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The purpose of this paper is to propose an availability modeling method of complex multiple units system (CMUS) based on the multi-agent technique.

Based on the multi-agent technique, this paper describes the availability model structure for CMUS and develops agent-based models of components, maintenance policies, maintenance tools, maintenance fields, and maintenance staff, as well as the communication method among the different agents. On the basis of the agent-based availability modeling theory, the availability simulation scheme of CMUS is given using MATLAB. Thus, the availability modeling theory of CMUS and its simulation method are developed. To demonstrate the applicability of the proposed availability modeling method, a numerical example is given.

The proposed agent-based modeling method is applicable to availability modeling of CMUS, including the modeling of component failure, maintenance tools/fields/staff, maintenance policy, and structural/economic dependence among components.

As a bottom-top, modular, expandable, and reusable modeling theory, the agent-based modeling method might be useful for availability modeling of different CMUSs in reality.

The multi-agent technique is introduced into availability modeling of multi-component systems in this paper. Thus, it is possible to model failure of many components, maintenance policies, maintenance tools, maintenance fields, and maintenance staff together for availability analysis of complex systems of equipment.

The purpose of this paper is to optimize the key dimensions parameters of the missile suspension structure to ensure the structural fatigue life (>10000 cycles) with the reliability of 0.995.

The design objective is the fatigue life reliability of the structure, while the design variables are the four fatigue‐sensitive dimensions. The nominal stress approach is introduced to predict the fatigue life, and it was verified by comparing with experimental data. The second respond surface method is applied to solve the reliability in a finite element‐supported analysis using software MSC Patran/Nastran. A Sequential quadratic programming (SQP) algorithm is used for structure optimization.

The fillet radius r is the most important factor that influences the fatigue life reliability of the structure. The four optimal dimensions parameters are obtained by a reliability‐based design optimization process with the fatigue life and reliability fulfilling the demands.

The optimal result can be used as the design values for missile suspension structure. The feasibility of the reliability‐based design optimization method is validated for the design of missile suspension structure.

The Physical Internet (PI) application in a supply chain is explored by automakers to achieve a digital supply chain to challenge timely delivery while maintaining high customised production at the lowest operating cost.

A bi-objective mixed integer model is formulated, where production is performed in multistage manufacturing systems (MMS) and then delivered in a two-level distribution system. Next, a hybrid iterative method algorithm is developed to solve the practical-scale problem within an admissible time. Finally, PI's benefits on production and supply chain operation are discussed through extensive computational experiments in different supply chain configurations.

Three significant findings are obtained. First, PI can achieve a comparable or better service level, while the cost is always lower. Second, PI can improve the utilisation of production and transportation resources. Third, with a more complex supply chain and a higher production cost or truck fixed cost, PI's advantages over traditional supply chain become more vigorous, but the increase in orders will weaken it.

The auto enterprise should adopt a PI-enabled supply chain (PI-SC), especially with the increase of network complexity and specific cost factors.

Importance should be attached to the PI-SC to make customers better involved in the supply chain.

First, the application of PI in the existing plant is described. Second, MMS production with multi-mode transportation is jointly scheduled. Third, the decision support of the PI-SC is provided for auto enterprises.