 ##  [Lighthill–Whitham–Richards Model](/lighthill-whitham-richards-model) 

  ##  [Lighthill–Whitham–Richards Model](https://mathlogic.quantumdictionary.io/lighthill-whitham-richards-model-0) 

  

 [![Mathematics & Logic Dictionary](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2026-01/Mathematics%20%26%20Logic.png.webp?itok=UhtTRPnp)](/topic-specific-dictionaries/natural-formal-sciences/mathematics-logic)

- Natural &amp; Formal Sciences -

**Mathematics &amp; Logic Dictionary**

 







 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Definition

A macroscopic traffic-flow model that treats vehicle density ρ(x,t) as a conserved scalar satisfying a hyperbolic conservation law ρ_t + q(ρ)_x = 0, where the flux q(ρ) = ρ v(ρ) is given by a fundamental diagram relating density to mean speed; it describes kinematic waves, shocks, and rarefactions in traffic.