An extended continuum model with consideration of the self-anticipative effect

Abstract

Drivers would adjust the speeds in response to not only the external environment, but also the anticipated traffic condition. In this paper, we propose a new continuum model considering the driver’s self-anticipative effect. Such effect is mainly reflected by the difference between the current speed and optimal speed within the anticipation time step. By applying the linear stability theory, the stability condition of the new model is obtained. Through the nonlinear analysis method, the KdV–Burgers equation of the model is provided. The solution describes the evolution of density waves near the neutral stability region. The simulation example verifies that the self-anticipative effect of the driver contributes to suppressing traffic congestion and reducing exhaust emissions effectively. We thus suggest that the traffic flow stability could be improved in an ad hoc manner.