(Program for the DEvelopment of LOngitudinal Traffic Processes in System Relevant Environment)

Today’s automotive development does not consider vehicles as isolated items, but as part of the whole system of human, environment and traffic. The major task of the program system PELOPS consists in analyzing the interchanges between vehicle, driver and environment under particular consideration of the influence of the automobile on this whole system. This simulation program was developed by our engineers in cooperation with BMW and is today continued and distributed by the fka. PELOPS represents a combination of vehicle- and trafficspecific models, it’s advantage being the possibility to take into consideration all interchanges occurring between driver, vehicle and traffic. The core of the program is formed by the three essential elements: traffic systems stretch/environment, driver and vehicle. These elements enable PELOPS to simulate traffic in accuracy unequaled so far. In a modular program structure the elements mentioned above are modeled and defined by interfaces.

PELOPS is used for the evaluation of traffic- and infrastructure-supported traffic influence measures and driver assistant systems. The evaluation takes place in form of macroscopic (through-put), microscopic (time laps) and submicroscopic (emissions) parameters. Our customers are free to carry out investigations with PELOPS calling in our experts or to purchase the program only.
If required, the comprehensive stretch model allows a detailed description of the influences of a stationary traffic environment such as incline, windings and traffic signs. This environment can be extended by the setting of stretch-dependent traffic environment parameter such as wetness, slippery surface etc.
The depiction of the traffic element “driver” is divided into a decision- and a handling model. In the decision model the parameter of the local driving strategy such as speed and lane selection are determined. The handling model converts the characteristics of the local driving strategy into vehiclespecific controls for example acceleration pedal position, gear lever etc. The accurate modelling enables a realistic depiction of complex driving manoeuvres such as “Stop&Go” traffic. This is most of all needed for the investigation of fuel consumption and emissions, and also for the design and analysis of driving assistance systems.
In the vehicle model the controls are converted into dynamic vehicle quantities. The modelling of vehicles is characterised by a high specification degree. The single elements of the drive train such as engine, transmission (manual or automatic), retarder etc. can be depicted in a very high accuracy.
PELOPS is provided with a MATLAB® interface which allows the implementation of vehicle models and control algorithms for driver assistance systems.
As the vehicle can be reproduced after the cause-effect-principle, also the influences of controltechnical devices (f.i. distance control, electronic acceleration pedal and brake etc) can be investigated. The aim of the investigation includes vehicle related effects (fuel consumption or emissions) as well as effects on the traffic environment via macroscopic characteristics such as stretch through-put, accident rate and dynamic effects of vehicle lines.
The range of current research focal points can be mirrored best by the manifold applications of the simulation program:

• Parameter variations in vehicle design
• Influence of driver characteristics on fuel consumption and emissions
• Investigation and design of driver assistance systems for longitudinal dynamic vehicle operation in different traffic environments
• Influence of traffic control measures on traffic flow at intersections
• Analysis of road-specific warning and information systems
• Design of intelligent drive train controls

A detailed description of the models can be found in the PELOPS white paper (in German).