Date of Award

Spring 2000

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Electrical & Computer Engineering

Program/Concentration

Electrical Engineering

Committee Director

Ravindra P. Joshi

Committee Member

Glenn A. Gerdin

Committee Member

Linda L. Vahala

Call Number for Print

Special Collections LD4331.E55 C45

Abstract

Computer-aided simulation has begun to emerge as a powerful tool for numerical analysis of the behavior and anticipated performance of industrial systems and their optimization. Applications include materials handling, storage and controls systems, prediction of manufacturing efficiencies, and production optimization. Simulations are used to test baseline models and subsequently analyze new production concepts, operating strategies, and planned procedures prior to costly implementation.

The study of process flows in a manufacturing environment is difficult due to its inherent stochastic nature. Breakdown of the sub-systems and failures of machines is a random process and needs to be solved based on concepts of probability and expectation. This thesis work has attempted to utilize the simulation tool to look into such stochastic system behavior by focusing on discrete event simulations for production flow analysis, Two specific process-flow tasks were chosen. Simulations for both tasks were carried out to provide a better understanding of the manufacturing process and to study optimization possibilities. One of the problems pertained to the newspaper production at a local plant. Bottlenecks were identified and their causes probed. The second task involved optimization of the fuel injector valve production over a long time-window. Results of the study suggested placement of internal buffers as a way for increasing production. Quantitative recommendations were also made possible for the buffer sizes and their relative placement within the overall production system.

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DOI

10.25777/r68s-0v24

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