Papers by Author: Xin Yu Shao

Abstract: In this paper, a hybrid methodology that incorporates a simulated annealing (SA) approach into the framework of variable neighborhood search (VNS) is proposed to solve the blocking flow shop scheduling problem with the total flow time minimization. The proposed hybrid algorithm adopts SA as the local search method in the third stage of VNS, and uses a perturbation mechanism consisting of three neighborhood operators in VNS to diversify the search. To enhance the intensification search, best-insert operator is adopted to generate the neighbors in SA. To evaluate the performance of the proposed hybrid algorithm, computational experiments and comparisons were conducted on the well-known Taillard’s benchmark problems. The computational results and comparisons validate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.

Abstract: A wireless sensor network (WSN) is a large collection of sensor nodes with limited power supply and constrained computational capability. Clustering routing method in wireless sensor networks has been considered as an important field of research recently to prolong the network lifetime of WSNs. We present a novel clustering method that can balance the energy consumption and extend the lifetime of WSN. Network nodes can be divided into densely connected subgroups through the algorithm of detecting community structure in complex networks. Moreover, the role of cluster-head is scheduled among the cluster members according to the residual energy of nodes, and then the cluster heads send the data to the sink directly. Based on the community clustering strategy, a novel routing protocol, called community structure clustering routing protocol (CSCR), has been raised for WSN. Performance evaluation has shown that the proposed method can achieve improvement compared with LEACH and SEP.

Abstract: Digital Factory (DF) technology is one of the most important part of manufacturer enterprise information systems, its core technology is modeling & simulation. This paper introduced the digital factory concept and its functions with multi-level multi-resolution modeling and simulation method; we established a new framework of the digital factory technology. It combines with the features of DF and simulation technology which expands the development of DF and application of simulation technology. A case was taken to show the feasibility of multi-level modeling & multi-resolution simulation technology attaching to the DF technology.

Abstract: This paper proposes a new algorithm of gravity-like mechanism and a multistage buffer for the car sequencing problem. The algorithm utilizes the principle of gravity and codes the cars as particles, which can achieve the ordering by the gravity of particles themselves in the sequencing buffer. The Petri net model of the Buffer is proposed and a car sequencing problem is analyzed as an example, the results prove that the algorithm and the buffer can perform well in car sequencing problem.

Abstract: This paper concentrates on the computational challenge in multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) and a comprehensive strategy combining enhanced collaborative optimization (ECO) and kriging approximation models is introduced. In this strategy, the computational and organizational advantages of original collaborative optimization (CO) are inherited by ECO, which can satisfy the strengthened consistency requirements. Kriging approximation models are constructed to replace high-fidelity simulation models in individual disciplines and reduce the expensive computational cost in practical MDO problems. The proposed methodology is demonstrated by solving the classical speed reducer design problem. The better results indicate that ECO using kriging approximation models can achieve a considerable reduction of computational expense while guaranteeing the accuracy of optimal solutions with efficient convergence.

Abstract: Configurable MES is a hot attention in today’s industry. In this work, we present a MES model based on a production process modeling method. With the workflow management technology, a configurable MES framework is introduced and some important implementation methods such as production process modeler, activity script language and production process scheduler are presented. A successful application of an automobile engine assembly line shows that this model is useful and effective.

Abstract: Group decision-making is one of the most important issues in product development. In order to tackle the vague and sometimes conflicting decision data, this paper presents a new approach based on fuzzy similarity and fuzzy compromise to deal with the fuzzy nature of group decisions. In the proposed method, a modified fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process method is used to get the criterion weights, a novel consensus aggregation algorithm is given to obtain the conflict-free results, and an improved compromise decision means is utilized to calculate the utilities of alternatives. Finally an integrated product development solution evaluation process is illustrated as a numerical example, and the corresponding software package is also developed.

Abstract: The process of parameter choosing in vehicle overall design is a process of collaboration design, and is also a process of group decision optimization. The degree of cooperation and level of experts become the crucial standards in Computer Supported Collaborative Design because many decision-makers participating in the design process have different expertise and goals. This paper describes vehicle overall design parameter selection with a Multi-Objective Decision-Making optimization model, presents the concepts of non-cooperation degree and non-specialty degree, and uses entropy to describe the model. Furthermore, Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm is employed to resolve the model and to get optimal parameter. In addition, we propose an effective expert system based on the model and actual design process. Finally, the effect of the non-cooperation degree and non-specialty degree on the result is discussed and the sensitivity of the proposed system analyzed in this paper.

Abstract: Computer supported collaborative work (CSCW) technology is used to solve the resource-sharing problems in collaborative design, analysis, and manufacture. To address this need, a system called CollabVue for collaborative product design between designers and manufacturers is proposed in this study. This paper first introduces the framework of tolerance analysis system based on CollabVue, and then discusses the utilization of geometric topology information in 3D model to resolve the problem of dimension information input and the related specific operations. Based on object-oriented technology, a new data structure to interactively pick up and store dimension information is established. Finally the model uses iterative method to compute technological dimension chain equation.

Abstract: Uncertainty in design and simulation affects the quality of product directly during the process of MDO, which should be considered to help designers to make the design decisions, especially at conceptual design stage. In traditional approaches, this uncertainty is ignored in the hope that it is not significant to the decision making. In this investigation, firstly, three main uncertainties in MDO of conceptual design are pointed out and carefully analyzed. Then, an innovative methodology integrating extract knowledge and probabilistic method to manage these uncertainties is presented. Considering practical application and eliminating the uncertainty in configuration, we propose a promising method combining Fuzzy c-means algorithm (FCM) and Rough Sets theory (RST) to deduce the configuration rule. Furthermore, probabilistic kriging model is utilized as an approximation model to reduce global computational expense of complex product. Sensitivity analysis (SA) is used to reduce uncertainty of inputs of simulation, and mean square error (MSE) is employed to assess model error to reduce model uncertainty. Finally, the validity and necessity of this methodology are demonstrated through the conceptual design of bulk carrier.