Adaptation of Social Force Model for simulation of downhill skiing

Abstract

This paper describes an agent-based model of downhill skiing traffic. Our main purpose is research into skiers’ physics and behavior modeled with the use of a modified social force approach. The proposed model includes the following social forces: way-point forces – directing a skier towards consecutive way-points on the slope, skiers’ repulsion forces – keeping distance between skiers using a concept of skier's social ellipses, obstacle repulsion forces – keeping skiers away from obstacles, and slope edge repulsion – keeping a skier along the slope route using repulsion force inspired by Biot–Savart law. The proposed model also includes additional behaviors: slowing down when exceeding the skier's safe speed and braking before the end of the slope as well as a possibility of using accelerating force from ski poles. The study takes into account the whole system including ski routes and ski lifts.