Paramics Simulation of Periodic Oscillations Caused by Network Geometry

Traffic oscillations such as stop-and-go waves in a traffic system can be caused by reasons such as instabilities. In this paper, we intend to study a type of periodic oscillations caused by network geometry with a microscopic simulation model, Paramics. With careful tuning in Paramics, we successfully simulate such periodic oscillations, in which traffic states change periodically between a diverging junction and merging junction, and the formation process is discussed in details. This study also suggests that, given appropriate network structure and traffic conditions, local oscillations caused by randomness in car-following and lane-changing models in Paramics can maintain and become periodical and global. Finally, consistencies between a macroscopic kinematic wave model and Paramics are discussed, and future research topics and implications of the study presented.