Vehicle routing problem based model and ant colony optimization algorithm for group charge problem of ingot casting

Group charge problem of ingot casting is one of iron & steel production planning and scheduling problems. Compares with the steel-making - continuous casting´s group charge problem, the ingot casting´s group charge problem has the difference in the process constraint and planning rules. On the basis of analyzing the difference between group charge problem of ingot casting and group charge problem of steelmaking, VRP model for group charge problem of ingot casting is established in consideration of technological regulation and process constraint. Aiming at characteristic of model, ant colony optimization (ACO) algorithm is proposed for solving the model. The experimental result using practical production data shows the proposed model and algorithm are effective and feasible.