Paramics Simulation of Periodic Oscillations Caused by Network Geometry

Abstract

Traffic oscillations such as stop-and-go waves in a traffic system can occur for a variety of reasons, such as instabilities. This paper describes a study of a type of periodic oscillations caused by network geometry with a microscopic simulation model, Paramics. With careful tuning in Paramics, periodic oscillations in which traffic states change periodically between a diverging junction and a merging junction are successfully simulated. The formation process is discussed in detail. The study suggests that, given an appropriate network structure and traffic conditions, the local oscillations caused by randomness in car-following and lane-changing models in Paramics can be maintained and can become periodic and global. Finally, the consistencies between a macroscopic kinematic wave model and Paramics are discussed, and future research topics and the implications of the findings of the study are presented.