A hierarchical, modular simulation environment for flexible manufacturing system modeling.

Abstract

Computer simulation is one of the most widely used techniques in manufacturing systems study. The value of simulation increases constantly due to improvements in computing power. However models of large-scale systems tend to be very complex, and writing simulation programs to execute them can be an arduous task. Rapid modeling of such systems can play a significant role in the selecting manufacturing strategy. This dissertation deals with the design and implementation of tools that aid in such modeling activity by identifying some of the problems that occur frequently in the modeling of flexible manufacturing systems (FMS). This set of tools, collectively called the hierarchical modular modeling environment (HMME), is designed and implement by extending DEVS(Discrete EVent System Specification)-Scheme. The problems identified are in the field of model interconnections, embedding expert systems in models, model structuring and simulation display. An example, of operation overlapping strategy in a hierarchical FMS, demonstrates the utility of the environment. Although developed for FMS simulation, this modeling aid is applicable to many other domains of knowledge-based systems and intelligent control.