Modelling subgroup behaviour in crowd dynamics DEM simulation

This paper investigates the behaviour of subgroups in crowd dynamics by means of filming and observation. An existing crowd modelling program, CrowdDMX, based on a discrete element model (DEM) has been modified on the basis of observations made in this paper and literature. Each person is represented as three overlapping circles and motion is modelled in a Newtonian manner. It incorporates psychological forces as well as physical forces in a 2D time-stepping environment. The DEM model was modified to include realistic subgroup behaviour, representing people in the crowd desiring to stay together (families, friends, etc.). Subgroup psychological forces were incorporated. The previous model only simulated individuals moving independently, which was unrealistic in some situations as shown by the observation and filming part of the study. The revised program models subgroups realistically including the tendency to avoid subgroup division in cases of contra-flow. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.