Modeling, evaluation, and control of a flexible manufacturing cell using petri nets

This thesis describes the usefulness of Petri nets in modeling, evaluating, and controlling a Flexible Manufacturing Cell (FMC). The basics of Petri net theory are explained and a specific FMC is examined. First, the FMC is modeled. The purpose of modeling is to facilitate the evaluation and provide a framework on which the control methodologies can be applied. The objective of the evaluation is to determine how the FMC would benefit most by replacing or adding equipment. Several ideas on control are combined to form a useful framework for the designing of the control net. With this framework the control net is developed directly from the Petri net used in the modeling and evaluation phases. Through the use of special symbols incorporated into the control net, the basic input and output requirements of the system can be derived from the graphical control net