Accession Number:

ADA172777

Title:

Monte Carlo Optimization of Stochastic Systems: Two New Approaches.

Descriptive Note:

Technical summary rept.,

Corporate Author:

WISCONSIN UNIV-MADISON MATHEMATICS RESEARCH CENTER

Personal Author(s):

• Glynn,Peter W.
• Sanders,Jerry L.

Report Date:

1986-07-01

Pagination or Media Count:

17.0

Abstract:

The design of modern manufacturing systems presents a number of challenges. In particular, the stochastic nature of machine failures in combination with the large number of decision variables makes optimization of such systems difficult. This paper presents two new approaches to optimization of the complex stochastic systems that arise in a manufacturing context both are Monte Carlo simulation-oriented, and are therefore broadly applicable. The first technique involves using a likelihood ratio gradient estimate to drive a Robbins-Monro algorithm, and is relevant to problems in which the decision variables are continuous. The second idea employs homotopy methods to follow an optimal path in decision variable space, and can be used for both discrete and continuous optimization.

Descriptors:

• *PRODUCTION ENGINEERING
• *MONTE CARLO METHOD
• *SYSTEMS APPROACH
• OPTIMIZATION
• STOCHASTIC PROCESSES
• FABRICATION
• ESTIMATES
• ASSEMBLY

Subject Categories:

• Statistics and Probability
• Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering and Control of Production Systems

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE