Model-reduction for a class of flexible manufacturing system

An approach is presented to modeling and model-reduction of a flexible manufacturing system (FMS) with m workpieces processing on n machines, called n*m FMS. By using max-algebra, the linear system expressions can be established for this kind of typical discrete-event dynamic system (DEDS). The reduced-order model of the system is established by taking the activities of machine processing some workpiece as the state variables. The steady-state running rhythm and the influence of workpieces input just in time on dynamic behavior of the system are discussed. Some results are extended to an FMS with a finite buffer.<>