Logistics in a Contested Environment: Network Analysis and Flow Optimization

Abstract

The present state of the naval logistics system is efficient and effective at supplying forward-deployed forces; however, it is optimized for operations in uncontested environments. As the United States enters another era of great-power competition, it must determine the type of logistics system that is able to operate in a region where friendly forces do not have sea control. This study creates a network of logisticshubs in the Pacific theater. Using network science and prominent centrality measures, we examine the structure of a nominal Pacific theater logistics network for an array of logistic assets. In this thesis, we develop a maximum flow algorithm and apply it to our logistics network. Our proposed maximum flow algorithm optimizes vessel configuration and routing to satisfy as much demand as possible. We hope ourstudy provides insights into the capabilities of the current logistics system and potential areas for improving logistics capabilities in contested environments.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 2020
Accession Number
AD1114716

Entities

People

  • Christian A. Sorenson

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Engineered Resilient Systems
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Algorithms
  • Applied Mathematics
  • California
  • Flow Network
  • Graph Theory
  • Linear Programming
  • Littoral Combat Ships
  • Logistics
  • Mathematical Programming
  • Naval Warfare
  • Navy
  • Network Science
  • Operations Research
  • Social Networks
  • Supply Chain
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Systems Engineering
  • United States
  • Unmanned Underwater Vehicles
  • Warfare

Fields of Study

  • Computer science

Readers

  • East Asian Political and Security Studies within the Soviet Union
  • Maritime Combat Support and Expeditionary Logistics.
  • Operations Research