An algorithm for buffer allocation with linear resource constraints in a continuous-flow unreliable production line

An efficient algorithm is proposed for the buffer allocation in a continuous flow production line with unreliable machines. The problem is formulated as a non-linear programming with linear constraints, and the concept of pseudo gradient and gradient projection is employed in developing the algorithm. Numerical experiment shows that the algorithm yields quite good solutions to the large-sized problems with the generalized linear constraints. The robustness to the initial solution and the efficiency of the algorithm are also shown.