Qualitative analysis of some PDE models of traffic flow

Abstract

We review our previous results on partial differential equation(PDE) models of traffic flow. These models include the first order PDE models, a nonlocal PDE traffic flow model with Arrhenius look-ahead dynamics, and the second order PDE models, a discrete model which captures the essential features of traffic jams and chaotic behavior. We study the well-posedness of such PDE problems, finite time blow-up, front propagation, pattern formation and asymptotic behavior of solutions including the stability of the traveling fronts. Traveling wave solutions are wave front solutions propagating with a constant speed and propagating against traffic.