An Integrated Simulation Method to Support Virtual Factory Engineering

  • Zhai, Wenbin (Inst. of Computer Integrated Manufacturing, Shanghai Jiao Tong Univ.) ;
  • Fan, Xiumin (Inst. of Computer Integrated Manufacturing, Shanghai Jiao Tong Univ.) ;
  • Yan, Juanqi (Inst. of Computer Integrated Manufacturing, Shanghai Jiao Tong Univ.) ;
  • Zhu, Pengsheng (Inst. of Computer Integrated Manufacturing, Shanghai Jiao Tong Univ.)
  • Published : 2002.12.31

Abstract

This paper presents a structure and architecture of an integrated simulation method (ISM) to meet the requirements of virtual factory engineering (VFE). Combining CAD, VR and discrete event simulation techniques, the ISM provides static and dynamic simulation functions for implementation of VFE throughout the lifecycle. The static simulation can be used to evaluate the factory layout. The dynamic simulation enables us to evaluate ergonomics of factory, process performance of production system, feasibility of production plan and operation of factory, and to train operators safely, which cover the whole VFE lifecycle. The principles of the key techniques of VFE, including virtual factory data management system (VFDMS), static and dynamic simulation, are also discussed. To demonstrate and validate the ISM, a case study has been carried out in an assembly factory.

Keywords

References

  1. Richard B. Chase, Nicholas J. Aquilano, F. Robert Jacobs (1998), Production and Operations Management: Manufacturing and Services, McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc, New York, pp. 100
  2. Prashant Banerjee, Dan Zetu (2001), Virtual Manufacturing, John Wiley&Sons. Inc, New York, pp. 10
  3. Par Klingstam, Per Gullander (1999), 'Overview of Simulation Tools for Computer-aided Production Engineering', Computers in Industry, 38, 173-186
  4. Ming Hung Lin, Li Chen Fu (2001), 'A Virtual Factory Based Approach to On-line Simulation and Scheduling for An FMS and A Case Study', Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing, 12, 269-279
  5. Maged M. Dessouky, Sushil Verma (2001), 'A methodology for developing a web-based factory simulator for manufacturing education', IIE Transaction, 33, 167-180
  6. Shoaf Steve (1999), 'PDM or ERP: Making the Connection', Manufacturing Engineering, 122, 144-147
  7. Young Jun Son, Richard A. Wysk (2001), 'Automatic simulation model generation for simulation-based, realtime shop floor control', Computers In Industry, 45, 291-308
  8. Antonimo Gomes de Sa, Gabriel Zachmann (1999), 'Virtual reality as a tool for Verification of Assemble and Maintenance Processes', Computers & Graphics, 23, 389-403
  9. U. Rembold, W. Reithofer, B. Janusz (1998), 'The Role of Models In Future Enterprises', Annual Reviews in Control, 22, 73-83
  10. H. Aytug, C. Dogan (1998), 'A framework and a simulation generator for kanban-controlled manufaturing systems', Computersand Industrial Engineering, 34, 337-350