A new platooning model for connected and autonomous vehicles to improve string stability

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel platooning model for connected autonomous vehicles that improves string stability by using a leader-only communication strategy, supported by theoretical analysis and simulations.

Contribution

It proposes a new 'look-to-the-leader' platooning approach with a dynamic model and stability proofs, advancing vehicle coordination methods.

Findings

The model enhances traffic flow stability compared to traditional strategies.

Simulation results confirm the theoretical stability analysis.

The approach effectively manages communication delays in platooning.

Abstract

This paper presents a novel approach to coordinated vehicle platooning, where the platoon followers communicate solely with the platoon leader. A dynamic model is proposed to account for driving safety under communication delays. General linear stability results are mathematically proven, and numerical simulations are performed to analyze the impact of model parameters in two scenarios: a ring road with initial disturbance and an infinite road with periodic disturbance. The simulation outcomes align with the theoretical analysis, demonstrating that the proposed "look-to-the-leader" platooning strategy significantly outperforms conventional car-following strategies, such as following one or two vehicles ahead, in terms of traffic flow stabilization. This paper introduces a new perspective on organizing platoons for autonomous vehicles, with implications for enhancing traffic stability.