What is DisasterNet?

DisasterNet is a discrete event simulation powered by SIGMA, a flexible simulation language based off of Event Relationship Graphs developed by Professor Lee Schruben and his wife. DisasterNet models the logistics of transporting supplies to cities affected by large-scale earthquakes that cause a major disruption to the flow of essential supplies such as food and medicine to the region.

How does it work?

DisasterNet models a network of cities that are each connected to a central hub called the headquarters. Each city in the network is dependent on the HQ to receive aid in the form of food and supplies. The HQ periodically receives aid shipments in the form of supplies (like food and medicine) from outside the model which it must then d

istribute using resources that are based at HQ (such as trucks and doctors). Cities periodically consume supplies, and if their demand is unmet they will starve!

Once the earthquake strikes, the links in the network are damaged according to their distance from the earthquake epicenter and the magnitude of the earthquake. Cities also suffer population and supply losses depending on the proximity and intensity of the quake. Over time, the links between the cities will repair as damage to the transportation system is repaired.

How can DisasterNet help?

DisasterNet is a decision support system designed to assist public policy makers and decision makers in how to set up an effective disaster relief network.

Using DisasterNet, policy makers can easily and efficiently answer the following questions:

•Should supply stockpiles be centralized or decentralized?

• What is the appropriate number of resources to guarantee that supplies are not stockpiling idly at the headquarters?

•Should FEMA or other relief agencies use the most populous city as the headquarters, or should they use the city most strategically located?

•How long can the system survive without any outside help?

How can I learn more?

Below are two images with can be expanded by selecting them. The first presents a holistic flow chart detailing the basic structure of DisasterNet. Unlike other computer programs, DisasterNet uses a unique recurring design which can easily be understood by examining the chart below. For those more experienced with discrete event simulation, the second image is a "verbal" event graph which describes the dynamics of DisasterNet in more detail.

To get a full technical description, please go to Downloads and download our Final Report.  After unzipping the file, you will see all the DisasterNet documentation. Also, after selecting on DisasterNet.xls, select the "First Time User" button and click through the helpful tutorial.

FLOW CHART: