Performance evaluation of two-worker operations in a worker-to-cell order assorting system

This paper studies an order assorting system (OAS) composed of multiple-parallel order assorting aisles (OAAs) in a retailer’s order fulfillment center. We evaluate two worker-assignment policies for a worker-to-part OAA: a dedicated-assignment policy and a shared-assignment policy. Our analytical models evaluate the mean value and variance of worker process time including assorting time, walk time, empty walk time, and blocking time when single-line products arrive randomly. From the worker process time, we identify the system flow time of product lines per each worker-assignment policy using G/G/1 and G/G/2 queuing models. We find that the shared-assignment policy performs better compared to the dedicated-assignment policy in spite of workers’ productivity losses incurred by blocking delays over high sort probability, slow walk speed, and high magnitude and variations of inter-arrival times. At the worker-centric break-even point of worker process time, where worker process time suggests selecting either policy, system flow time always suggests selecting the shared-assignment policy.     

Spindle speed ramp-up test: A novel experimental approach for chatter stability detection

Chatter is one of the most limiting factors in improving machining performances. Stability Lobe Diagram (SLD) is the most used tool to select optimal stable cutting parameters in order to avoid chatter occurrence. Its prediction is affected by reliability of input data such as machine tool dynamics or cutting coefficients that are difficult to be evaluated accurately, especially at high speed.This paper presents a novel approach to experimentally evaluate SLD without requiring specific knowledge of the process; this approach is called here Spindle Speed Ramp-up (SSR) test. During this test spindle speed is ramped up, and chatter occurrence is detected by the Order Analysis technique. As result one single test ensures optimal spindle speed identification at one cutting condition, while if few tests are performed the entire SLD could be obtained. Results of the method applied to slotting operation on aluminum are provided and a comparison between different measurements devices is presented. This quick, easy-to-use and efficient test is suitable for industrial application: no knowledge of the process is required, different sensors can be used such as accelerometer, dynamometer or microphone.     

Asymptotic stability for the Lamé system with fractional boundary damping

We consider a Lamé system damped by fractional boundary damping of Neumann type. We prove well-posedness by semigroup theory. Moreover, we prove stabilization by using multipliers method and Rellich type relation combined with the frequency domain method.     

Decay of Ozone in Water: A Review

Scientific publications on ozone decay kinetics in water report very wide result variations, depending on a multiplicity of factors, such as ozone concentration, pH, temperature, alkalinity, fluid-dynamic conditions, presence of UV radiations, and concentration of organic and inorganic carbon. This paper intends to provide an engineering-oriented review that summarizes and compares the main results reported in the recent literature so that the condensed information can guide the reader in getting operational indications to assist applications and research.     

An Introduction to Multivariate Statistical Analysis

A permutation test is proposed for examining the significance of effects in unreplicated factorial experiments. The procedure tests each effect with a separate sampling distribution using a test statistic that is equivalent to the optimal invariant decision rule of Birnbaum. The proposed test is more flexible than other methods proposed for the same situation because it requires no a priori assumptions regarding the underlying distribution of the data nor does it impose any practical restriction on the number of potentially significant effects present.     

Variable Neighborhood Search strategies for the Order Batching Problem

The Order Batching Problem is an optimization problem belonging to the operational management aspect of a warehouse. It consists of grouping the orders received in a warehouse (each order is composed by a list of items to be collected) in a set of batches in such a way that the time needed to collect all the orders is minimized. Each batch has to be collected by a single picker without exceeding a capacity limit. In this paper we propose several strategies based on the Variable Neighborhood Search methodology to tackle the problem. Our approach outperforms, in terms of quality and computing time, previous attempts in the state of the art. These results are confirmed by non-parametric statistical tests.     

Fractional Order Linear Variable Differential Transformer: Design and analysis

Linear Variable Differential Transformer (LVDT) is the most preferred displacement measurement transducer used in industries because of its simple design and proven reliability. The major challenge faced in LVDT is linearity in limited stroke range. In this paper, a fractional order model of LVDT is developed and its characteristics like sensitivity, nonlinearity and stroke range are analysed by considering fractional behaviour only in self-inductance, mutual inductance and both. The results presented in this paper shows that Fractional Order Linear Variable Differential Transformer (FOLVDT) provides high sensitivity with reduced nonlinearity compared to the conventional LVDT. The results also demonstrate that the FOLVDT can be operated for increased stroke range without compromising on sensitivity and linearity.     

A new multi-objective optimization method for master production scheduling problems using simulated annealing

Tactic planning or master production scheduling focuses on time and spatial decomposition of the aggregate planning targets and forecasts, as well as, forecast and provision of needed resources. This process becomes extremely hard and time consuming with the increase of number of products, resources and periods considered. In face of such obstacles, this work shows a study of an Artificial Intelligence technique called Simulated Annealing applied to the optimization of production planning problem, more specifically, Master Production Scheduling. This work reviews some of the fundamental theory of simulated annealing, the methodology for master production scheduling calculation, the applicability of simulating annealing to planning problems, most important results and suggestions for further studies.     

Production and set-up control of a failure-prone manufacturing system

The present paper considers a stochastic optimal control problem for a one-machine two-parts manufacturing system, subject to random breakdowns and repairs. The machine under consideration is not completely flexible and hence requires set-up time and cost in order to switch the production from a part type to another. The objective is to find the production plan and sequence of set-ups that minimize the cost function that penalizes inventory/backlog and set-up costs. A continuous dynamic programming formulation of the problem is presented. A numerical scheme is then adopted to solve the obtained optimality conditions equations. The optimal set-up policy. is shown numerically, to be described by a modified hedging corridor strategy. A complete heuristic policy, based on the determination of the boundaries of the corridors that describe the optimal policy in positive and negative areas of the state variables, is developed. The usefulness of such a policy is iJlustrated through experimentation and sensitivity analysis. Extensions to more complex systems are also discussed.     

A decision-support system for the design and management of warehousing systems

The issue of material handling involves the design and operative control of warehousing systems (i.e., distribution centres), which allow matching vendors and demands, smoothing with seasonality, consolidating products and arranging distribution activities. Warehousing systems play a crucial role in providing efficiency and customer satisfaction. The warehouse design entails a wide set of decisions, which involve layout constraints and operative issues that seriously affect the performances and the overall logistics costs.