Real-world extensions to scheduling algorithms based on lagrangian relaxation

Recently, efficient scheduling algorithms based on Lagrangian relaxation have been proposed for scheduling parallel machine systems and job shops. In this article, we develop real-world extensions to these scheduling methods. In the first part of the paper, we consider the problem of scheduling single operation jobs on parallel identical machines and extend the methodology to handle multiple classes of jobs, taking into account setup times and setup costs. The proposed methodology uses Lagrangian relaxation and simulated annealing in a hybrid framework. In the second part of the paper, we consider a Lagrangian relaxation based method for scheduling job shops and extend it to obtain a scheduling methodology for a real-world flexible manufacturing system with centralized material handling. This research was supported in part by the Office of Naval Research and the Department of Science and Technology grant N00014-93-1017.     

An integrated intelligent machining system for axisymmetric parts using PC-based CAD and CAM software packages

Machining process planning involves the formation of a set of directions describing the machining operations required to transform raw stock into a finished part. Conventional process planning, performed manually, relies on the knowledge and competence of an experienced process planner and tends to be time consuming and error prone. In the past two decades, much effort has been spent on improving process planning by utilizing the power of a computer to emulate the capabilities of an experienced planner. During the same period, computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software has been developed to enhance design productivity and to assist the NC code generation facets of the machining process. The entire planning process may be automated be integrating CAD and CAM using computer-aided process planing (CAPP). The research described in this paper outlines the design and development of an intelligent CAPP system integrating two commercial CAD and CAM software packages, Autocad and Mastercam.     

分布式制造动态调度资源集成系统建模

本文分析了分布式制造动态调度的本质，提出了对分布式制造资源集成系统的要求，并利用多A-gent理论对分布式制造资源集成系统进行建模，给出了系统集成的拓扑图和说明系统的信息流动过程，解决了构造分布式制造动态调度资源集成系统的理论基础。     

A hybrid PC/PLC architecture for manufacturing-system control—theory and implementation

This paper presents a novel and generic PC/PLC-based software/hardware architecture for the control of flexible manufacturing workcells. The proposed implementation methodology is based on the utilization of any one of the available formal discrete-event-system control theories in conjunction with state-of-the-art industrial programmable-logic controllers (PLCs). The methodology has been illustrated to be a viable technique through its actual implementation in our laboratory using a robotic-workcell testbed. The specific control theory used is a combination of Extended Moore Automata and Ramadge-Wonham Automata that has been developed by our research group. The modular control software architecture has been developed for MS-Windows environments (running on one PC interfaced to the PLCs) and allows the use of different formal control theories as well as different commercial PLC hardware. The effective graphical user interface provides a transparent programming environment, where users are not expected to have a full knowledge of the formal control theory used.     

展望21世纪的制造业及相关技术

综述了制造业未来的发展前景，重点分析了与制造业相关的制造系统、机械加工技术、生产组织形式、人员素质的发展趋势。     

柔性制造系统的托盘优化

本文讨论Job-shop型柔性制造系统的托盘优化问题,给出了求最小托盘数的算法,把托 盘优化问题化成了求解线性整数规划问题.     

分散网络制造浅谈

网络社会的制造业将是一个全球化的分散型的制造体系.分散网络制造是基于互联网的制造活动,因此,它具开放的、虚拟的,以及资源和技术更合理配置的特点.其组织模式是多种多样的,按现今国防工业现状,宜采用项目领导小组统一协调和控制下的分阶段动态联盟更为合适.为此,分析了网络无序化、企业属性知识不足、利益分配不易等问题带来的困难,并提出了一些建议.     

Spray forming technology for military applications

Over the past five years, the Annapolis Detachment, Carderock Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center (formerly David Taylor Research Center) has established a state- of- the- art spray forming facility for the study and exploitation of this near net shape manufacturing process. Spray forming is a single step gas atomization/deposition process which yields ferrous and nonferrous, near final shape, near fully dense preforms that has proven to be a viable and cost effective alternative to conventional metalworking technology for the production of material preforms with properties surpassing those of their cast and wrought counterparts. Current programs at Carderock Divison Naval Surface Warfare Center are aimed at optimization of the process, certification of the spray formed products and industrialization of the technology.     

A decision-making approach to the operation of flexible manufacturing systems

This paper introduces a generic decision-making framework for assigning resources of a manufacturing system to production tasks. Resources are broadly defined production units, such as machines, human operators, or material handling vehicles; and tasks are activities performed by resources. In the specific context of FMS, resources correspond to individual machines; tasks correspond to operations to be performed on parts. The framework assumes a hierarchical structure of the system and calls for the execution of four consecutive steps to make a decision for the assignment of a resource to a task. These steps are 1) establishment of decision-making criteria, 2) formation of alternative assignments, 3) estimation of the consequences of the assignments, and 4) selection of the best alternative assignment. This framework has been applied to an existing FMS as an operational policy that decides what task will be executed on which resource of this FMS. Simulation runs provide some initial results of the application of this policy. It is shown that the policy provides flexibility in terms of system performance and computational effort.