This document discusses how fluid dynamics principles can be applied to traffic management. It outlines key concepts in fluid dynamics like continuum, rate of flow, and continuity equation that also apply to traffic flow. Analogies are drawn between liquid flow and traffic flow, like how viscosity causes slower vehicles at boundaries and velocity gradients. Applications discussed include using fluid dynamics to simulate traffic, design road widths, and optimize signal timings to minimize traffic jams. The document concludes by mentioning a program developed to calculate accurate signal timings at an intersection using fluid dynamics and traffic data.
Application of Fluid Dynamics In Traffic Management
1. Application of Fluid Dynamics in
Traffic Management
Jaydeep Deshpande
S.E. Mechanical,
PVG’s COET, Pune.
2. Fluid Dynamics
• Science which studies various flow conditions
• It explains energy and mass balance in fluid
system
• It can be studied by focusing on a particle or
focusing at a point in fluid to understand the
nature of the flow.
3. Fluid Dynamics
• Continuum- a continuous and homogeneous
medium is called as continuum.
• Rate of flow- quantity of the liquid/gas flowing
per second through a given channel.
• Continuity equation- it gives condition of
conservation of mass in fluid system.
4. Traffic flow
• Traffic flow is flow of vehicles.
• Roads can be considered as channels through
which vehicles can travel.
• Can we apply same governing principles to
traffic flow as we apply on liquid/gas flow?
6. Viscosity in liquids.
• It is a phenomenon which occurs due to
cohesion and momentum transfer.
• Fluid particles near the boundaries stick to the
walls and form boundary layers.
• Layers near the boundary also try to slow
down neighboring layers which forms a
velocity gradient along the width up to a
certain distance.
7. Viscosity in traffic flow
• It is evident that vehicles travelling along the
boundaries move slower.
• As in case of non-ideal fluids, there are
interactions between moving vehicles, which
are necessary to maintain safe distance and
velocity.
8. Nozzle effects
• The diagram shows a typical
nozzle.
• Velocity of the liquid
increases through the
nozzle and pressure drops.
• Formation of eddies at the
junction of throat and exit
part if half divergence angle
is too large.
12. Applications:
• Dynamic assist- generalized traffic conditions
can be simulated using statistical data, and
then it can be used to guide vehicles in their
course such that traffic jams could be avoided.
• When constructing structures shapes as
discussed earlier can be used so as to minimize
the impact on traffic conditions.
13. Applications:
• It can help in designing roads, where proper
width and margin needs to be maintained,
with traffic and space considerations.
• It can play an important role in adjusting
signal timings. As per the traffic conditions, it
can precisely vary signal timings so as to avoid
blocks, and that will ensure a uniform traffic
flow even when flow rates are high.
14. With certain assumptions and
statistical data of Karve Road
traffic, a program has been
developed to calculate accurate
signal timings at Nal Stop.