Title: Dynamic modelling of multistage feedback-control manufacturing systems

Authors: N.H. Ben Fong, Robert H. Sturges Jr.

Addresses: Caterpillar Production System Division, Caterpillar, Inc., Tech Center, Bldg. K, 120, P.O. Box 1875, Peoria, IL 61656–1875, USA. ' Grado Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Durham Hall, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA

Abstract: The manufacturing systems operating within today|s global enterprises are invariably dynamic and complicated. To stay competitive in this 21st century global industrialisation, companies must possess a new control strategy to design manufacturing systems to rapidly respond to demand changes as well as to launch new products efficiently. In this paper, a novel method to model multistage feedback control manufacturing systems is demonstrated using the Block Diagram (BD) representation and Transfer Functions (TFs) of control theory. The task of translating causal loop diagrams and stock-and-flow diagrams from system dynamics into BD and TF mathematical descriptions will be discussed in detail. Transient-response system parameters such as undamped natural frequency and damping ratio are introduced to determine other key dynamic system characteristics of multistage feedback-control manufacturing systems.

Keywords: dynamic modelling; multistage manufacturing; feedback control; block diagram; transfer function; control strategy; manufacturing systems design.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMR.2007.014725

International Journal of Manufacturing Research, 2007 Vol.2 No.3, pp.263 - 278

Published online: 02 Aug 2007 *

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