Title: Simulation analysis of commercial truck spiral bevel gear process

Authors: James Polubinski, Ahad Ali

Addresses: A. Leon Linton Department of Mechanical Engineering, Lawrence Technological University, 21000 W Ten Mile Road, Southfield, MI 48075, USA. ' A. Leon Linton Department of Mechanical Engineering, Lawrence Technological University, 21000 W Ten Mile Road, Southfield, MI 48075, USA

Abstract: This study provides simulation analysis for throughput improvement of spiral bevel gear process with the existing manufacturing constraints using design of experiments. A linear regression model was developed for the throughput with one significant variable (hobber cycle time). For every minute the hobber cycle can be decreased, the output will increase by five units per 12-hour shift. If the cycle time of the hobber was reduced to less than one minute, the maximum output per 12-hour shift would be 85 pieces. This study provides an improved understanding of these independent operations and how to increase the system throughput.

Keywords: linear regression modelling; simulation; operations; commercial trucks; spiral bevel gears; throughput; heavy vehicles; manufacturing constraints; design of experiments; DOE; hobber cycle time; gear manufacturing.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMOM.2010.038149

International Journal of Modelling in Operations Management, 2010 Vol.1 No.2, pp.197 - 208

Published online: 19 Jan 2011 *

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