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{\Large \bf DIMACS EDUCATIONAL MODULE SERIES}



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{\Large \bf MODULE 04-2}\\

{\Large \bf Modelling Traffic Jams with Cellular Automata}\\

{\large \bf June, 2004:}



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{\bf Stephanie Edwards}\\

{\bf University of Dayton, Dayton, OH  45469-2316}\\

{\bf sedwards@udayton.edu}\\

\bigskip

{\bf Mark Ginn}\\

{\bf Appalachian State University, Boone, NC  28608-2092}\\

{\bf ginnmc@appstate.edu}\\

\bigskip

{\bf John Harris\\

{\bf Furman University, Greenville, SC  29613}\\

{\bf john.harris@furman.edu}\\

\bigskip

{\bf Gregory Rhoads}\\

{\bf Appalachian State University, Boone, NC  28608-2092}\\

{\bf rhoadsgs@appstate.edu\\

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{\large \bf Module Description Information}

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\begin{itemize}

\item {\bf Title:}

Modelling Traffic Jams with Cellular Automata

\item {\bf Author(s):}

Stephanie Edwards, University of Dayton\\
Mark Ginn, Appalachian State University\\
John Harris, Furman University\\
Gregory Rhoads, Appalachian State University

\item {\bf Abstract:}

The module touches on several topics of mathematical interest.
{\it Mathematical modeling} in general is discussed briefly at the
start, and then some details regarding traffic models are given.
{\it Cellular automata} (CA), both deterministic and
probabilistic, are introduced as a method for modeling traffic
flow.  The software package {\it Mirek's Cellebration} (MCell) is
presented as a way of handling the long-run forecasting of
different CAs.

\item {\bf Informal Description:}

The concept of cellular automata is motivated by easy-to-follow
examples.  While much of the material in the module concerns
simple deterministic CAs, there is a section at the end on
probabilistic CAs.  Instructors could spend as much or as little
time as desired on each type.   MCell is a software package that
is available for free download, and students will enjoy trying out
its many interesting features.  Regarding traffic, students can
easily experiment with initial densities and other features that
affect the way traffic flows.  There are plenty of exercises
throughout the module that give students the opportunity to
solidify the concepts for themselves.

\item {\bf Target Audience:}

This module is designed for advanced high school students and
lower level college students.  It would be a good module for a
liberal arts mathematics class.

\item {\bf Prerequisites:}

This module assumes some familiarity with computers and
downloading software from the internet.  It assumes that the
students have had high school algebra.

\item {\bf Mathematical Field:}

Probability, Discrete Mathematics, Cellular Automata

\item {\bf Applications Areas:}

This module uses cellular automata and technology to model traffic
jams.

\item {\bf Mathematics Subject Classification:}

Primary:  37B15\\
Secondary:  60K30


\item {\bf Contact Information:}

Stephanie Edwards, University of Dayton, Dayton, OH 45469-2316,
sedwards@udayton.edu

Mark Ginn, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC,  28608-2092,
ginnmc@appstate.edu

John Harris, Furman University, Greeneville, SC,  29613,
john.harris@furman.edu

Gregory Rhoads, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC,
28608-2092, rhoadsgs@appstate.edu


\item {\bf Other DIMACS modules related to this module:}

04-1:  Probability and Chip Firing Games


\end{itemize}

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