Transformation of Chaos in Traffic Flow Based on Distance Headway

The relationship between distance headway and chaos in traffic flow was investigated in order to analyze the transformation mechanism between the chaos and order. Through the simulation based on Bierley car-following model, the changing processes of distance headway of the front and the following vehicle were analyzed under the parameters combinations. From the orbit in phase space the transformation process between chaos and order motion could be seen clearly, then the influence of distance headway to the transformation process of chaos in traffic flow was discussed. The research shows that the change in distance headway was the main factor causing chaos and its transformation in traffic flow. The results were helpful to understand the chaos in traffic flow and provide theoretical foundation for the short time traffic flow forecasting and intelligent transportation control.