Time minimizing flows in directed networks

An important class of network flow problems is that class for which the objective is to minimize the cost of the most expensive unit of flow while obtaining a desired total flow through the network. Two special cases of this problem have been solved, namely, the bottleneck assignment problem and time-minimizing transportation problem. This paper addresses the more general case which we shall refer to as the time-minimizing network flow problem. Associated with each arc is an arc capacity (static) and a transferral time. The objective is to find a maximal flow for which the length (in time) of the longest path carrying flow is minimized. The character of the problem is discussed and a solution algorithm is presented.     

Scheduling with earliest start and due date constraints

We consider the scheduling of n tasks on a single resource. Each task becomes available for processing at time a_i, must be completed by time b_i, and requires d_i time units for processing. The aim is to find a schedule that minimizes the elapsed time to complete all jobs. We present solution algorithms for this problem when job splitting is permitted and when job splitting is not permitted. Then we consider several scheduling situations which arise in practice where these models may apply.     

Impact of an all volunteer force upon the navy in the 1972-1973 timeframe

This paper develops estimates of true volunteer levels for 1972 and 1973, based on experience gained through 1970 draft lottery data. The paper also formulates estimates of the qualitative characteristics of a 1972-1973 Navy volunteer force, and establishes a relationship between rate of volunteerism and military pay. Utilizing estimates generated in the paper, Navy military personnel budget requirements for FY '72 and '73 are presented.     

Quadratic as parametric linear programming

This paper describes an approximate solution procedure for quadratic programming problems using parametric linear programming. Limited computational experience suggests that the approximation can be expected to be “good”.     

An informal survey of multi-echelon inventory theory

Contained herein is an informal nonmathematical survey of research in multi-echelon inventory theory covering published results through 1971. An introductory section defines the term, “multi-echelon,” and establishes the kinds of problems involving multi-echelon considerations. Subsequent sections provide surveys of research on deterministic and stochastic multi-echelon inventory control problems, allocation models, and multi-echelon planning and evaluation models. A final section discusses the present state of the art and suggests directions for future research. A bibliography of papers concerning multi-echelon inventory theory and applications is included.     

A problem of restricted partitions

This paper presents a simple algorithm for finding the number of restricted k-partitions of a natural number n. The unrestricted k-partitions of n are expressed as the sum of these restricted k-partitions, called inadmissible, and the admissible k-partitions. The simplicity of the algorithm is striking, though all the implications are unclear.     

A probability model for initial crack size and fatigue life of gun barrels

With constant firing, metal fatigue produces cracks in a gun barrel. The useful life of the barrel comes to an end when a crack develops to a critical size. The theory of Fracture Mechanics suggests a formula for crack size growth rate. This formula can be used to determine the life of a barrel, depending on the initial and critical crack sizes and other factors. The initial crack size turns out to be a dominant factor. Unfortunately, accurate measurements are not generally available on the initial crack size. In this paper, we propose a simple probability model for the initial crack size and this, in turn, leads to a probability distribution of the life of the barrel. This last distribution is the well-known exponential distribution with a location shift. The simplicity of this final result is one of the factors that make the model appealing.     

Evaluation of commonly used rules for detecting “steady state” in computer simulation

A definition of the problem of the initial transient with respect to the steady-state mean value has been formulated. A set of criteria has been set forth by which the efficaacy of any proposed rule may be assessed. Within this framework, five heuristic rules for predicting the approximate end of transiency, four of which have been quoted extensively in the simulation literature, have been evaluated in the M/M/1 situation. All performed poorly and are not suitable for their intended use.     

Two queueing systems sharing the same finite waiting room

In this paper, we consider the analysis of two M/G/1 queueing systems sharing the same finite waiting room. An exact analysis is given for several special cases, and then an algorithm is developed which approximates the system behavior for the general problem. Comparisons are made between the special cases and the algorithm.