Factors Affecting The Expectation Of Casualties In The Virtual Range Toxicity Model

The Virtual Range (VR) is an environment that integrates in a seamless fashion several models to improve complex systems visualization. A complex system is a non-linear system of systems whose interactions bring together interesting emergent properties that are very difficult to visualize and/or study by using the traditional approach of decomposition. The VR Toxicity Model as described here represents the different systems that interact in the determination of the expectation of casualties (Ec) resulting from the toxic effects of the gas dispersion that occurs after a disaster affecting a Space Shuttle within 120 seconds of liftoff. We present a detailed description of the VR and the factors affecting Ec. The system will help local authorities to estimate the population at risk in order to plan for areas to evacuate and/or for the resources required to provide aid and comfort and mitigate damages in case of a disaster