3. The Maximum Flow Problem

The next mathematical model that we shall consider is called the maximum flow problem. This problem can be motivated by the following setting. Imagine that you have a network of pipes that are used to ship, for example, oil from its source to where it is refined. Each pipe in the network can maintain a certain capacity of flow (per second), which depends on its cross-section and other less significant factors. At what rate can we deliver oil to the refinery?