Modeling and Analysis of Mixed Traffic Flow Considering Driver Stochasticity and CAV Connectivity Uncertainty

Abstract

As connected and autonomous vehicle (CAV) technologies are rapidly integrated into modern transportation systems, understanding the dynamics of mixed traffic flow involving both human-driven vehicles (HVs) and CAVs is becoming increasingly important, particularly under uncertain conditions. In this paper, we propose a car-following model framework to investigate the combined effects of driver stochasticity and connectivity uncertainties of CAVs on mixed traffic flow. The proposed framework can capture the inherent stochastic variations in human driving behavior by extending the classic intelligent driver model (IDM) with a Langevin-type stochastic differential equation. A car-following model with multi-anticipation control is developed for CAVs, explicitly incorporating sensor noise, communication delays, and dynamic connectivity. Extensive numerical simulations demonstrate that higher CAV penetration leads to more stable traffic flows. Even with certain levels of connectivity uncertainty, CAVs can still effectively stabilize the traffic. However, driver stochasticity has a pronounced impact on traffic stability-greater variability in driver behavior tends to reduce overall stability. Furthermore, sensitivity analyses reveal that in pure CAV environments, sensor noise, communication delays and communication ranges can affect traffic stability and energy consumption. In contrast, in mixed traffic conditions, the inherent instability of HV behavior tends to dominate and diminish the relative influence of CAV connectivity-related uncertainties. These findings underscore the necessity of robust sensor fusion and error compensation strategies to fully realize the potential of CAV technology. In mixed traffic environments, measures should be taken to minimize the adverse effects of HVs on CAV performance.

Topics & Concepts