On attributed simulation nets and their use in simulation studies for detailed design of flexible manufacturing systems

In this paper, simulation nets (SN), a special class of Petri nets, are used to perform simulation for detailed planning and design of FMSs. A comparison of simulation nets versus classical net evaluative approaches is done. We address the issue of constant modification of PN structures when FMS schedules and process plans are considered, Formerly, we assume average distributions and routings of parts through the system. While this may be viable at an aggregate level design stage, the lack of detail may prove detrimental at later design stages. We introduce a subclass of coloured Petri nets, called attributed simulation nets (ASN), to address this issue. We also demonstrate the mechanics of ASNs by modeling and simulating a hypothetical FMS. A brief description of PN-SIM, a software which provides a Petri net based environment for modeling and simulation of FMSs, is given. >