33.6. Macroscopic Flow Models

Try these first

1. 1.

   Define macroscopic flow models.

   Hint

   Focus on the fluid-like behavior of traffic.

2. 2.

   What does the continuity equation represent?

   Hint

   Think of what 'conservation' means in a traffic context.

3. 3.

   What does the continuity equation represent in traffic flow?

   • Rate of flow conservation
   • Density changes
   • Vehicle breakdowns

   Hint

   Consider what happens when cars enter or leave a roadway.

4. 4.

   True or False: A shockwave in traffic indicates smooth and consistent traffic flow.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think of situations causing sudden speed changes.

5. 5.

   Calculate traffic flow given a specific density using the continuity equation and flow-density relationships.

   Hint

   Refer back to the function for flow as related to density.

6. 6.

   Evaluate how a change in road design could alter density and flow dynamics based on shockwave theory.

   Hint

   Think of bottlenecks and road expansion.