Anisotropy in generic multi-class traffic flow models

Abstract

Traffic flow models and simulation tools are often used for traffic state estimation and prediction. Recently several multi-class models based on the kinematic wave traffic flow model have been introduced. These multi-class models take into account the heterogeneity of both vehicles and drivers. We analyse two important properties of these models: hyperbolicity and anisotropy. Both properties relate to the propagation speed of disturbances, as can be observed in real traffic. We discuss the importance of traffic flow models to be hyperbolic and anisotropic. Moreover, we develop a framework to analyse whether traffic flow models have these properties. Therefore, we derive a generic formulation of multi-class kinematic wave traffic flow models, rewrite it in the Lagrangian formulation and apply eigenvalue analysis to the resulting system of equations. Our analysis shows that most multi-class kinematic wave traffic flow models are indeed hyperbolic and anisotropic under certain modelling conditions.