Phase Transitions in Traffic Models

TL;DR

This paper explores the nature of phase transitions in traffic models, proposing a correspondence with the asymmetric chipping model to analyze whether jamming transitions occur.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach linking traffic models to the asymmetric chipping model to study phase transitions in traffic flow.

Findings

Jamming phase transition does not occur in models with the proposed correspondence.

Traffic systems show a smooth crossover from free-flow to jammed states.

The approach clarifies conditions under which phase transitions are absent.

Abstract

It is suggested that the question of existence of a jamming phase transition in a broad class of single-lane cellular-automaton traffic models may be studied using a correspondence to the asymmetric chipping model. In models where such correspondence is applicable, jamming phase transition does not take place. Rather, the system exhibits a smooth crossover between free-flow and jammed states, as the car density is increased.