Disaster factor screening using SoS conceptual modeling and an LVC simulation framework

Reliability and safety of engineered systems often extends to a system composed of autonomous and heterogeneous systems. Systems integration enables formation of larger system of systems with greater, encompassing scope and goals. Nuclear power station reliability and safety involves an extensive system of systems. Failures at Chernobyl and Fukushima underscore the rare but catastrophic ripple-effect of a failed system within a system of systems conceptual model. Modeling and simulation of systems with various scenarios increases confidence in conceptual models, particularly scenarios that are too costly or risky to assess by other means. This research implements a system of systems conceptual model of a notional Fukishima-like disaster using a Live-Virtual-Constructive simulation framework. Focusing on a conceptual model involving an unmanned aerial system intervention, the research illustrates the framework's utility and effectiveness for assessing system reliability and safety within the conceptual model. Novel use of a screening experiment demonstrates the framework's capability to rapidly identify critical factors and their significance. A framework encompassing live, virtual, and constructive simulations provides a generalized capability to compose, simulate, and evaluate from multiple perspectives the suitability of various systems and conceptual models to accomplish a broad range of emergency response missions including the one investigated here.