Search arXivSearch

arXiv · 2608.27159

A multi-class kinetic traffic flow model: discrete-velocity formulation and diffusively-corrected macroscopic limits

Abstract

This paper introduces a multi-class extension of a discrete-velocity kinetic traffic flow model based on a non-local Prigogine-Herman framework. We derive a hyperbolically scaled system of equations from a continuous kinetic formulation describing interactions between different vehicle classes through braking and relaxation terms. The model is then discretized with respect to the velocity variable for an arbitrary number of vehicle classes, and the structural properties of the resulting formulation are analyzed. In particular, we prove hyperbolicity and total linear degeneracy. Due to the non-conservative structure of the model, we employ a path-conservative finite volume scheme for the numerical approximation of the system. Finally, we derive the corresponding diffusively-corrected macroscopic multi-class model, investigate its stability and present numerical simulations on a single-lane road to illustrate the theoretical findings.

Explore related subjects

Keep this discovery

BibTeXRIS

Carmen Mezquita-Nieto, Paola Goatin, Axel Klar. 2026-08-28. A multi-class kinetic traffic flow model: discrete-velocity formulation and diffusively-corrected macroscopic limits. https://arxiv.org/abs/2608.27159

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

Discover connections

Connections use source metadata and explicit phrase matches, not verified experimental comparisons.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related papers

Two Adjoint Perspectives on Fokker-Planck Optimization: A Microscopic-Macroscopic Correspondence

The Fokker-Planck equation admits both a macroscopic Eulerian description through probability densities and a microscopic Lagrangian description through stochastic trajectories. Consequently, optimization problems constrained by the Fokker-Planck equation can be formulated from either perspective. Surprisingly, the corresponding adjoint equations appear to be fundamentally different: the macroscopic adjoint is governed by the backward Kolmogorov equation, whereas the microscopic adjoint evolves pathwise along stochastic trajectories. In this note, we reconcile these two formulations by establishing their correspondence in the continuum setting. We further show that, although their discrete gradients no longer coincide after discretization, both provide consistent numerical approximations of the continuum gradient. Explicit convergence rates are established for both discretization strategies.

math.NA

The Ramshaw-Mesina Hybrid Algorithm applied to the Navier Stokes Equations

In 1991, Ramshaw and Mesina proposed a novel synthesis of penalty methods and artificial compression methods. When the two were balanced they found the combination was 3-4 orders more accurate than either alone. This report begins the study of their interesting method applied to the Navier-Stokes equations. We perform stability analysis, semi-discrete error analysis, and tests of the algorithm. Although most of the results for implicit time discretizations of our numerical tests comply with theirs for explicit time discretizations, the behavior in damping pressure oscillations and violations of incompressibility are different from their findings and our heuristic analysis.

math.NA

Spatial symmetry invariance of solution of Kolmogorov flow

We prove a mathematical theorem that solution for all $t > 0$ of the two-dimensional (2D) Kolmogorov flow governed by Navier-Stokes (NS) equations with periodic boundary condition keeps the same spatial symmetry as its smooth initial condition. The proof of a similar theorem for the three-dimensional NS equations is given in the appendix. These mathematical theorems can be used to check the correctness and reliability of numerical simulations of NS turbulence. For example, they support the corresponding CNS (clean numerical simulation) results of the 2D and 3D turbulent Kolmogorov flows [1-3] that remain the same spatial symmetry in the whole time interval of simulation, but do not support the corresponding DNS (direct numerical simulation) results that lose the spatial symmetry quickly. In other words, these DNS results violate these mathematical theorems. Thus, these mathematical theorems rigorously confirm that the spatiotemporal trajectories of NS turbulence given by DNS are indeed quickly polluted by numerical noises badly. All of these indicate that CNS can indeed provide helpful enlightenments to deepen our understanding about turbulence and besides approach some mathematical truths about NS equations.

physics.flu-dyn