0/0/6/0 + 0/0/4/0

The course discusses traffic flow and the relation between individual movmenents and collective patterns. How does congestion start and how does it propagate. The following topics are discussed:

Lecture 1: Variables, speed averaging, headway distributions
Lecture 2: Cumulative flow curves, vertical queuing
Lecture 3: Macroscopic characteristics, q=ku, fundamental diagram
Lecture 4: Shockwave theory I
Lecture 5: Shockwave theory II (moving bottleneck)
Lecture 6: Phenomena: Traffic state recognition, capacity drop, stop-and-go, stability
Lecture 7: Macroscopic models: Cell Transmission Model, Lagrangian coordinates
Lecture 8: Car-following I
Lecture 9: Car-following II
Lecture 10: Tree phases of traffic, the use of simulation models
Lecture 11: Multi-lane traffic flow
Lecture 12: Macroscopic Fundamental Diagram (or Network Fundamental Diagram)
Lecture 13: Pedestrians

After successful completion of the course, a student is able to:
- apply the equation q=ku
-analyse and explain the differences between observation methods, in particular the effects of moving observers and averaging methods (time mean vs space mean)
-apply traffic simulation models, both microscopic and macroscopic, and explain their shortcomings
-describe traffic dynamics using shockwave theory
-describe the traffic situation in the three coordinates of traffic (N, X, T) and comment on the advantages of each
-construct and interpret x,t plots, and to apply Edies definitions of density, flow and average speed
-describe lane changing maneuvers and the effects thereof on the traffic stream
-recognize traffic states from traffic measurements, and derive the causes for the observed traffic states
-aanalyse a traffic problem, make reasonable behavioural assumptions thereof and make queuing calculations
-link the theory to observation techniques and vice versa
-evaluate the differences in methodology to calculate delays in a traffic network, and choose an appropriate one

Lectures, computer assignments

during the assignment, the use of MATLAB is encouraged (and can be learned on-the-go, although it would require more time than if one already knows)

Follow-up courses: CIE 4822, CIE 5804

Lecture notes available via blackboard
Old exams and answers

Written examen, open questions and practical (groups of 3 students)
The assignment result is only valid in the (study) year the assingment is made. If the student fails the course, a new assignment has to be done.

Written exam >5 and practical >5

Calculus

Thinking (critical, analytical)
Interpretation
Writing reports, reviews, articles
Cooperation
Problem solving
Judgemental skills
Debating and discussion.
Reasoning/arguing
Logic

Lecture notes available via blackboard. Optional background books (not used in lecturing or exam preparation, only for reference material):
Kesting, Arne. Traffic Flow Dynamics: Data, Models and Simulation. Springer Science & Business Media, 2012.
Elefteriadou, L. (2014). An introduction to traffic flow theory. Springer.

Calculation: 70% written exam and 30% assignment

calculator
1 A4 hand written, two sides max 30 lines/side, and 50 characters/line
(allowed: graphs, text, equations, ...)