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Articles 1 - 30 of 141
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A Comparison Of Remediation Priorities Developed By The Defense Priority Model, The Relative Risk Evaluation Method, And A Quantitative Risk Assessment Approach, David M. Hunter
Theses and Dissertations
The Superfund, established by the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) of 1980, seriously underestimated both the number of severely contaminated sites and the associated cleanup cost. The magnitude of projected cleanup costs, coupled with shrinking federal budgets, necessitated the development and use of risk-based prioritization models among some federal agencies. Among these tools, the DOD prioritization models are meant to give priority to sites posing the greatest threat to human health. Their failure to properly rank sites could incorrectly shift the focus from those that pose substantial risk to sites of lesser risk. The DOD site ranking …
Wing Flexure Compensation For Aircraft Attitude And Position Determination In An Inverted Carrier-Phase Positioning System, Bradley W. Mahlum
Wing Flexure Compensation For Aircraft Attitude And Position Determination In An Inverted Carrier-Phase Positioning System, Bradley W. Mahlum
Theses and Dissertations
In response to the ever increasing accuracies in inertial navigation systems, the U. S. Air Force must develop higher accuracy reference systems. These reference systems must also be small enough to be utilized in the testing of navigation systems onboard fighter aircraft. One such proposed system utilizes carrier-phase Global Positioning System (CPGPS) transmitters mounted on MM-9 pods with receivers on the ground. This research examines one possible method of utilizing this system to determine the attitude and position of the aircraft, given position estimates for the transmitter's locations. The transmitter positioning algorithm showed that the geometry will be problematic for …
Investigation Of Aerodynamic Alterations For Improving The Kc-135 Boom Performance During Aerial Refueling, Debra A. Nawrocki
Investigation Of Aerodynamic Alterations For Improving The Kc-135 Boom Performance During Aerial Refueling, Debra A. Nawrocki
Theses and Dissertations
This study investigated the eligibility of the KC-135 air refueling boom for improved capabilities in the areas of control and performance. By using a thick airfoil cross-section for the boom tube, rather than the current circular cross-section, the ability to increase the lift characteristics was verified Prior compiled test data was used for comparison against analytical computer solutions. The possibility and effects of control frequency oscillations were also examined due to the unstable nature of the flow at test conditions. Additionally, the effect of other cross-section shapes, such as the blunt fairing, on the size of the flyable envelope for …
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 …
Experimental Investigation Of A Supersonic Boundary Layer Including Favorable Pressure Gradient Effects, Joel J. Luker
Experimental Investigation Of A Supersonic Boundary Layer Including Favorable Pressure Gradient Effects, Joel J. Luker
Theses and Dissertations
This study used advanced laser Doppler velocimetry techniques to measure the turbulence intensities and Reynolds shear stresses in Mach 2.8 turbulent flat plate and Mach 2.9 favorable pressure gradient (FPG) boundary layers. The FPG was generated using a convex curved wall and had a strength of ß = 0.1, where ß is Clauser's equilibrium parameter. The maximum magnitude of the 'extra' strain rates normalized by the main strain rates was 0.1, which meant the FPG was considered to be a strong pressure gradient. The fiat plate results indicated that the LDV procedures used in this experiment prevented angular biasing of …
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 …
An Architecture For Dynamic Meta-Level Process Control For Model-Based Troubleshooting, John E. Friskie
An Architecture For Dynamic Meta-Level Process Control For Model-Based Troubleshooting, John E. Friskie
Theses and Dissertations
There are numerous methods used for troubleshooting devices. Each method has certain domains, knowledge requirements, and assumptions required for it to perform well. However, oftentimes no one method by itself is sufficient to completely solve a troubleshooting problem. Therefore, an architecture is required to control the combined use of many problem solving methods. The combination of multiple problem solving methods makes the troubleshooting process more robust in terms of device domains that can be dealt with and quality of diagnoses produced. Troubleshooting has two tasks: diagnosis and problem resolution. This research provides an architecture that allows dynamic method selection during …
Geostatistical Analysis Of Hydraulic Conductivity In Heterogeneous Aquifers, Craig S. Biondo
Geostatistical Analysis Of Hydraulic Conductivity In Heterogeneous Aquifers, Craig S. Biondo
Theses and Dissertations
Observations of the spatial variability of hydraulic conductivity of the heterogeneous alluvial aquifer at Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi are analyzed using parametric geostatistical approaches. Field studies have revealed that the heterogeneity of the aquifer hydraulic conductivity field controls the movement and dispersion of groundwater solutes. Therefore, a means of quantifying spatial variability is essential for the application of flow and solute transport models to practical problems. Application of these models requires a large number of hydraulic conductivity measurements. Geostatistical analysis and kriging estimation procedures assist in providing these large numbers of values when sampling designs have provided sparse …
Evaluating The Feasibility Of Sequential Indicator Simulation In Reproducing Spatial Connectivity In A Heterogeneous Transmissivity Field, D. Duane Kenyon
Evaluating The Feasibility Of Sequential Indicator Simulation In Reproducing Spatial Connectivity In A Heterogeneous Transmissivity Field, D. Duane Kenyon
Theses and Dissertations
A Non-Parametric estimation technique was used to simulate realizations of a heterogeneous transmissivity field based upon sampled values from three different sampling scenarios. These realizations were compared to output from a parametric estimation technique with respect to truth as defined by an exhaustive data set of 6,000 transmissivity values. Estimated transmissivity fields were then used as input into a flow model from which fields of heads and specific discharges were obtained and compared. Given the financial limitations imposed upon the number and quality of samples reasonably available, Sequential Indicator Simulation, a non-parametric technique, was shown to be of considerable value …
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 …
Validation Of Operational Multiscale Environment Model With Grid Adaptivity (Omega), Gordon R. Taylor
Validation Of Operational Multiscale Environment Model With Grid Adaptivity (Omega), Gordon R. Taylor
Theses and Dissertations
The Defense Nuclear Agency (DNA) is improving the military's capability to forecast dosage and hazard levels due to release of chemical, biological, and nuclear agents. During Operation DESERT STORM the military realized the need for models to predict risk levels for military personnel assigned proximate to missile attacks. One project associated with this is the continuing development of the Operational Multiscale Environmental Model with Grid Adaptivity (OMEGA). DNA has sponsored AFIT to validate OMEGA with focus on incorporating weather data obtained from Air Force Combat Climatology Center for the period of the Chernobyl Nuclear Accident. The physics of the model …
The Effect Of Meteorological Data Averaging Times On Plume Concentrations From Explosive Ordnance Disposal Open Burning Operations, Ida L. Widmann
The Effect Of Meteorological Data Averaging Times On Plume Concentrations From Explosive Ordnance Disposal Open Burning Operations, Ida L. Widmann
Theses and Dissertations
Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Open Burning (OB) operations are performed to treat and dispose of unserviceable munitions in the Department of Defense (DOD) inventory. Air pollution modeling of OB operations is an Environmental Protection Agency requirement for permit issuance at OB sites. Specific OB regulation is still in its infancy; therefore, establishment of OB modeling techniques is still in the early stages. This thesis effort sought to develop a computer model, based upon the Gaussian Puff Equation. The model varies from standard plume modeling practices by not making the assumption that the wind direction, wind speed and turbulence are uniform …
How Location And An Action Standard On A Risk Ladder Affect Perceived Risk, Lonny P. Baker
How Location And An Action Standard On A Risk Ladder Affect Perceived Risk, Lonny P. Baker
Theses and Dissertations
Efforts to explain risk magnitudes often rely on a risk ladder in which exposure levels and associated risk estimates are arranged with low levels at the bottom of the ladder and high levels at the top. An experiment was conducted to test the hypotheses that perceived threat varies with the location of a subject's assigned level on the risk ladder, and that perceived threat varies with the presence of an action standard on the risk ladder. Air Force Institute of Technology Professional Continuing Education students were asked to assume a particular level of a hypothetical hazard in their residences, to …
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 …
Design And Analysis Of A Navigation System Using The Federated Filter, Stephen J. Delory
Design And Analysis Of A Navigation System Using The Federated Filter, Stephen J. Delory
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this paper was to design and analyse a federated filter design, to be used for retrofit of an Embedded GPS/INS (EGI) navigation unit into an existing Kalman filter-based air navigation system. A design was selected and simulations were conducted in the Distributed Kalman Filter Simulation software (DKFSIM). As well, a centralized Kalman filter design was simulated under identical conditions for comparison purposes. The federated filter was shown to be a feasible design, with accuracy in position and velocity very close to centralized Kalman filter values. The federated filter design also showed some attractive fault detection and isolation …
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 …
Numerical Study Of A Transpiration Cooled Rocket Nozzle, Jay A. Landis
Numerical Study Of A Transpiration Cooled Rocket Nozzle, Jay A. Landis
Theses and Dissertations
This study proved that transpiration cooling provides a better cooling scheme than regenerative cooling for long operating duration, liquid-fueled rocket engine nozzles. This proof was made on the basis of maximum wall temperature. This study compared transpiration cooling to regenerative cooling in the throat region of the Space Shuttle Main Engine Main Combustion Chamber. The study also analyzed the effects of porosity, solid thermal conductivity, and porous sphere size on a porous wall made of packed spheres. The transpiration cooled nozzle operated 35% cooler than a regeneratively cooled nozzle, but the temperature gradient at the hot gas surface was 72 …
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 …
Electrical Characterization Of 4h-And 6h-Silicon Carbide Schottky Diodes, Jeffrey C. Wiemeri
Electrical Characterization Of 4h-And 6h-Silicon Carbide Schottky Diodes, Jeffrey C. Wiemeri
Theses and Dissertations
The electrical properties of silicon carbide (SiC) make it an excellent candidate for use in high temperature/high power devices due to its wide bandgap, high breakdown field, high electron mobility, etc. In this work two Schottky diodes of platinum (Pt) on n-type carbon faced 4H-SiC and three Schottky diodes of nickel (Ni) on n-type silicon faced 6H-SiC were electrically characterized. The diodes exhibited good performance up to 698 K for both the forward and reverse (up to -100v) bias voltages. The barrier heights measured by I-V-T tests were found to be 0.32 and 0.61 eV for the Pt/4H-SiC samples, but …
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 …
The Automated Wingman: An Airborne Companion For Users Of Dis Compatible Flight Simulators, Mark M. Edwards
The Automated Wingman: An Airborne Companion For Users Of Dis Compatible Flight Simulators, Mark M. Edwards
Theses and Dissertations
A major problem encountered by users of distributed virtual environments is the lack of simulators available to populate these environments. This problem is usually remedied by using computer generated entities. Unfortunately, these entities often lack adequate human behavior and are readily identified as non-human. This violates the realism premise of distributed virtual reality and is a major problem, especially in training situations. This thesis addresses the problem by presenting a computer generated entity called the Automated Wingman. The Automated Wingman is a semi-automated computer generated aircraft simulator that operates under the control of a designated lead simulator and integrates distributed …