An optimal automatic car-following system

An automatic car-following system based on optimal control theory is developed for a variety of cost functionals and the resultant system is simulated on an analog computer. Position and velocity response as well as local and asymptotic stability characteristics of a string of vehicles are examined. String behavior when a vehicle leaves or enters the string is also considered. By proper choice of the cost functional, it is shown that a car-following system can be obtained which meets the outlined objectives. Various forms of cost functionals are investigated in order to determine their effect on system performance.