Abstract
We introduce a novel hybrid of two fields—Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Agent-Based Modeling (ABM)—as a powerful new technique for urban evacuation planning. CFD is a predominant technique for modeling airborne transport of contaminants, while ABM is a powerful approach for modeling social dynamics in populations of adaptive individuals. The hybrid CFD-ABM method is capable of simulating how large, spatially-distributed populations might respond to a physically realistic contaminant plume. We demonstrate the overall feasibility of CFD-ABM evacuation design, using the case of a hypothetical aerosol release in Los Angeles to explore potential effectiveness of various policy regimes. We conclude by arguing that this new approach can be powerfully applied to arbitrary population centers, offering an unprecedented preparedness and catastrophic event response tool.
Highlights
We introduce a novel hybrid of two fields—Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Agent-Based Modeling (ABM)—as a powerful technique for risk assessment, preparedness, and response for a spectrum of hazards
We argue that the general approach can be powerfully applied to arbitrary population centers, offering an unprecedented preparedness and catastrophic event response tool
As a concrete illustration of the hybrid CFD-ABM approach, we develop a model based on downtown Los Angeles
Summary
We introduce a novel hybrid of two fields—Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Agent-Based Modeling (ABM)—as a powerful technique for risk assessment, preparedness, and response for a spectrum of hazards. The hybrid CFD-ABM method introduced here synthesizes the two, simulating how large spatially-distributed populations of agents might respond in the face of a physically realistic contaminant plume. In this ‘‘proof-of-concept’’ exposition, we demonstrate the feasibility of CFD-ABM evacuation design, using the case of an aerosol release in Los Angeles. Computational representation of LA buildings, occupancy, and infrastructure are based on commercially-available LIDAR data and USGS street-level data [3]. We use this hybrid approach to estimate aerosol exposure levels for various cases. We argue that the general approach can be powerfully applied to arbitrary population centers, offering an unprecedented preparedness and catastrophic event response tool
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
