Optimization of Autoclave Scheduling for Composites Atlantic

Composites Atlantic Limited , a subsidiary of EADS Sogerma, one of the Airbus Group of companies, locatedin Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, is a leader in the design, development and manufacturing of advanced compositesfor the aeronautic, defence and space industries. A core part of their manufacturing process involves sixautoclaves of differing sizes and capabilities. Jobs for production are first processed in the layup area and thencome to the autoclaves for curing the composite material. The goal of this research is to develop optimizationalgorithms into a scheduling decision support system that will to relieve the bottleneck caused by theseautoclaves. When an autoclave is run, it is desirable that it contain as many compatible components as possibleto gain on throughput and significantly, on energy savings. It is also important that the scheduling of theautoclave runs achieved the minimum possible elapsed total time , while also reflecting the timing needs ofcustomers and the availability of parts from the layup shop. Additional savings may be achievable throughscheduling to minimize energy peak loads.We will develop a series of heuristic optimization algorithms and exact mixed integer programming models ofboth the autoclave packing process and the scheduling process. Working closely with the schedulers atComposites Atlantic, we will test which combination of optimization approaches best meets their needs andembed these in a decision support software.The overall result is expected to contribute both to energy savings through better packing and to increasedproductivity allowing the company to increase its manufacturing throughput. This in turn will allow it to takeon more business.