Models for Phantom Jams
R. Eddie Wilson (University of Bristol)
I will survey diverse explanations for the formation and propagation of stop-and-go waves in highway traffic (sometimes called `phantom jams' in the popular press). I will then show how the distinction between linear and nonlinear stability may be used to reconcile competing models. If time allows I will also present the latest perspective in the link between microscopic (car-following) and macroscopic (PDE) models.