A multi-class non-local macroscopic model with time delay for mixed autonomous / human-driven traffic

Abstract

In this paper, we present a class of systems of non-local conservation laws in one space-dimension incorporating time delay, which can be used to investigate the interaction between autonomous and human-driven vehicles, each characterized by a different reaction time and interaction range. We construct approximate solutions using a Hilliges-Weidlich scheme and we provide uniform L $\infty$ and BV estimates which ensure the convergence of the scheme, thus obtaining existence of entropy weak solutions of bounded variation. Uniqueness follows from an L 1 stability result derived from the entropy condition. Additionally, we provide numerical simulations to illustrate applications to mixed autonomous / human-driven traffic flow modeling. In particular, we show that the presence of autonomous vehicles improves overall traffic flow and stability.