Modelling of flexible manufacturing systems

Abstract

This paper describes an original approach to one of the key problems in modern mechanical engineering – modelling of modern manufacturing systems with regard to the choice of relevant model type. It is shown that in terms of systemology, all the existing models are divided into the imitating (replicating) and optimising ones, while manufacturing system design belongs to semi-structured issues. Therefore, at the macro-designing stage one should use optimising models, rather than the imitating ones. The study provides a broad definition of the technological process as a set of actions aimed at product manufacturing, designing the sequence of relevant steps. It defines production flexibility and adaptation of the manufacturing system to changing conditions. These solutions can be used in automation in manufacturing, computer aided design (CAD) and modelling (CAM), computer aided engineering analysis, flexible manufacturing systems, flexible automation and production engineering.