This document discusses using fluid mechanics principles to help manage traffic flow more effectively in the future as vehicle numbers are projected to greatly increase in India. It describes how concepts like nozzle effects, boundary layers, and viscosity that regulate fluid flow can also be applied to model traffic flow. The document proposes a system for dynamic traffic monitoring using image processing of real-time video feeds to determine vehicle speed, density, and predict traffic jams. The system would then optimize traffic signal timing accordingly to help reduce congestion. An example application of this system is provided that shows how signal times could be reduced in one case and remain optimal in another based on real traffic conditions.

1. Fluid Mechanics Aided Computing for
Effective Traffic Management
Scientific Traffic Management,
A look at the future.
Jaydeep. S. Deshpande
B.E. Mechanical
PVG’s COET, Pune.

2. Traffic 2020
A peep into future:
•The latest statistical record shows, in 2008, total number of
vehicles on the streets of the country were 106,591 with
over 10% in Maharashtra.
•With statistical modeling and recent trends it is project that
the number will reach to 450,000 in next 10 odd years.
•Every vehicle manufacturer has realized the scope in India.
Every one is aggressively fielding their products which can
offer the best technologies in the Indian market.

3. Traffic 2020
Consequences:
•Roads, bridges, infrastructure can not be altered at the
speed of ever increasing number of vehicles.
•Traffic conditions will get worse.
•Increased duty/force of traffic cops.
•Increased recourses in effectively managing ever growing
traffic.
•Increased associated health hazards due to noise, air
pollution.

4. Traffic 2020
What can we do to make the big picture
look good

5. Fluid Dynamics
• Science which studies various flow conditions
• It explains energy and mass balance in fluid
system
• It can be studied by focusing on a particle or
focusing at a point in fluid to understand the
nature of the flow.

6. Traffic flow
• Traffic flow is flow of vehicles.
• Roads can be considered as channels through
which vehicles can travel.
• Can we apply same governing principles to
traffic flow as we apply on liquid/gas flow?

7. Agenda
• Nozzle Effect
• Boundary Layer implementation
• Effects of Viscosity
• Example
• Conclusion

8. Nozzle effects
• The diagram shows a typical
nozzle.
• Velocity of the liquid
increases through the
nozzle and pressure drops.
• Formation of eddies at the
junction of throat and exit
part if half divergence angle
is too large.
Image: www.google.com

9. Nozzle effects
(u2- u1) (w∝ 2-w1)
∴ (u2- u1) = c (w2-w1)
Where;
u2– Velocity of vehicles emerging from the nozzle junction
u1– Velocity of vehicles approaching the nozzle junction
w2– Width of road at nozzle junction
w1– Width of road after nozzle junction
c – Constant of proportionality

10. Viscosity in traffic flow
• It is evident that vehicles travelling along the
boundaries move slower.
• As in case of non-ideal fluids, there are
interactions between moving vehicles, which
are necessary to maintain safe distance and
velocity.

11. Viscosity in traffic flow
T=µ*(Δv/Δy)
Where,
T- Viscous force
µ- Coefficient of Viscosity
Δv- difference in velocity
Δy- relative position with respect to vehicle
∴ For a vehicle flow rate Q, we can write it as
∴ T=Q*a= µ*(Δv/Δy)
a- instantaneous acceleration of a vehicle at any given road position Δy

12. Flow along edges
Sharp
Edge
Smooth
Edge

13. Traffic flow around obstacles
Line up to
which choking
occurs.
Dead
spots

14. Dynamic Traffic Monitoring

15. Dynamic Traffic Monitoring

16. Dynamic Traffic Monitoring
Steps:
1.Take real time video feed
2.Run image processing algorithms to determine
speed, acceleration of vehicles, density of traffic
3.Compute the traffic at junctions
4.Evaluate likelihood of traffic jams
5.Alter signal timings

17. Active Signal Timing Optimization

18. Active Signal Timing Optimization

19. Example

20. Results
Sr. Time ‘Q’ ‘t’
calculated
‘t’ actual Remark(si
gnal t)
1 8 AM 6-8 198 100 Can be
reduced
2 10 AM 12-15 106 100 Perfect
3 7 PM 18-20 73 100 Traffic jam

21. Traffic 2020
To conclude:
•Proposed solution offers a scientific method which
an be tested, simulated before being actually put
into use.
•It can yield the most accurate results.
•It can thus, handle heavy traffic conditions
efficiently. It will also reduce the dependence and
load on traffic cops.
•Hence it provides a very good “comprehensive”
solution to the future demands and problems.

22. Any Questions??

23. Thank you.