Manufacturing-remanufacturing systems optimization and solution analysis considering multiple objectives and uncertainties

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

The proposed research will investigate production planning and optimization problems in manufacturing and remanufacturing (MAR) systems concentrating on applications in aerospace and rail equipment maintenance, repair, overhaul (MRO), refurbishment, and reassembly. Major transportation equipment such as commercial aircraft, aero engines, railway cars, are routinely serviced through MRO and refurbishment to provide safe and economical transportation services to public, industries and businesses. Such practice has been in place for long time and regulated by transportation authorities for highest level of public safety. Due to increased public concerns on environment and societal strive for sustainability, product remanufacturing and material/component reuse are more emphasized for reducing emission in production and the use of energy and resources. Research in general remanufacturing systems optimization is active with abundant literature available. However, numerical and mathematical tools for production planning and optimizing MRO processes of aerospace and other transportation equipment are limited. In this proposed research, analytical and mathematical models and solution methodologies for aerospace and rail equipment MRO process optimization will be developed. The developed models will capture common features and in decision making processes in aerospace and rail equipment disassembly, MRO, reconditioning, refurbishment, and other related activities. Optimal solutions from solving the developed models will be thoroughly analyzed for practical applications as often that optimal model solutions may not necessarily be optimal for solving the actual MRO problems due to model approximations and uncertainties of parameter and data values. The results of the proposed research complement that in general remanufacturing system optimization and  provide scientific decision support tools for MRO practitioners. According to 2018 government report, "State of Canada's Aerospace Industry", GDP of MRO activities shares 32% of Canadian aerospace GDP and grew by over 25% in the period of 2012-17. Rail MRO in Canada is typically performed by Canadian railway operators or by small and medium enterprises (SME) on project basis. The scientific tools developed in this research aiming at actual applications are anticipated to make Canadian MRO industry more competitive in producing safe, economical and sustainable transportation equipment.