Periodic replacement policies are proposed for a system whose repair cost, when it fails, can be estimated by inspection. The system is replaced when it reaches age T (Policy A), or when it fails for the first time after age T (Policy B). If it fails before reaching age T, the repair cost is estimated and minimal repair is then undertaken if the estimated cost is less than a predetermined limit L; otherwise, the system is replaced. The expected cost rate functions are obtained, their behaviors are examined, and ways of obtaining optimal T and L are explored.

This paper analyzes the multi-item order-level system with shortages allowance and storage limitation. Up to now, we have used the classical optimization theory to analyze this system. But the theory is generally not suitable for computational purposes. Therefore, this paper designes a new method to be able to apply the quadratic programming to the multi-item order-level system with storage limitation. A numerical example is also presented.

Presented in this paper is a procedure of developing graphical simulation software for planning robot welding processes. Welding is by far the highest application area for industrial robots, and it has been in great need of such a simulator in designing robot work cells, in justifying the economics of robot welding and in planning robotized welding operations. The model of a robot welding cell consists of four components: They are an welding structure which is a collection of plates to be welded, a positioner to hold the welding structure, a robot with a weld torch, and a set of welding lines (in case of arc welding). Welding structure is modeled by using the reference plane concept and is represented as boundary file which is widely used in solid modeling. Robot itself is modeled as a kinematic linkage system. Also included in the model are such technical constraints as weaving patterns and inclination allowances for each weld joint type. An interactive means is provided to input the welding structure and welding lines on a graphics terminal. Upon completion of input, the program displays the welding structure and welding lines and calculates the center of mass which is used in determining positioner configurations. For a given positioner and robot configuration, the welding line segments that can be covered by the robot are identified, enabling to calculate the robot weld ratio and cycle time. The program is written in FORTRAN for a VAX computer with a Tektronix 4114 graphic terminal.

A stochastic model for an inventory system in which depletion of stock takes place due to random demand as well as random loss of items is studied under the assumption that the intervals between successive unit demands, as well as those between successive unit losses are independently and identically distributed random variables having negative exponential distribution with respective parameters. We have derived the steady state probability distribution of the stock level assuming instantaneous delivery of order under (s, S) inventory policy. Also we have derived total expected cost expression and the necessary conditions to be satisfied for an optimal solution.

This paper studies the two supplier inventory system in which order-level inventory policy with constant leadtimes is adopted. An optimal ordering policy to achieve the expected minimum total inventory cost is found by utilizing the concepts of the equivalence relation. Sensitivity analysis of the system parameters, the replenishment cost and the unit price, is done through a numerical example.

Major changes of the industrial engineering curricula in U.S.A. were analysed in three stages: 1938, 1958 and 1984. There are tendencies that the traditional plant operation oriented courses are combined and compressed to a few courses while the system oriented courses such as SA, OR, computer applications, man-machine systems are expanding. It will be necessary to organize a study group such as ASEE conducting further studies to meet our needs by upgrading the engineering curriculum for the coming 90's education.