| Abstract: | The purpose of this paper is to present an approach of modelling and analysis of the dynamic behaviour of manufacturing systems. The manufacturing system is considered to be responding to an excitation, namely a demand that varies over time, by producing a number of parts over time. This resembles a mechanical system that displaces its mass responding to a varying input force. Based on this analogy, this paper establishes a manufacturing system's modelling method. A system identification technique is used for deriving inertia, damping and stiffness from the manufacturing system's response to different excitations. Based on these attributes, the response of a manufacturing system to any given input can be estimated. Furthermore, a definition for assessing manufacturing flexibility, based on this approach, is being discussed. |
