Existence of traveling wave solutions in continuous OV models

TL;DR

This paper proves the existence of traveling wave solutions in macroscopic traffic flow models derived from microscopic car-following models, providing a rigorous analytical foundation for understanding congestion wave propagation.

Contribution

It establishes the existence of traveling wave solutions in hydrodynamic models, bridging the gap between microscopic and macroscopic traffic models through analytical methods.

Findings

Existence of traveling wave solutions in macroscopic models.

Characterization of congestion wave properties.

Analytical validation of model relationships.

Abstract

In traffic flow, self-organized wave propagation, which characterizes congestion, has been reproduced in macroscopic and microscopic models. Hydrodynamic models, a subset of macroscopic models, can be derived from microscopic-level car-following models, and the relationship between these models has been investigated. However, most validations have relied on numerical methods and formal analyses; therefore, analytical approaches are necessary to rigorously ensure their validity. This study aims to investigate the relationship between macroscopic and microscopic models based on the properties of the solutions corresponding to congestion with sparse and dense waves. Specifically, we demonstrate the existence of traveling wave solutions in macroscopic models and investigate their properties.