A two-lane lattice hydrodynamic model considering multiple information of preceding cars

Abstract

In this paper, a new lattice hydrodynamic model is proposed in two-lane traffic systems, considering multiple information of preceding cars. Multiple density difference and multiple flux difference effects are considered to improve traffic stability and reduce energy consumption. Stability condition is acquired by applying linear stability theory. Nonlinear analysis is conducted, the mKdV equation is derived, and the kink–antikink solution is obtained from the mKdV equation near the critical point. Numerical simulation validates theoretical analysis that the more information the drivers obtain, the smoother the traffic flow becomes, and the more the energy consumptions are reduced. Even it is found that considering only one preceding car with the combination of two types of information is better to improve traffic flow as well as save energy than considering three cars ahead with single type of information. This signifies that multiple density difference and multiple flux difference can enlarge the stable region and suppress traffic congestion as well as save energy effectively.