Hybrid PSO-NEH algorithm for solving no-wait flexible flow shop scheduling problem

To solve the no-wait flexible flow shop scheduling problem with makespan criterion, a hybrid approach which combined particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm with NEH algorithm was proposed. PSO algorithm was used to deal with machine assignment problem and implement the global optimization, while the improved NEH algorithm was employed to order the jobs and parallel mobile method based on the difference value was put forward to get the objective. In the processing of the algorithm, the premature convergence phenomenon was avoided by mutating the particles that were stagnant. Computational results based on the typical benchmark suites show that the proposed algorithm is feasible and effective.