Title: Modular modelling and performance evaluation of manufacturing systems using Max-Plus Algebra

Authors: Y.P. Reddy, G. Ranga Janardhana, Kim S. Kun

Addresses: Department of Production Engineering, Sinhgad College of Engineering, Vadgaon (Bk), Pune – 411 041, Maharashtra, India. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering (Autonomous), Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Kakinada – 533 003, Andhra Pradesh, India. ' Department of Automotive Engineering, Hoseo University, Asan City, Republic of Korea

Abstract: In this paper, an algorithm, known as the Max Plus Algebra (MPA)-algorithm is presented for analytical model building and performance evaluation of manufacturing systems. The manufacturing system is divided into three types of logical modules, namely, a serial production system, an Assembly System (AS) and a Disassembly System (DS). The three logical modules are modelled using place-Timed Event Graph (p-TEG). Max-plus equations are derived from the p-TEG model using the MPA-algorithm. An illustrative cyclic manufacturing system consisting of all three logical modules is taken to explain the modelling methodology. The flow time of the system is evaluated using Karp|s theorem.

Keywords: max-plus algebra; p-TEG; place-timed event graph; flow time; Karp|s theorem; modular production systems; modelling; performance evaluation; manufacturing systems analysis; serial production; assembly; disassembly.

DOI: 10.1504/IJISE.2009.024159

International Journal of Industrial and Systems Engineering, 2009 Vol.4 No.5, pp.577 - 596

Published online: 27 Mar 2009 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article