English

Economics-Based Optimization of Unstable Flows

Statistical Mechanics 2009-10-31 v1

Abstract

As an example for the optimization of unstable flows, we present an economics-based method for deciding the optimal rates at which vehicles are allowed to enter a highway. It exploits the naturally occuring fluctuations of traffic flow and is flexible enough to adapt in real time to the transient flow characteristics of road traffic. Simulations based on realistic parameter values show that this strategy is feasible for naturally occurring traffic, and that even far from optimality, injection policies can improve traffic flow. Moreover, the same method can be applied to the optimization of flows of gases and granular media.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.cond-mat/9908021,
  title  = {Economics-Based Optimization of Unstable Flows},
  author = {Bernardo A. Huberman and Dirk Helbing},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:cond-mat/9908021},
  year   = {2009}
}

Comments

Revised version of ``Optimizing Traffic Flow'' (cond-mat/9809397). For related work see http://www.parc.xerox.com/dynamics/ and http://www.theo2.physik.uni-stuttgart.de/helbing.html

R2 v1 2026-07-22T12:13:49.928Z