Exploring the Relationship of Exit Flow and Jam Density in Panic Scenarios Using Animal Dynamics

Abstract

There are few studies investigating crowd dynamics in panic situations. They used measures such as exit flow rate to explore the exit performance in evacuation scenarios. However, there is limited research exploring the relationship of exit flow rate and density behind the exit for panic scenarios. This study presents a macro level analysis to investigate the relationship of exit flow and exit jam characteristics. Animal group behavior (i.e. panicked woodlice experiments) is utilized for data analysis. The results reveal that change in woodlice escaping behavior cause an increasing trend in exit capacity as the jam behind the exit increases.