonstrated, which corresponds to the patterns of traffic wave propagation.
A fundamental diagram has been constructed, which confirms the existence of a relationship between density and traffic volume and identifies the critical regime at which maximum road capacity is achieved. The influence of automated speed control parameters, in particular the degree to which information about vehicles ahead is taken into account, on traffic stability has been investigated. It has been established that their optimization contributes to a reduction in speed fluctuations and an increase in traffic flow stability.
The practical significance of the results lies in their potential use for evaluating the effectiveness of automated speed control algorithms and increasing the capacity of motorways in intelligent transport systems.
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