July 2005

Gas and Fluid Dynamic Models for the Simulation of Supply Chains and Production Networks

Speaker: Professor Christian Ringhofer

Date: 28 July 2005 (Thursday); 4-5pm

Venue: CZ Seminar Room, SOC1-07-14

Abstract
Production networks and supply chains are usually either modelled via discrete event simulation approaches or simplified flow models based on steady state queueing theory. We present an alternative approach to model large networks, based on the methodology of gas dynamics. In this approach items in the supply chain are modelled as charged particles driven by a force corresponding to the service rules and policies of the network.

We derive the hierarchy of individual part systems to fluid equations derived via a Chapman - Enskog procedure. Numerical examples for re-entrant production systems and so called 'hot lots' are presented.

About the speaker
Dr. Ringhofer is currently professor at the Department of Mathematics, Arizona State University, USA. His research centers around the development and analysis of numerical methods for the solution of partial differential equations. The focus of his research interests is on methods for kinetic equations of hyperbolic type arising from transport models for solids and charged gases. His interests include finite difference, spectral element methods, Theoretical analysis of these methods that involves nonlinear PDE theory, functional analysis and operator theory. More details about the speaker can be obtained from (http://math.la.asu.edu/~chris)