Article ID: | iaor20132533 |
Volume: | 64 |
Issue: | 4 |
Start Page Number: | 562 |
End Page Number: | 576 |
Publication Date: | Apr 2013 |
Journal: | Journal of the Operational Research Society |
Authors: | Sakall S, Bayko F |
Keywords: | scrap minimisation, uncertainty, Chance-constrained programming, brass |
The scrap charge optimization problem in the brass casting process is a critical management concern that aims to reduce the charge while preventing specification violations. Uncertainties in scrap material compositions often cause violations in product standards. In this study, we have discussed the aleatory and epistemic uncertainties and modelled them by using probability and possibility distributions, respectively. Mathematical models including probabilistic and possibilistic parameters are generally solved by transforming one type of parameter into the other. However, the transformation processes have some handicaps such as knowledge losses or virtual information production. In this paper, we have proposed a new solution approach that needs no transformation process and so eliminates these handicaps. The proposed approach combines both chance‐constrained stochastic programming and possibilistic programming. The solution of the numerical example has shown that the blending problem including probabilistic and possibilistic uncertainties can be successfully handled and solved by the proposed approach.