A computerized methodology for balancing and sequencing mixed model stochastic assembly lines

A methodology for designing mixed model stochastic assembly line systems and a computer package to implement it for realistic problem sizes were developed. The methodology consists of three major steps: (1) generation of feasible sequences of feeding models into the line, (2) generation of feasible allocations (balances) of work elements to work stations, and (3) generation of combinations of sequences and allocations with the best ordering of elements within stations, calculation of total expected cost for each combination, and selection of the one with the least cost. For generating feasible balances, an exhaustive search procedure with a number of heuristic rules was used to ensure searching the whole feasible region in limited time. A cost model based on labor and incompletion costs is used to calculate the cost of each combination, and a recursive procedure to calculate incompletion probabilities for each element and incorporate them into the cost model was implemented. An example problem, its results, and the computer package listings are included.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science

Level thesis:degree_level

masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Industrial and Systems Engineering

Department dc:contributor.department

Industrial and Systems Engineering

Grantor dc:publisher

Virginia Tech

Year dc:date.issued

1992

Author dc:creator

• Pantouvanos, John P.

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Language dc:language.iso

en

Dc Identifier Other

etd-07212009-040309

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/43778