A kinetic theory approach for 2D crowd dynamics with emotional contagion

In this paper, we present a computational modeling approach for the dynamics of human crowds, where the spreading of an emotion (specifically fear) has an influence on the pedestrians' behavior. Our approach is based on the methods of the kinetic theory of active particles. The model allows us to weight between two competing behaviors depending on fear level: the search for less congested areas and the tendency to follow the stream unconsciously (herding). The fear level of each pedestrian influences their walking speed and is influenced by the fear levels of their neighbors. Numerically, we solve our pedestrian model with emotional contagion using an operator splitting scheme. We simulate evacuation scenarios involving two groups of interacting pedestrians to assess how domain geometry and the details of fear propagation impact evacuation dynamics. Further, we reproduce the evacuation dynamics of an experimental study involving distressed ants.

Automated summary

This paper presents a computational modeling approach for studying the dynamics of human crowds with a focus on the impact of emotions (specifically fear) on pedestrian behavior. The model allows for balancing competing behaviors under different fear levels and solving the pedestrian model with emotional contagion using an operator splitting scheme. Simulation of evacuation scenarios and reproduction of experimental dynamics showed how fear propagation impacts evacuation dynamics.