[sumo-user] Question regarding the influence of the ccoolness-Parameter

[Hanna Krett <hanna.kaere@xxxxxx>]

Hi everyone,

I'm doing a simulation with SUMO and during a closer examination of certain parameters in the EIDM, I noticed something that I cannot logically explain.

I compared the speed profiles of two vehicles (hereafter referred to as “test vehicles”) from two nearly identical simulations. The only difference between the simulations lies in one parameter of another vehicle (hereafter referred to as the “parameter vehicle”), which is introduced into the simulation both spatially and temporally after the test vehicle. It is impossible for this vehicle, with its modified parameter, to influence other vehicles that in turn could affect the test vehicle (e.g., through the butterfly effect). The results of my comparisons were as follows:

When modifying the sigmaerror parameter of the parameter vehicle (Simulation 1: sigmaerror = 0, Simulation 2: sigmaerror = 0.1), the speed profiles of the test vehicle remain identical.

When modifying the ccoolness parameter of the parameter vehicle (Simulation 1: ccoolness = 0.99, Simulation 2: ccoolness = 0.9), not only do the test vehicles exhibit different speed profiles starting around the time the parameter vehicle is introduced, but other vehicles—independent of the test vehicle—are also affected. The simulations diverge significantly, for example, in terms of vehicle positions at the same time step. As mentioned before, it is ruled out that these changes could have resulted from the butterfly effect or direct influence.

I have now observed this phenomenon for the second time. The first time, I was unable to reproduce it because I did not immediately associate it with the ccoolness parameter. However, since I have now successfully linked it, I am fairly certain that this observation does not stem from an error on my part.
Due to the identical time series when modifying sigmaerror, I rule out differences caused by random behavior.

My research has not provided any further insights on this matter, which is why I am reaching out with the following question:
Is it possible that the ccoolness parameter generally influences the numerical development of the entire simulation, rather than just affecting changes through the vehicle’s behavior?

I would greatly appreciate any insights you may have on this!