Abstract

Citation

Researchers should cite this work as follows:

• McCartney, M. (2023). 2004-Mark_McCartney-Using_second-order_ordinary_differential_equations_to_model_traffic_flow. SIMIODE, QUBES Educational Resources. doi:10.25334/RRPY-7219

  BibTex | EndNote

Article Context

Description

Mark McCartney. 2004. Keep your distance! using second-order ordinary differential equations to model traffic flow. International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology. 35(4): 588-596,

All issues of this journal are FREEly available to members of the Mathematical Association of America at their member portal www.maa.org .

Article Abstract: A  simple  mathematical  model  for  how  vehicles  follow  each  other   along a stretch of road is presented. The resulting linear second-order differential equation with constant coefficients is solved and interpreted. The model can be used as an application of solution techniques taught at first-year undergraduate level and as a motivator to encourage students to think critically about the physical interpretation of the results which such equations produce.

Usually partial differential equations are used to model traffic flow, but this paper uses a set of ordinary differential equations to model the traffic flow. Moreover, the author provides a set of exercises for students.