The Distributor's Three-Dimensional Pallet-Packing Problem
Ballew, Brian P.
Synopsis "The Distributor's Three-Dimensional Pallet-Packing Problem"
It is through practice and experience Air Force loadmasters are able to pack the Air Force standard HCU-6/E (463L) pallets efficiently. Although the loadmasters perform their jobs exceptionally well, the Air Force is in search of a model that will more efficiently pack the pallets. We have developed a mathematical formulation of the three-dimensional pallet-packing problem which minimizes the amount of unused space on a pallet. The formulation ensures each box is packed with the correct volume and dimensions, and ensures the volume of all the boxes packed is less than the available pallet volume. Additionally, the formulation ensures that each box has a foundation on which to be placed and allows, at most, one box to be placed in each location on the pallet. The three-dimensional pallet-packing problem is a NP-hard problem. Thus, for large problems, the optimal solution can not be found in a reasonable amount of time. Therefore a heuristic solution approach is required to solve these large problems. This research observes the performance of a genetic algorithm on the three-dimensional pallet-packing problem using single-point crossover.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
