We analyze numerically two macroscopic models of crowd dynamics: the
classical Hughes model and the second order model being an extension to
pedestrian motion of the Payne-Whitham vehicular traffic model. The desired
direction of motion is determined by solving an eikonal equation with density
dependent running cost, which results in minimization of the travel time and
avoidance of congested areas. We apply a mixed finite volume-finite element
method to solve the problems and present error analysis for the eikonal solver,
gradient computation and the second order model yielding a first order
convergence. We show that Hughes' model is incapable of reproducing complex
crowd dynamics such as stop-and-go waves and clogging at bottlenecks. Finally,
using the second order model, we study numerically the evacuation of
pedestrians from a room through a narrow exit.Comment: 22 page