An adaptive dynamic programming algorithm for a stochastic multiproduct batch dispatch problem

We address the problem of dispatching a vehicle with different product classes. There is a common dispatch cost, but holding costs that vary by product class. The problem exhibits multidimensional state, outcome and action spaces, and as a result is computationally intractable using either discrete dynamic programming methods, or even as a deterministic integer program. We prove a key structural property for the decision function, and exploit this property in the development of continuous value function approximations that form the basis of an approximate dispatch rule. Comparisons on single product‐class problems, where optimal solutions are available, demonstrate solutions that are within a few percent of optimal. The algorithm is then applied to a problem with 100 product classes, and comparisons against a carefully tuned myopic heuristic demonstrate significant improvements. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 50: 742–769, 2003.     

Exact algorithms for scheduling multiple families of jobs on parallel machines

In many practical manufacturing environments, jobs to be processed can be divided into different families such that a setup is required whenever there is a switch from processing a job of one family to another job of a different family. The time for setup could be sequence independent or sequence dependent. We consider two particular scheduling problems relevant to such situations. In both problems, we are given a set of jobs to be processed on a set of identical parallel machines. The objective of the first problem is to minimize total weighted completion time of jobs, and that of the second problem is to minimize weighted number of tardy jobs. We propose column generation based branch and bound exact solution algorithms for the problems. Computational experiments show that the algorithms are capable of solving both problems of medium size to optimality within reasonable computational time. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 50: 823–840, 2003.     

Warranty design under buyer and seller risk aversion

This paper provides a framework in which warranty policies for non-repairable items can be evaluated according to risk preferences of both buyers and sellers. In particular, a warranty price schedule is established such that sellers are indifferent among the policies. Given this schedule, a buyer's response is expressed by selecting the price-warranty combination that minimizes disutility. Within this framework, a warranty can be viewed as an instrumet of risk management that can induce more sales and greater profitability. For given utility functions, analytical results for the development of a price schedule are developed. Numerical results illustrate the substitution effects between warranty terms, prices, and risk parameters.     

Book reviews

Die Faszination des Verrats: Eine Studie zur Dekadenz im Ost‐West Konflikt. By Thomas Noetzel. Hamburg, Junius (1989) DM48.

Les Nations Armées. By Maurice Faivre (Preface by Pierre Messmer), Paris FEDN/Economica (1988).

Insurgency and Terrorism: Inside Modern Revolutionary Warfare. By Bard E. O'Neill, Brassey's (US), Washington, DC (1990), $19.00.

LIC 2010: Special Operations and Unconventional Warfare in the Next Century. By Rod Paschall, Brassey's (US), Washington, DC, $24.00.

Air Power and Colonial Conflict: The Royal Air Force 1919–1939. By D. E. Omissi, Manchester University Press, Manchester and New York (1990), ISBN 0–7190–2960–0. £35.00.

Key to the Sinai: The Battles for Abu Ageila in the 1956 and 1967 Arab‐Israeli Wars. By George W. Gawrych. Combat Studies Institute Research Survey No. 7, US Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, 1990. $8.00.

Arms Export Regulations. Edited by Ian Anthony. SIPRI/Oxford University Press, Oxford (1991), ISBN 0–19–829158–2, £25.00.     

纳米级定位的简单化设计——采用滚珠球轴承的扭轮摩擦传动

作者在前面的文章中报导了扭轮摩擦传动能实现亚纳米级的定位分辨率。然而,这套装置在结构上的复杂之处就是在于采用了静压轴承支撑扭轮。本文指出了扭轮摩擦传动在结构上如何可以简化为采用球轴承支撑扭轮。在简化之后,实验表明定位分辨率小于1纳米。本文得出结论,采用球轴承的扭轮摩擦传动对于在洁净环境下要求实现纳米级定位的制造过程变得更为方便,而且可以取代滚珠丝杠以及常规摩擦传动方式。     

塑性状态下光学及电子镜面的亚纳米级精密磨削

本文讲述了由PC机控制的多用途超精机床(MPUMT)的设计及光学镜平滑表面的加工。已研制出的机床可用于磨削、切削、研磨或抛光塑性状态下的硬脆材料。作为建立新的加工系统的关键部分,采用了大型磁致伸缩调节器(GMA),在没有放大器元件的情况下,它具有大功率的输出和大于压电陶瓷调节器几倍的纳米级的位移。切削DOC的深度和控制塑性状态过程的微塑性区域能够被调节器设置为具有高于1nm的精度,并能用金刚石磨削砂轮研磨。在当前研究中所用到的镜为多晶体、非晶体,也有加固玻璃。磨削实验的结果表明,已研制出来的超精机床能够实现对塑性状态下的玻璃和陶瓷材料的加工。材料特性参数和微裂纹之间的关系已被检测到,适用于大多数被研究玻璃的脆性到塑性磨削方式的转换已经确定。运用AFM、SEM和ZYGO对磨削表面进行了分析,例如BK7和TRC5(新材料;加固玻璃)的磨削表面分别具Ra=0.15nm和Ra=0.32nm的表面粗糙度。