SIMULATION MODELING OF TECHNOLOGICAL LOGISTICS OF SERVICE SECTIONS FOR ASSEMBLY AND REPAIR OF INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE UNITS

Abstract

The article addresses current issues related to improving the efficiency of technological logistics in service sections for the assembly and repair of internal combustion engine units using modern simulation modeling tools. Contemporary digital technologies are applied for the design, analysis, and optimization of mechanical engineering production systems. Special attention is given to the study of parameters and structural modernization of automated assembly sections and its impact on the parametric properties of the production unit as a logistical system, namely throughput capacity, equipment reliability, uniformity of material flows, and workstation utilization. An analysis of the operational efficiency of an automated section is carried out using the example of internal combustion engine (ICE) carburetor assembly, and ways to improve its structure are identified through the use of inter-operational buffers, changes in flow configuration, and the implementation of robotic material handling systems. The Siemens Tecnomatix Plant Simulation software environment is used to create a simulation model at the level of a digital twin of the production system, and a series of virtual experiments is conducted in real time. A simulation model of an automated assembly section is developed, taking into account actual standard operation times, equipment reliability parameters, and the structure of technological flows. A comparative analysis is performed between a traditional layout without buffer storage and modernized variants with buffers of different capacities. The most heavily loaded system sections, where queues, blocking, and equipment idle times occur, are identified. The results demonstrate the possibility of achieving, through the use of the Tecnomatix simulation model, a more balanced workload distribution across workstations, reduced productivity losses, and increased output of finished products as a result of structural changes in the automated section. The study shows the comprehensive application of simulation modeling for optimizing logistical and technological parameters of service production systems.