Automatic autonomous system for correlative control of traffic

A system of automatic control for car traffic is proposed based on the similarity with physical thermodynamical systems and providing effective correlations between moving cars in flow. The control force on a car is defined through an ‘artificial force’ function, depending on the distance between the adjacent cars but also possessing a nonconservative velocity dependence. The latter assures existence of stable equilibrium states of the system under control in various traffic situations. A practical realization mode for such correlative control is outlined. Several simple examples of the system action are considered, demonstrating its capacities in establishing a secure and fluid mode of traffic flow.