Computer simulation with sensitivity analysis of an advanced composite material manufacturing operation

Abstract

A computer model is presented which simulates the flow of component orders through an advanced composite material manufacturing operation. The manufacturing operation model simulates actual manufacturing operations by accommodating order-waiting queues and probabilistic rejection rates at each service activity. An inventory model is maintained in parallel with the order flow model to track inventory levels and costs associated with unit consumption, ordering, inventory holding, and shortages.

Tracking of operating costs and sales revenue provides an assessment of system effectiveness in terms of return on investment. Model sensitivity analysis is performed by varying decision and decision-dependent variables in a fractional-factorial designed experiment format. System effectiveness is evaluated for each set of variable conditions in light of probabilistic decision-independent variables.