Evaluating Headway Control Using Range Versus Range-Rate Relationships

Abstract

This paper uses range versus range-rate diagrams to illustrate concepts concerning the objectives of headway control, linear trajectories in the range versus range-rate space, and the influences of acceleration/deceleration limits on headway control systems. Relationships illustrated in range versus range-rate diagrams are used in evaluating first, second, and higher order systems for automatically controlling headway. Ideas for comparing driver control of headway with automatic control of headway are presented.