Showing papers on "Network theory published in 1988"

The part mix and routing mix problem in FMS: a coupling between an LP model and a closed queueing network

Abstract: In the near future many companies will face the problem of the optimal use of newly installed manufacturing technology (e.g. a flexible manufacturing system or FMS). Very often this will involve decisions on what parts to produce using the new system (the part mix problem) and how to produce these parts (the routing mix problem). We show that traditional operational research tools such as linear programming and queueing network theory are well suited to tackle these problems. In particular, LP models are combined with queueing network models in an iterative procedure. As such the strengths of both techniques can be exploited in making optimal use of the part mix and routing mix flexibility of the FMS.

Some applications of the current divider principle to physical networks: a network thermodynamic approach to a 'biological' circuit theory

Abstract: Network thermodynamics is a relatively young field, in which classical network theory is applied to a broader class of systems than those traditionally found in electronics. L. Peusner (1986) has developed a technique for treating chemical reaction kinetics as resistive networks in the steady state and as R-C networks in the transient state. Simulation programs originally designed for circuit simulation, such as SPICE, become general simulators using these ideas. A broad range of applications suggests that a circuit theory for living systems is emerging. This is illustrated for a simple network configuration, namely the current divider. The relation between the current divider principle and Curie's principle of symmetry breaking is illustrated. >