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- 2019
Constraint programming heuristics and software tools for amphibious embarkation planningKeywords: Constraint programming,embarkation planning,amphibious operations,bin packing problem,software development,heuristics,unloading constraints Abstract: We outline the development and performance of heuristic approaches to obtain prioritized load planning solutions for the embarkation of cargo onto the deck of an amphibious ship. The heuristic techniques are underpinned by a constraint programming paradigm and have been implemented in a Java-based software package called COmPacT (Constraint Optimization Packing Tool). COmPacT utilizes the modeling and solver libraries of the IBM ILOG CPLEX Optimization Studio. For the purposes of mathematical modeling, the embarkation planning problem is akin to packing a set of rectangular items onto a larger rectangular space (the deck), which could contain obstacles and may be subject to mass balance constraints. The modeling and algorithmic approaches are outlined in connection to the software development of COmPacT. Finally, we demonstrate how COmPacT may be used in conjunction with a planner’s knowledge and expertise to enable iterative packing techniques, thereby combining the strengths of both automated and manual methods
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