Multi-Item Scheduling by Benders' Decomposition

Scheduling the production of several items requires the determination of production quantities in different periods in the presence of resource constraints. Several approximate and heuristic algorithms have been proposed to solve this problem. However, no method for finding an optimal solution has as yet been developed. It is shown that the problem may be solved advantageously using Benders' decomposition. The subproblem in Benders' decomposition is shown to be a transportation problem, and some strategies for solving the master problem are indicated. The paper concludes with a sample problem demonstrating the application of the method.     

Thin film synthesis and the influence of irradiation-induced defects on the superconductivity of La1.8Sr0.2CuO4

Thin superconducting films of La_1.8Sr_0.2CuO₄ have been prepared by magnetron sputter deposition and subsequent temperature treatment. The composition of the films has been determined by Rutherford backscattering and the structure by thin film X-ray diffraction. The onset of superconductivity was about 32 K and the midpoint near 28 K. Defect production in the films by He ion bombardment revealed a drasticT _c reduction with a sensitivity similar to that observed in the Chevrel phases. Oxygen implantation and subsequent annealing led to an enhancement of theT _c onset.     

Determination of residual monomers in acrylate dispersions by gas chromatography

The content of residual monomers is one of the most important characteristics of polymer dispersions. As a result of the similar physicochemical parameters of ethyl acrylate and methyl methacrylate, it is very difficult to determine the residual monomers in acrylate dispersions obtained by emulsion polymerization of both monomers. Gas chromatography with capillary columns, however, permits separation of these monomers and their quantitative determination in acrylate dispersions.     

The Convergence and Stability of Splitting Finite-Difference Schemes for Nonlinear Evolutionary Equations

We consider a splitting finite-difference scheme for an initial-boundary value problem for a two-dimensional nonlinear evolutionary equation. The problem is split into nonlinear and linear parts. The linear part is also split into locally one-dimensional equations. We prove the convergence and stability of the scheme in L ₂ and C norms. Printed in Lietuvos Matematikos Rinkinys, Vol. 45, No. 3, pp. 413–434, July–September, 2005.     

Stress State of Multilayer Thin-Walled Elements with Interfacial Defects of Structure

Based on the discrete-structural theory of thin plates and shells, a calculation model for thin-walled elements consisting of a number of rigid anisotropic layers is put forward. It is assumed that the transverse shear and compression stresses are equal on the interfaces. Elastic slippage is allowed over the interfaces between adjacent layers. The solution to the problem is obtained in a geometrically nonlinear statement with account of the influence of transverse shear and compression strains. The stress-strain state of circular two-layer transversely isotropic plates, both without defects and with a local area of adhesion failure at their center, is investigated numerically and experimentally. It is found that the kinematic and static contact conditions on the interfaces of layered thin-walled structural members greatly affect the magnitude of stresses and strains. With the use of three variants of calculation models, in the cases of perfect and weakened contact conditions between layers, the calculation results for circular plates are compared. It is revealed that the variant suggested in this paper adequately reflects the behavior of layered thin-walled structural elements under large deformations. __________ Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 41, No. 6, pp. 761–772, November–December, 2005.     

On the Convenience to Form Coalitions or Partnerships in Simple Games

A partnership in a cooperative game is a coalition that possesses an internal structure and, simultaneously, behaves as an individual member. Forming partnerships leads to a modification of the original game which differs from the quotient game that arises when one or more coalitions are actually formed. In this paper, the Shapley value is used to discuss the convenience to form either coalitions or partnerships. To this end, the difference between the additive Shapley value of the partnership in the partnership game and the Shapley alliance value of the coalition, and also between the corresponding value of the internal and external players, are analysed. Simple games are especially considered. Research partially supported by Grant BFM 2003-01314 of the Science and Technology Spanish Ministry and the European Regional Development Fund.