A fuzzy logic-based hybrid estimation of distribution algorithm for distributed permutation flowshop scheduling problems under machine breakdown

Abstract

AbstractAs the research interest in distributed scheduling is growing, distributed permutation flowshop scheduling problems (DPFSPs) have recently attracted an increasing attention. This paper presents a fuzzy logic-based hybrid estimation of distribution algorithm (FL-HEDA) to address DPFSPs under machine breakdown with makespan criterion. In order to explore more promising search space, FL-HEDA hybridises the probabilistic model of estimation of distribution algorithm with crossover and mutation operators of genetic algorithm to produce new offspring. In the FL-HEDA, a novel fuzzy logic-based adaptive evolution strategy (FL-AES) is adopted to preserve the population diversity by dynamically adjusting the ratio of offspring generated by the probabilistic model. Moreover, a discrete-event simulator that models the production process under machine breakdown is applied to evaluate expected makespan of offspring individuals. The simulation results show the effectiveness of FL-HEDA in solving DPFSPs under machine breakdown.Keywords: distributed permutation flowshopestimation of distribution algorithmfuzzy logicmachine breakdownmakespan AcknowledgementsWe would like to thank the anonymous referees for their constructive and pertinent comments. This research is partially supported by Key Program from National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 71131004 and No. 71231007), National Science Foundation of China (No. 71301124), Humanities and Social Sciences Foundation of the Ministry of Education of China (No.13YJC630165), Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (No.2012GSP026), Macau University of Science and Technology (No. 0237), and Macau Science and Technology Development Fund (No. 066/2013/A2).