Fuzzy geometric programming approach to a fuzzy machining economics model

Machining economics is an important function of the process planning activity for manufacturing products with high quality and low cost. The machining economics model usually contains a highly non-linear objective function and equations that could be formulated as a geometric programming problem. The paper develops a solution method for deriving the fuzzy objective value of the fuzzy machining economics problem when some of the parameters in the problem are fuzzy numbers. A pair of geometric programs is formulated to calculate the lower and upper bounds of the unit production cost at possibility level α. With the ability to calculate the fuzzy objective value developed, it might help lead to a more realistic modelling effort. The developed methodology can also be applied to other engineering design problems with fuzzy numbers.