Hybrid systems modeling for critical infrastructures interdependency analysis

Abstract

Critical infrastructure systems (CISs) are large scale and complex systems, across which many interdependencies exist. As a result, several modeling and simulation approaches are being employed to study the concurrent operation of multiple CISs and their interdependencies. Complementary to existing literature, this work develops and implements a modeling and simulation framework based on open hybrid automata to analyze CISs interdependencies. With the proposed approach, it is possible to develop accurate models of infrastructure components, and interlink them together based on their dependencies; in effect creating larger and more complex models that incorporate interdependencies. By implementing specific setups using varying operating conditions, one can study the cascading effects of interdependencies, perform a detailed vulnerability assessment and conduct an extensive planning exercise. To demonstrate the applicability of the proposed framework, a setup with three different types of CISs (i.e., power, telecom and water) components is investigated. Extensive simulation results are used to provide insights on the cascading effects, vulnerabilities and maintenance planning strategies.