Modeling and simulation of traffic flow based on memory effect and driver characteristics

Abstract

In this paper, an improvement of the full velocity difference model is presented, which comprehensively considers driver characteristics which include aggressive and timid behaviors and memory effect. The stability condition of the improved model is obtained by making use of the small perturbation method. The Burgers, Korteweg–de Vries and modified Korteweg–de Vries equations are derived by means of the reductive perturbation method. Finally, through numerical simulation, the traffic flow evolution process of the improved model under two typical conditions is observed. The first is the starting process, and the second is the propagation process of disturbance in traffic flow. The results of numerical simulation and theoretical analysis demonstrate that the multiple driver characteristics considered in the improved model have important influences on traffic flow stability and the ease of traffic jams, and the model can quickly recover to its original state in case of the disturbance. • A new car following model is presented, which considers memory effect and driver characteristics including aggressive and timid behaviors. • The stability conditions of the extended model are obtained with the use of the small perturbation method. • The Burgers, Korteweg–de Vries and modified Korteweg–de Vries equations are derived by means of the reduced perturbation method. • The starting process and the propagation process of disturbance are carried out, the results are much closer to actual traffic.