Critical infrastructure: evaluating the effect of network topology and autocorrelation

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Modern economic and social structures depend, to a degree previously unseen in history, on the correct functioning and operation of extensive infrastructure networks. Goods are moved along transportation networks, which also provide the infrastructure for passenger travel. The current global scope of the economy is undergird by communication networks. Energy is distributed through large-scale grids from power plants to users. Water is cycled and recycled by means of distribution networks. Pipelines are used to move gas around. Other examples abound. Given the importance of networks for a remarkably large number of aspects of modern life, network integrity has emerged as an important research topic in recent years. A key interest is to develop a better understanding of the vulnerability of networks in the face of disruption, when one or more elements of the network become disabled. This could be a consequence of adverse environmental conditions, structural or systems failure, deliberate constructive (e.g. maintenance) or destructive (e.g. sabotage) human action, or a combination of various seemingly unrelated events. Ultimately, it is important to understand how flows in the system are affected, and what levels of operation can be attained after disruption. This research program aims to contributing to our understanding of critical infrastructure. An innovative aspect of this proposal is to pay attention to two items that have not been considered in a systematic fashion in previous research, namely the form of networks and the spatial coherence of flows. It is anticipated that the project will provide useful information regarding the factors that increase or reduce the vulnerability of networks, and that can help to plan maintenance, upgrade, surveillance, and security measures for networks.