Figure 2-39 shows part of a street where traffic flow is

Chapter 2, Problem 76

(choose chapter or problem)

Figure 2-39 shows part of a street where traffic flow is to be controlled to allow a platoon of cars to move smoothly along the street. Suppose that the platoon leaders have just reached intersection 2, where the green appeared when they were distance d from the intersection. They continue to travel at a certain speed vp (the speed limit) to reach intersection 3, where the green appears when they are distance d from it. The intersections are separated by distances D 23 and D 12 (a) What should be the time delay of the onset of green at intersection 3 relative to that at intersection 2 to keep the platoon moving smoothly? Suppose, instead, that the platoon had been stopped by a red light at intersection 1. When the green comes on there, the leaders require a certain time t,. to respond to the change and an additional time to accelerate at some rate a to the cruising speed vp' (b) If the green at intersection 2 is to appear when the leaders are distance d from that intersection, how long after the light at intersection 1 turns green should the light at intersection 2 turn green?