Modeling and Simulation on Error Spreading Over Partially and Directionally Interconnected Networks of Virtual Cellular Manufacturing System

Networks constituting virtual cellular manufacturing system (VCMS) cells are partially interconnected while the interlinks are directional and the interlink numbers between cells are unequal, which was not considered in previous studies. In this study, a model based on susceptible–infectious–removed–susceptible was developed to analyze error spreading over an interconnected network, and theoretical analysis was performed. Based on simulations, we found the following: (i) random interlinks between subnetworks insignificantly affected the interconnected network; (ii) a large interlinking propagation efficiency raised the infection probability of the interconnected network of VCMS; (iii) the topological structures of scale-free subnetworks shaped by cells could inhibit infection propagation. Using two real cases, we verified the conclusions drawn from the error spreading model. This study provides sound foundations to optimize the structural constitution of a VCMS during its cell formation and arrangement periods.