Using Mathematics to predict traffic flow Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Using Mathematics to predict traffic flow - Essay Example In this paper, we study microscopic model in detail, which utilizes ordinary differential equations. We also provide the reasons for studying the traffic flow and the current applications in science. The basic aim of studying traffic is to comprehend traffic jamming and find ways to prevent it. The aim is to provide well-organized movement of traffic while reducing congestion problems. Traffic modeling is studied in different disciplines and each of the fields explains why we study traffic. In Engineering, civil engineers are interested in traffic to be able to forecast and model traffic flow to generate operative and safe road systems and intersections. In addition, electrical engineers may create intelligent electronic appliances, which will monitor and get used to traffic conditions. Besides, environmental engineers may study how traffic jamming affects fuel consumption and air pollution. For city planners, they study traffic to determine the most effectively use and apply traffic systems. A city planner may need to decide the effectof the addition of an on-ramp to a freeway or if to construct a bypass. Moreover, a city planner may need to determine certain types of cars that should be prevented from a certain roadway. The traffic models can assist state government and city planners to determine speed limits. Through creation of accurate simulations of traffic models, computer scientists enable city planners and engineers to rapidly test new designs. Simulations can define how a planned change in infrastructure will influence traffic before any building is initiated. There are two current types of models namely macroscopic and microscopic. Both models have modern state-of-the-art equations. Macroscopic models research on traffic from a general or average perspective whereas microscopic models research on the motion of individual vehicles. The traffic jams can be studied with both types of models. The models can simulate