A Platoon Dispersion Model Based on a Truncated Normal Distribution of Speed

Understanding platoon dispersion is critical for the coordination of traffic signal control in an urban traffic network. Assuming that platoon speed follows a truncated normal distribution, ranging from minimum speed to maximum speed, this paper develops a piecewise density function that describes p...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Ming Wei, Wenzhou Jin, Lvou Shen
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Hindawi Limited 2012-01-01
Series:Journal of Applied Mathematics
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2012/727839
Description
Summary:Understanding platoon dispersion is critical for the coordination of traffic signal control in an urban traffic network. Assuming that platoon speed follows a truncated normal distribution, ranging from minimum speed to maximum speed, this paper develops a piecewise density function that describes platoon dispersion characteristics as the platoon moves from an upstream to a downstream intersection. Based on this density function, the expected number of cars in the platoon that pass the downstream intersection, and the expected number of cars in the platoon that do not pass the downstream point are calculated. To facilitate coordination in a traffic signal control system, dispersion models for the front and the rear of the platoon are also derived. Finally, a numeric computation for the coordination of successive signals is presented to illustrate the validity of the proposed model.
ISSN:1110-757X
1687-0042