CROWD-FLOW SIMULATION USING THE POTENTIAL PATHLINE METHOD

Abstract

ABSTRACT A new computational method for crowd-flow dynamics was developed to simulate pedestrian flow. It is a simulation method that uses the concept of potential pathline. The physical domain to be analysed is divided into small numerical cells, and potential values are gradually assigned starting from the exit cell. Based on the potential values, the unit direction vector for each cell can be obtained and the pathline from origin to destination drawn. These pathlines are the basic routes for individual pedestrians to move between the origin and the destination. Then, a pedestrian might change the route according to the cell conditions of each location and moves to the destination. Among the many ergonomic factors, the following four were used as the main parameters to determine the route: walking speed, visual angle, straightness probability, and right-hand traffic. It can also be applied to a three-dimensional interlayer movement model. Using the developed analysis program, the author simulated the pedestrian flow for various sample models.