Critical infrastructure: evaluating the effect of network topology and autocorrelation

现代经济和社会结构在历史上前所未有的程度上取决于广泛的基础设施网络的正确运作和运作。货物沿着运输网络运输，运输网络也为旅客旅行提供基础设施。当前全球经济的范围是由通信网络支撑的。能源通过大规模电网从发电厂分配到用户。水通过分配网络进行循环和再循环。管道是用来输送天然气的。其他例子比比皆是。 鉴于网络对现代生活的许多方面的重要性，网络完整性近年来已成为一个重要的研究课题。一个关键的兴趣是更好地了解网络的脆弱性，在面对中断时，网络的一个或多个元素成为残疾。这可能是不利的环境条件、结构或系统故障、故意的建设性（如维护）或破坏性（如破坏）人类行为或各种看似无关的事件的组合造成的。最后，重要的是要了解系统中的流量如何受到影响，以及中断后可以达到什么样的操作水平。 这项研究计划旨在促进我们对关键基础设施的理解。这一建议的一个创新方面是关注以前研究中没有系统考虑的两个项目，即网络的形式和流量的空间一致性。预计该项目将提供有关增加或减少网络脆弱性的因素的有用信息，并有助于规划网络的维护、升级、监视和安全措施。

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.