Application of a Boltzmann-entropy-like concept in an agent-based multilane traffic model

• A multilane traffic model with three consecutive rules has been developed.
• The Boltzmann traffic entropy is used to describe the model dynamics.
• New types of fundamental diagrams are introduced.
• The related entropy can be considered as an alternative quantity to describe traffic dynamics.

We discuss the dynamics of an agent-based multilane traffic model using three defined rules. The dynamical characteristics of the model are described by a Boltzmann traffic entropy quantity adopting the concept of Boltzmann entropy in statistical physics. The results are analyzed using fundamental diagrams based on lane density, entropy and its derivative with respect to density. We show that there are three classifications of allowed initial to equilibrium state transition process out of four possibilities and demonstrate that density and entropy fluctuations occur during the transition from the initial to equilibrium states, exhibiting the well-known expected self-organization process. The related concept of entropy can therefore be considered as a new alternative quantity to describe the complexity of traffic dynamics.