Understanding Network Vulnerability Through Simulation

Core Simulation Mechanics

The Grid Resilience Simulator utilizes a discrete event simulation (DES) approach, representing the grid as a network of interconnected nodes. Each node represents an element like a substation or communication hub.

Events – such as equipment failures, cascading outages, or cyberattacks – are defined with specific parameters including duration, probability, and impact. The simulator then propagates these events through the network based on pre-defined physical laws and operational rules.

None (DES principles)

Modeling Physical Processes

The simulator incorporates fundamental physics, including power flow equations (Kirchhoff’s Laws), thermal models for equipment stress, and network topology effects. These are simplified representations to allow rapid scenario testing.

Key physical processes modeled include short-circuit currents, voltage drop, and the propagation of disturbances through transmission lines. The accuracy is determined by the level of detail in the model's parameters.

V = I * R  (Simplified Power Flow)

Scenario Design & Analysis

Users define scenarios by specifying event types, probabilities, and impact levels. The simulator then runs the scenario thousands of times to generate statistical data on system performance.

Key metrics tracked include outage duration, equipment damage, communication latency, and overall system resilience. These results can be used to identify vulnerabilities and optimize mitigation strategies.

None (Statistical Analysis)

Mitigation Strategy Testing

The simulator allows for the testing of various mitigation strategies, such as redundant power sources, automated switching systems, and enhanced communication protocols.

By comparing simulation results with and without these interventions, you can quantitatively assess their effectiveness in reducing outage duration and improving system resilience. This data directly informs GRS compliance.

None (Comparative Analysis)

Frequently asked questions

Try it live

Everything above runs in your browser — open Bridge Structural Analysis and change the parameters while it is running. Nothing is installed, nothing is uploaded, the whole model lives in one tab.