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Validation Testing A Contaminant Transport And Natural Attenuation Simulation Model Using Field Data, Steven J. Flier
Validation Testing A Contaminant Transport And Natural Attenuation Simulation Model Using Field Data, Steven J. Flier
Theses and Dissertations
This research extends the work begun by Enyeart (1994) which evaluated the process of intrinsic bioremediation, and which developed a model for predicting the velocity of an aerobic degradation front, as it traverses the length of a JP-4 contaminant plume. It is assumed this aerobic front will traverse the contaminant plume as dissolved oxygen is carried by the ground water through the sorption-retarded contaminant. The ultimate purpose of Enyeart's model is to use it to develop field guidance for assessing the feasibility of intrinsic bioremediation to restore petroleum-contaminated soils. After simulating intrinsic bioremediation many times with a spreadsheet model, results …
A Differential Gps Aided Ins For Aircraft Landings, Ryan L. Britton
A Differential Gps Aided Ins For Aircraft Landings, Ryan L. Britton
Theses and Dissertations
The Department of Defense (DOD) and the commercial airline industry are in the process of replacing the instrument landing system (ILS) for aircraft precision approach landings. The use of differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) is thought to be a viable replacement for ILS precision approaches. This thesis explores the integration of an INS, DGPS, Barometric Altimeter, Pseudolite, and Radar Altimeter for a tanker type and a single engine aircraft precision approach. These devices are integrated using an extended Kalman filter (EKF). For the tanker type aircraft federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements for a Category I and a Category II precision …
Design And Fabrication Of A Micromechanical Gyroscope, Richard M. Kuhns
Design And Fabrication Of A Micromechanical Gyroscope, Richard M. Kuhns
Theses and Dissertations
Both size and cost of mechanical and optical inertial navigation systems (INS) have prevented their use in many applications. By developing a micromachined gyroscope and combining it with existing micromachined accelerometer designs to form a low sensitivity INS, the cost would be reduced by a factor of 10 or more. The lower per unit cost would open new areas for INS use. A second advantage of the micromachined INS would be its size. A micromachined INS would weigh only a few ounces and take significantly less space, allowing more room for electronics and the weight reduction would lead to longer …
Effects Of Jamming And Excision Filtering Upon Error Rates And Detectability Of A Spread Spectrum Communication System, Christopher B. Madden
Effects Of Jamming And Excision Filtering Upon Error Rates And Detectability Of A Spread Spectrum Communication System, Christopher B. Madden
Theses and Dissertations
This thesis examines the effects of a digital excision filter (DEF) upon the error rates and detectability of a Direct Sequence Binary Phase Shift Keyed communication signal in the presence of both continuous wave (CW) and pulsed jammers. Simulations were performed using the Comdisco Signal Processing Worksystem. Detector models used were the wideband radiometer and two forms of the chip-rate detector. Twelve jamming scenarios were used to test the performance of the DEF in the presence of the CW and pulsed jammers. In addition, the effects of the CW jammer frequency, the pulsed jammer duty cycle, and the pulsed jammer …
Three Dimensional Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar Imaging, Jack D. Pullis
Three Dimensional Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar Imaging, Jack D. Pullis
Theses and Dissertations
This research investigates the generation, display, and interpretation of three-dimensional (3-D) Synthetic Aperture Radar images. Three-dimensional assumes that the data collected consists of one temporal dimension and two orthogonal angular dimensions. From this data, a three dimensional reflectivity map, or 3-D image, of a target can be constructed. This thesis effort develops and applies a three-dimensional imaging algorithm on actual radar data measured on a one-third scale model of a C-29 aircraft. Two-dimensional slices of the three-dimensional image as well as three-dimensional isosurfaces are compared to the physical properties of the target. The results demonstrate the ability to produce three-dimensional …
Exmis: An Expert System For The Autonomous Onboard Command System (Aocs), Kevin D. Benedict
Exmis: An Expert System For The Autonomous Onboard Command System (Aocs), Kevin D. Benedict
Theses and Dissertations
The primary objective of this study is the creation of a prototype expert system called EXMIS (EXpert MIssile System) that performs the flight termination logic sequence of the Autonomous Onboard Command System (AOCS). The AOCS is a proposed system that would take the "man-in-the-loop" out of the self-destruct decision making process and place the entire decision on the launch vehicle. Through the use of a six degree of freedom trajectory program called BOOST, simulated flight data for four different flight scenarios is obtained. The launch vehicle selected for the simulations is the Peacekeeper ICBM. EXMIS is developed using an expert …
Binary Gas Mixture Analysis With An Interdigitated Gate Electrode Field Effect Transistor (Igefet) Microsensor, John M. Wiseman
Binary Gas Mixture Analysis With An Interdigitated Gate Electrode Field Effect Transistor (Igefet) Microsensor, John M. Wiseman
Theses and Dissertations
Single component and binary gas mixtures of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ammonia (NH3) were analyzed with a microsensor composed of an array of interdigitated Gate Electrode Field Effect Transistor (IGEFET) sensor elements coated with copper-, nickel-, and cobalt-phthalocyanine thin films. Improvements in the IGEFET microsensor design and operation facilitated simultaneous measurement of ihe direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) electrical response of the metal-substituted phthalocyanine (MPc) films to challenge gas exposure. A finite-difference model of the interdigitated gate electrode (IGE) structure confirmed the fundamental operation of the IGEFET microsensor. Principal component analysis (PCA) and multilinear regression were applied to …
Analysis And Interpretation Of Ion Data Associated With Neutral Gas Releases In The Earth's Ionosphere, Timothy M. Shadid
Analysis And Interpretation Of Ion Data Associated With Neutral Gas Releases In The Earth's Ionosphere, Timothy M. Shadid
Theses and Dissertations
Barium and strontium release experiments were conducted throughout 1991 from the Combined Release and Radiation Effects Satellite (CRRES) to study both natural and man-made disturbances in the earth's ionosphere. A mass spectrometer on the spacecraft counted the Ba and Sr ions as the cloud expanded. In this study, data from the G-1 (in sunlight) and G-11b (in darkness) releases were modeled to understand the source of the ion signals. The model reproduced the Ba+ sun data well assuming photoionization (τ = 28 s) was the primary ionization mechanism. However, it was not able to account for the remaining ion …
Effects Of Base Cavity Depth On A Free Spinning Wrap-Around Fin Missile Configuration, Jon A. Struck
Effects Of Base Cavity Depth On A Free Spinning Wrap-Around Fin Missile Configuration, Jon A. Struck
Theses and Dissertations
This study investigated the role base cavity depth plays in altering the overall subsonic aerodynamic forces on a free spinning axisymmetric body with wrap around fins. Wind tunnel usage allowed the forces to be monitored for varying base cavity depths and angles of attack. A base cavity depth analysis was also performed on a non-spinning axisymmetric body for comparison. Oil visualizations were conducted on the non-spinning configuration to further describe airflow patterns around the body and within the cavity. Results revealed that the aerodynamic forces, mostly drag, changed with increasing cavity depth but not to the extent previously believed. The …
Experimental Investigation Of Non-Adiabatic Supersonic Slot Injection Into A Supersonic Cross-Flow, Kelly C. Tucker
Experimental Investigation Of Non-Adiabatic Supersonic Slot Injection Into A Supersonic Cross-Flow, Kelly C. Tucker
Theses and Dissertations
Turbulence and mean flow measurements were acquired downstream of a normal, supersonic (M=1.6), two-dimensional, slot injection into Mach 3.0 flow (Re/m = 15x106). Two non-adiabatic cases Ti/T∞ = 1.11 and Ti/T∞ = 0.93) were studied. Multiple overheat anemometry and conventional mean flow analysis, as well as shadowgraph and schlieren photography, were utilized to study the turbulent mixing layer. The mean flow data included the Pitot, cone-static, and Mach number profiles. The measured turbulence data included shear stresses, mass flux, total temperature turbulence intensities, and turbulent heat fluxes. The temperature and density variation …
Thermo-Mechanical Fatigue Behavior Of Cross-Ply Ceramic Matrix Composite Under Tension-Tension Loading, Dana G. Allen
Thermo-Mechanical Fatigue Behavior Of Cross-Ply Ceramic Matrix Composite Under Tension-Tension Loading, Dana G. Allen
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to investigate the combined effect of cyclic temperature and loading on the fatigue life of a ceramic matrix composite with a cross ply lay-up. The material used in this study was a potassium borosilicate glass (BSG) doped magnesium aluminosilicate (MAS) cordierite matrix reinforced with Nicalon (silicon carbide, SiC) fibers in a [0/90]4s lay-up. Thermomechanical fatigue (TMF) tests were performed with a period of 180 seconds/cycle, or 0.00556 Hz, and a triangular wave-form. The temperature was cycled between 566°C and l093°C, and the stress levels varied between 60 MPa and 145 MPa. All tests …
A Comparison Of Response Surface Methodology And A One-Factor-At-A-Time Approach As Calibration Techniques For The Bioplume-Ii Simulation Model Of Contaminant Biodegradation, Benjamin Shuman
Theses and Dissertations
This thesis compared Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to the one-factor-at-a-time approach for calibrating the Bioplume-II simulation model of contaminant biodegradation. The MADE-2 data set from Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi was used. The one-factor-at-a-time approach reduced the root-mean-squared (RMS) error for the flow to 0.921225 feet in a total of 36 runs of Bioplume-II. The RSM approach reduced the error criterion to 0.918875 in a total of 47 runs. The one-factor-at-a-time approach was unable to reduce the error below 67.1831 parts per billion (ppb) after 21 runs. The RSM approach reduced the RMS error to 67.0327 ppb after 47 runs. …
Design, Fabrication And Characterization Of Micro Opto-Electro-Mechanical Systems, Darren E. Sene
Design, Fabrication And Characterization Of Micro Opto-Electro-Mechanical Systems, Darren E. Sene
Theses and Dissertations
Several micro-opto-electro-mechanical structures were designed using the Multi-User MEMS Process (MUMPS). Specific design techniques were investigated for improving the capabilities of elevating flip up structures. The integration of several flip up microoptical structures into a microoptical system was explored with emphasis on the development of a microinterferometer. The thermal effects on the Modulus of Elasticity were determined by detecting the resonant frequency for a square Flexure Beam Micromirror Device. The resonance of the device was found to match theory to within 0.1 % and the Modulus of Elasticity was found to decrease by 0.041 GPa/K from 290 to 450 K. …
Fatigue Response Of Cracked Aluminum Panel With Partially Bonded Composite Patch, Jason J. Denney
Fatigue Response Of Cracked Aluminum Panel With Partially Bonded Composite Patch, Jason J. Denney
Theses and Dissertations
More and more aircraft, both commercial and military, are being called upon to fly well beyond their economic and structural service lives. Budget cuts and dwindling new aircraft development has forced the United States Air Force (USAF) to look toward more reliable structural repairs. One of these repair techniques, which was the subject of this study, is the repair of metallic aircraft structures using high strength composite materials. This study investigated the fatigue response of a precracked, 508x1 52x1 mm, 2024-T3 aluminum panel repaired with a partially bonded, unidirectional, three-ply boron/epoxy composite reinforcement with ply lengths of 68, 56 and …
Full Lyapunov Exponent Placement In Reentry Trajectories, Michael H. Platt
Full Lyapunov Exponent Placement In Reentry Trajectories, Michael H. Platt
Theses and Dissertations
This study investigated the ability to control the chaotic reentry of a Delta-Clipper like vehicle by setting the values of initial arid final principal dynamical directions as well as the Lyapunov exponents. A model of the original controlled reentry vehicle was created through the use of the equations of motion in conjunction with an atmospheric model. A modified linear quadratic regulator allowed the set up of a boundary value problem which specified the Lyapunov exponents and determined the gain matrix as a function of time. The gain matrix can eventually be used in the control system of the vehicle.
The Role Of Frame Selection And Bispectrum Phase Reconstruction For Speckle Imaging Through Atmospheric Turbulence, Elizabeth A. Harpold
The Role Of Frame Selection And Bispectrum Phase Reconstruction For Speckle Imaging Through Atmospheric Turbulence, Elizabeth A. Harpold
Theses and Dissertations
Frame selection using quality sharpness metrics have been shown in previous AFIT theses, to be effective in improving the final product of images obtained using adaptive optics. This thesis extends this idea to noncompensated speckle image data. Speckle image reconstruction is simulated with and without frame selection. Speckle images require the processing of hundreds of data frames. Frame selection is a method of reducing the amount of data required to reconstruct the image. A collection of short exposure image data frames of a single object are sorted based on sharpness metrics. Only the highest quality frames are retained and processed …
A Decision Tool To Optimally Select Pollution Prevention Projects Within A Constrained Budget, Charlotte Hudson
A Decision Tool To Optimally Select Pollution Prevention Projects Within A Constrained Budget, Charlotte Hudson
Theses and Dissertations
Pollution prevention managers need to select the best environmental projects for an installation within a constrained budget but have no standard way of selecting the optimal mix of projects. This thesis proposes a decision tool to aid decision makers in choosing this optimal mix. The model was built using decision analysis theory which provides a framework to aid the decision maker. Criteria sed in the model for selection was determined using a questionnaire sent to base-level pollution prevention managers. The model ses DPL, a software package designed to build, analyze, and conduct sensitivity analysis of decision problems to perform the …
Design Of Flight Control Laws For Aircraft With Flexible Wings Using Quantitative Feedback Theory, Christina L. Osmon
Design Of Flight Control Laws For Aircraft With Flexible Wings Using Quantitative Feedback Theory, Christina L. Osmon
Theses and Dissertations
Aircraft composed of lightweight composite materials are extremely enticing since their structural weight is greatly reduced. However, the control of these aircraft is complicated by the resultant flexibility of the wings. Two avenues of approach are possible; stiffen the wings thus losing some of the weight reduction benefits, or design the lateral/directional flight control system cognizant of the wing's flexibility. In this thesis the second approach is taken. The design of three lateral/directional flight control systems for the sub-sonic flight envelope of the F-18 is presented. The Quantitative Feedback Theory (QFT) robust control design technique is used. These designs incorporate …
Improving The Morse Intercept Operator's Audio Display, Jesse M. Washburn
Improving The Morse Intercept Operator's Audio Display, Jesse M. Washburn
Theses and Dissertations
This thesis improves the audio display for multiple Morse communications. Factors considered to improve the audio display are frequency of source, volume level of source, and methods of unmasking. The best frequency and volume level of a Morse source is 500 Hz at 70 dB sound pressure level (spi). Two types of masking are researched: frequency masking and expectation driven masking. Experiments showed by amplifying high pitched sources the effects of frequency masking are minimized. Other methods to compensate for frequency masking are 3-D sound and the placement of a source out of phase between the ears. Morse code recognition …
Mach 2.9 Investigation Into The Flow Structure In The Vicinity Of A Wrap-Around Fin, Richard E. Huffman Jr.
Mach 2.9 Investigation Into The Flow Structure In The Vicinity Of A Wrap-Around Fin, Richard E. Huffman Jr.
Theses and Dissertations
A ceiling-mounted semi-cylindrical model containing a single wrap-around fin (WAF) was tested in the AFIT Mach 2.9 test facility. Flow visualization using oil- low streaklines, schlieren images and shadowgraph photography revealed a A-shock at the fin-body juncture and the development of an asymmetric bow-shock about the fin. Quantitative measurements were taken with a 100 cone-static pressure probe, a Pitot pressure probe and two cross-wire hot-film probes (u-v and u-w components, respectively). Measurements were made at cutting-planes from the inlet of the test section to aft of the model, with emphasis placed in the vicinity of the WAF. Results include cutting-plane …
Thermal Stresses In End-Heated Layered Media, Jerry R. Couick
Thermal Stresses In End-Heated Layered Media, Jerry R. Couick
Theses and Dissertations
Thermal stresses in semi-infinite layered beams heated on the end are calculated using an extension to simple bimetallic thermostat theory. Recently, researchers have used the concept of interfacial compliance to determine interlaminar stresses in a simple thermostat of finite length subjected to a uniform temperature increase. In the present work, the thermostat theory is extended to apply to the beams of interest. A closed-form solution to the problem is obtained. It is not applicable within about one beam thickness (St Venant boundary region) of the end. Various classes of layered materials are analyzed to determine if significant stresses exist outside …
Application Of Mixed-Norm Optimal Control To A Multi-Objective Active Suspension Problem, John B. Allison
Application Of Mixed-Norm Optimal Control To A Multi-Objective Active Suspension Problem, John B. Allison
Theses and Dissertations
Mixed norm optimal control synthesis is used to solve a multiobjective suspension problem. The objective is to develop a controller for an active suspension system onboard a tractor semitrailer vehicle. The problem is first approached by using H2 and H∞ optimization. It is shown that by combining both techniques into one mixed norm optimization method, it is possible to exploit the strengths of each norm to provide superior performance. Two H2/H∞ designs were completed. One design concentrated on optimal performance at one design condition. The second design concentrated on providing the best performance possible at a medium …
An Experimental Investigation Of A Sting-Mounted Finite Circulation Control Wing, Lorenzo C. Bradley Iii
An Experimental Investigation Of A Sting-Mounted Finite Circulation Control Wing, Lorenzo C. Bradley Iii
Theses and Dissertations
This study investigated the lift, drag and pitching moment performance of a circulation control wing in the AFIT 5-ft wind tunnel. The experimental wing model was a 20 percent thick, 8.5 percent camber, partial elliptical cross-section, single blowing slot, rectangular planform wing. The aspect ratios tested were 3.99, 3.77 and 3.75. The variables in the investigation included the slot blowing rate and model configuration. The model was modified by adding a leading edge nose droop, a trailing edge splitter plate and wing tip fences to improve flow at the leading edge, reduce separation effects, and encourage attached flow on the …
Experimental Investigation Of A Supersonic Turbulent Boundary Layer With Adverse Pressure Gradient, Chad S. Hale
Experimental Investigation Of A Supersonic Turbulent Boundary Layer With Adverse Pressure Gradient, Chad S. Hale
Theses and Dissertations
Laser Doppler Velocimetry (LDV) measurements were made to quantify the effect of adverse pressure gradient on the compressible turbulent flow structure in a Mach 2.9 boundary layer (Re/m= 1.75 x 107). Measurements included profiles of 2-D mean velocities, turbulence intensities, Reynolds shear stresses, intermittency, flatness and skewness. In addition, mean strain rates were also measured. The boundary layer measurements were acquired for both flat plate and compression ramp models. LDV measurements were made at two locations on the compression ramp model at 68 cm and 71 cm downstream of the nozzle throat. At these locations, Β …
Stress/Strain Ratio Effects On Fatigue Response Of A Scs-6/Ti-15-3 Metal Matrix Composite At Elevated Temperature, Sean C. Jackson
Stress/Strain Ratio Effects On Fatigue Response Of A Scs-6/Ti-15-3 Metal Matrix Composite At Elevated Temperature, Sean C. Jackson
Theses and Dissertations
This study investigated the fatigue life and damage mechanisms of a [0]8, SCS-6/Ti-15-3, metal matrix composite at 427°C for three different stress/strain ratios, R = -1, 0 and 0.5. Fatigue life and damage mechanism comparisons were made for the varying R ratios and between the load and strain control modes. Fatigue life comparisons show that on a maximum stress/strain basis as R is increased fatigue life increases while on a stress/strain range basis as R increases fatigue life decreases. Similar damage mechanisms were found between the R = -1 and R = 0 tests conducted at the same …
Vehicle Thermal Control With A Variable Area Inlet, Thomas R. Layne
Vehicle Thermal Control With A Variable Area Inlet, Thomas R. Layne
Theses and Dissertations
This study developed a variable area inlet and controller that regulated the temperature of an electrical component with ram air. The intent of the variable area inlet was to reduce vehicle drag by eliminating inefficiencies associated with component cooling and fixed area inlets. These inefficiencies arise from vehicles moving at varying speeds through varying air temperatures. The hardware model consisted of an electrical component mounted inside a right-circular cylindrical duct. The variable area inlet, mounted in the front of the duct, consisted of a butterfly valve that was actuated by a stepper controller acted on the feedback signal of a …
Methodology For Implementing Fracture Mechanics In Global Structural Design Of Aircraft, Clifton D. Nees
Methodology For Implementing Fracture Mechanics In Global Structural Design Of Aircraft, Clifton D. Nees
Theses and Dissertations
The analysis and design criteria of fracture mechanics are investigated for implementation with the Automated Structural Optimization System (ASTROS) global optimization design tool. The main focus is the optimal design of aircraft wing panels by applying fracture mechanics design criteria within the global finite element model. This effort consists of four main phases: investigation of fracture mechanics analysis methods and design criteria, formulation of a computational technique for damage tolerance design consistent with global optimization requirements, integration of the technique into the ASTROS design tool, and demonstration of the results.
Prediction Of An Axial Compressor Stage Characteristic From A One-Point Measurement, Shahnaz M. Punjani
Prediction Of An Axial Compressor Stage Characteristic From A One-Point Measurement, Shahnaz M. Punjani
Theses and Dissertations
This study focuses on predicting axial compressor stage characteristics using a single performance point comprised of mass flow, temperature and pressure rise coefficients obtained in experimental testing and a generic stage temperature characteristic. A new temperature characteristic is generated using a mapping technique where changes in stage blade angles are iterated from assumptions of free vortex flow and constant increment of flow turning angle with increased flow incidence. If additional data corresponding to the new curve are available, the characteristic is adjusted using non-linear least squares estimation, Essentially, the modified mapped curve results from a re-estimated change in the stator …
Applications Of Nonlinear Control Using The State-Dependent Riccati Equation, David K. Parrish
Applications Of Nonlinear Control Using The State-Dependent Riccati Equation, David K. Parrish
Theses and Dissertations
This thesis examines the relatively new theory of nonlinear control using state dependent coefficient factorizations to mimic linear state space systems. The control theory is a nonlinear quadratic approach, analogous to linear quadratic regulation. All implementations examined in this thesis are done strictly numerically. This thesis is meant to provide a proof of concept for both satellite control and for an artificial pancreas to regulate blood glucose levels in diabetics by automatic insulin injection. These simulations represent only a first step towards practical use of the NQR method, and do not address noise rejection or robustness issues.
Sub-Optimal Control Of Rigid Spacecraft Reorientation Using Three Momentum Wheels, Gregory W. Schultz
Sub-Optimal Control Of Rigid Spacecraft Reorientation Using Three Momentum Wheels, Gregory W. Schultz
Theses and Dissertations
This thesis addresses sub-optimal employment of 3 momentum wheels for large angle reorientation of rigid spacecraft with minimal induced spacecraft motion during maneuvers. In addition to development of general theory for 3 wheel vehicles, simulation results for a vehicle using momentum wheels for secondary attitude control (GPS Block IIR) are compared to results for a vehicle using them for primary attitude control (the Hubble Space Telescope), to demonstrate practical applications and limitations. While the control laws were developed assuming no external perturbing torques on the vehicle, reorientation scenarios were run both in a torque free environment as well as an …