A continuum-discrete model for supply chains dynamics

Abstract

This paper is focused on continuum-discrete models for supply chains. In particular, we consider the model introduced in [10], where a system of conservation laws describe the evolution of the supply chain status on sub-chains, while at some nodes solutions are determined by Riemann solvers. Fixing the rule of flux maximization, two new Riemann Solvers are defined. We study the equilibria of the resulting dynamics, moreover some numerical experiments on sample supply chains are reported. We provide also a comparison, both of equilibria and experiments, with the model of [15]