Many-neighbour interaction and non-locality in traffic models

The optimal-velocity model, as proposed by Bando et al. [1], shows unrealistic values of the acceleration for various optimal-velocity functions [2,3]. We discuss different approaches of how to correct this problem. Multiple look-ahead (many-neighbour interaction) models are the most promising candidates in reducing accelerations and decelerations to realistic values. We focus on two such models and, in particular, their linear stability and how these affect the vehicle dynamics and wave solutions. As found earlier [4], multiple look-ahead models reproduce many real flow features, and our results further support the necessity of this ansatz. However, the problem of non-locality arises when they are transformed into the corresponding continuum model. We discuss three methods of how to interpret many-neighbour interaction in macroscopic models.Received: 27 March 2004, Published online: 12 July 2004PACS: 45.70.Vn Granular models of complex systems; traffic flow - 89.90. + n Other topics in areas of applied and interdisciplinary physics - 47.50. + d Non-Newtonian fluid flows     

On subgroups of finite index in compact Hausdorff groups

Let G be a compact Hausdorff group and n a positive integer. It is proved that all subnormal subgroups of G of index dividing n are open if and only if there are only finitely many such subgroups, and that all subgroups of finite index in G are open if and only if there are only countably many such subgroups.     

Sound propagation in the atmospheric surface layer: Comparison of experiment with FFP predictions

This paper presents a set of acoustical and meteorological data from an outdoor sound propagation experiment. This experiment was done in a farm field near Rock Springs, Pennsylvania, on 7 July 1990. Meteorological and acoustical measurements were recorded simultaneously during six different times in the day. The meteorological measurements permitted determination of the sound speed profiles during each of the measurement sessions, using a method based on surface-layer similarity scaling. The acoustical measurements allowed precise determination of the relative sound pressure levels for a frequency range up to 3150 Hz at six different distances (66, 88, 125, 175, 250 and 350 m). The results show atmospheric conditions have an important effect on sound propagation. At medium and high frequencies, variations of the relative SPL have been measured at distances as short as 62 m. These effects increased with the distances so that variations as great as 30 dB have been measured during that day. Comparisons with the fast field program predictions are also presented, and amply demonstrate the accuracies of this model, especially for the downward refraction cases.     

A tabu search heuristic for solving the CLSP with backlogging and set-up carry-over

In this paper, the multi-item, single-level, capacitated, dynamic lot sizing problem with set-up carry-over and backlogging, abbreviated to CLSP⁺, is considered. The problem is formulated as a mixed integer programming problem. A heuristic method consisting of four elements: (1) a demand shifting rule, (2) lot size determination rules, (3) checking feasibility conditions and (4) set-up carry-over determination, provides us with an initial feasible solution. The resulting feasible solution is improved by adopting the corresponding set-up and set-up carry-over schedule and re-optimizing it by solving a minimum-cost network flow problem. Then the improved solution is used as a starting solution for a tabu search procedure, with the value of moves assessed using the same minimum-cost network problem. Computational results on randomly generated problems show that the algorithm, which is coded in C++, is able to provide optimal solutions or solutions extremely close to optimal. The computational efficiency makes it possible to solve reasonably large problem instances routinely on a personal computer.