Modelling and analysis of synchronised material flow with fluid dynamics

We will develop and study synchronised material flow with the help of fluid dynamics. After discussing the empirical relevance of synchronised material flow we develop a deterministic supply chain model. Unlike similar approaches, this model is not based on some quasi steady-state assumptions about the stochastic behaviour of the involved supply chain, but rather on a simple deterministic rule for material flow density. Therefore a multi-stage, continuous material flow is modelled and analysed through a conservation law for material density and augmented by a state equation relating the velocity of parts to the density of the material flow. These models allow us to take into account the nonlinear and transient behaviour of different supply chain echelons and to test synchronised flow with respect to its potential impacts. Numerical simulations verify that the model is able to simulate transient supply chain phenomena. Moreover, a quantification method relating to the fundamental link between synchronisation, productivity and stability of supply chains has been found.