A semi-discrete model and its approach to a solution for a wide moving jam in traffic flow

Abstract

This paper investigates the analytical and numerical solutions to wide moving jams in traffic flow. Under the framework of the Lagrange coordinates, a semi-discrete model and a continuum model correlate with each other, in which the former model approaches the latter as the increment ΔM in the former model vanishes. This implies that the solution to a wide moving jam in the latter model, which can be analytically derived using the known theory, can be conceivably taken as an approximation to that of the former model. These results were verified through numerical simulations. Because a detailed understanding of the traffic phase “wide moving jam” is very important for the further development of Kerner’s three-phase traffic theory, this study helps to explain the empirical features of traffic breakdown and resulting congested traffic patterns that are observed in real traffic.