Modelling single-product production systems using state equations: continuous systems and discrete systems that can be represented by continuous models

This paper introduces an approach to the modelling phase intervening in the design or control process of production systems. The suggested modelling is based on the use of the state formalism to represent the evolution of the production flow in the different sections of the studied or considered system. It is suggested that one proceeds to the systematic writing of the state representation based on the typology of the physical system with the assistance of semantic groupings attached to the types and the localization of the entities. This approach has a double interest. It enables, on the one hand, one to resort directly to simulations for the evaluation of performances and, on the other hand to carry out the synthesis of a control system using conventional automation tools. Art application, implementing the main elementary models, concludes the paper.