Social Force Model parameter testing and optimization using a high stress real-life situation

The escape panic version of the Social Force Model (SFM) is a suitable model for describing emergency evacuations. In this research, we analyze real-life video, recorded at opening store during Black Friday event, which resembles an evacuation (November 2017, South Africa). We measure flow pedestrians entering and found higher value (〈J〉=6.7±0.8p/s) than usually reported in “laboratory” conditions. performed numerical simulations to recreate event. empirical measurements were compared against simulated curves corresponding different sets parameters currently use literature. results obtained suggest that set calibrations from laboratory experiments (involving safety participants major concern) or situations where physical contact negligible, produce agents evacuate faster scenario. To conclude paper, optimize two model: friction coefficient kt body force kn. best fit could replicate qualitative quantitative behavior curve. also many combinations parameter space can similar terms goodness fit.