Bifurcation control of optimal velocity model through anticipated effect and response time-delay feedback methods

In order to further improve the adaptability of the optimal velocity model (OVM) in actual traffic flow, the paper introduces a feedback control with considering both driver’s anticipated time and response time-delay. Through the linear analysis and bifurcation analysis, we obtain stability conditions and the balance point of dual time-delay control OVM. Aiming at restraining the Hopf bifurcation caused by small disturbance, a bifurcated controller is designed to reduce the number of unstable eigenvalues of the characteristic equation and determine the definite stability interval under the combination of anticipation and response time-delay. Then followed by the simulated verification for more vehicles, the simulation results show that the controller can effectively suppress traffic congestion without changing the balance point, and significantly improve traffic efficiency and traffic stability. In addition, utilizing NGSIM data to calibrate the controlled model so as to explore the feasibility and advantages of the model.