Multi-agent simulation of passenger evacuation from a damaged ship under storm conditions

Abstract

We present a multi-agent model for the simulation of evacuation processes considering ship motions and a method for modeling crowd dynamics. To take into account all aspects of the specifics of evacuation in storm conditions, an information model has been developed. This model is based on three interrelated processes: sea waves dynamics, ship motions under the influence of sea, crowd dynamics affected by ship motions. In our research, we developed a combined method for simulating agents' movements on the inclined decks of the ship. Our approach combines the well-known implementation of the Social Force model with the possibility of collisions with obstacles. Depending on the specific requirements, it is possible to use various models for ship dynamics in irregular seas. To better support this versatility, a distributed test bench based on the CLAVIRE cloud platform was developed for simulation of passenger evacuation and testing simulations were carried out. The obtained results demonstrate that the developed simulation system could be used for designing contingency plans to assist crew members in the framework of decision support systems (DSS).