Modelling and Multicriteria Optimization of the Web Formation in a Spunbond Process

This dissertation deals with the optimization of the web formation in a spunbond process for the production of artificial fabrics. A mathematical model of the process is presented. Based on the model, two kind of attributes to be optimized are considered, those related with the quality of the fabric and those describing the stability of the production process. The problem falls in the multicriteria and decision making framework. The functions involved on the model of the process are non linear, non convex and non differentiable. A strategy in two steps; exploration and continuation, is proposed to approximate numerically the Pareto frontier and alternative methods are proposed to navigate the set and support the decision making process. The proposed strategy is applied to a particular production process and numerical results are presented.