A methodological framework for vulnerability analysis of critical infrastructures

The infrastructure systems of power, natural gas, potable water are important parts of lifeline systems. As the complexity the systems are unavoidably disturbed by external and internal perturbations and may cause great disruptions, amplifying negative consequences. Reliability and vulnerability analysis of critical infrastructures for security considerations has become an important subject and some achievements have been acquired on this area. Since different infrastructure systems have different structures and operation mechanisms. A framework of analysis is necessary and seems to be needed. This paper takes power transmission network in a major city of China as example and develops a framework for the analysis of the vulnerability of the power network.