TITLE: The Reliable Hub-and-Spoke Design Problem: Models and Algorithms

SPEAKER: Professor Yu Zhang,
University of South Florida

ABSTRACT:

This paper presents a study on reliable single and multiple allocation hub-and-spoke network design problems where disruptions at hubs and the resulting hub unavailability can be mitigated by backup hubs and alternative routes. Nonlinear mixed integer programming models and linearized formulations are presented. To solve these difficult problems, Lagrangian relaxation and Branch-and-Bound methods are developed to efficiently obtain optimal solutions. Numerical studies of proposed solution methods on practical instances are reported, along with a few insights of system design.

Bio:

Dr. Yu Zhang is an Assistant Professor with the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of South Florida. Dr. Zhang’s research interests include (1) Air traffic flow management; (2) multimodal transportation systems; (3) Air traffic safety; (4) Sustainable transportation planning. Her research projects are funded by government agencies, such as NSF, FAA, FHWA, FDOT and also local industry companies. Dr. Zhang is also conducting international collaboration research with professionals from Europe and East Asia.
Dr. Zhang obtained Ph.D. and Master of Science degrees from the University of California Berkeley. She worked briefly for Jacobs Consultancy (now Leigh Fisher) prior to her joining of USF. Dr. Zhang is the member of two Transportation Research Board (TRB) committees (1) Airfield and Airspace Capacity and Delay (AV060), and (2) Aviation System Planning (AV020). She is the Committee Research Coordinator (CRC) for TRB Av060. Dr. Zhang serves as the Board Director for Chinese Overseas Transportation Association (COTA) and Program Committee for Transportation Research Forum (TRF). Dr. Zhang is the author/co-author of numerous manuscripts that published in prestigious professional journals. She has been invited to serve as the reviewer for journals such as Transportation Science, Transportation Research Part C and the Journal of Transportation Research Record. She also serves as Associate Editor for IEEE Intelligent Transportation Systems Society Conference Management System and Area Editor for COTA International Conference for Transportation Professionals.

Dr. Zhang is the recipient of the 2010 Fred Burggraf Award, Aviation, for excellence in transportation research by researchers 35 years of age or younger, presented by TRB of the National Academies of Science. She received the Best Paper Award in Airline Operations, Quality of Service and Marketing track, in 5th International Conference on Research in Air Transportation held at University of California, Berkeley from May 22- May 24, 201