Weaving Processes-Effects of Non-Preemptive Priority and Operator Interference on Output

Abstract

Warp yarns are depleted in the weaving process and must be replaced. Principles of queueing theory are applied to warp beam replacement.

Looms may be serviced with new warp beams on a first-come-first-served or on a priority basis. Comparative studies have been made to determine the queueing dis cipline that would maximize loom output or loom operating efficiency for the same number of repairmen.

Monte Carlo methods have been used for examining the queueing process. The actual universe of looms was replaced by a mathematical model that was demonstrated to be theoretically equivalent to the actual universe.

For the particular system investigated, the priority queue discipline proved to be marginally more economical than the first-come-first-served discipline.

The effectiveness of simulation as a tool for this type of study has been demonstrated.