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Operations Research, Systems Engineering and Industrial Engineering
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- Computerized simulation (5)
- Aerial warfare (3)
- Algorithms (3)
- Maximum likelihood estimation (3)
- Optimization (3)
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- Software engineering (3)
- Weibull density functions (3)
- Airlift operations (2)
- Army personnel (2)
- Automation (2)
- Command and control systems (2)
- Communications networks (2)
- Computer programs (2)
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- Data processing security (2)
- Decision making (2)
- Decision support systems (2)
- Environments (2)
- Goodness of fit tests (2)
- Heuristic methods (2)
- Mathematical models (2)
- Military planning (2)
- Models (2)
- Monte Carlo method (2)
- Parametric analysis (2)
- Probability distribution functions (2)
- Theater level operations (2)
- Active duty (1)
- Aeromedical evacuation (1)
- Air Force (1)
Articles 1 - 30 of 36
Full-Text Articles in Engineering
Feature Saliency In Artificial Neural Networks With Application To Modeling Workload, Kelly A. Greene
Feature Saliency In Artificial Neural Networks With Application To Modeling Workload, Kelly A. Greene
Theses and Dissertations
This dissertation research extends the current knowledge of feature saliency in artificial neural networks (ANN). Feature saliency measures allow for the user to rank order the features based upon the saliency, or relative importance, of the features. Selecting a parsimonious set of salient input features is crucial to the success of any ANN model. In this research, several methodologies were developed using the Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) Feature Screening Method and its associated SNR Saliency Measure for selecting a parsimonious set of salient features to classify pilot workload in addition to air traffic controller workload. Candidate features were derived …
How To Develop An Interactive Electronic Technical Manual: An Industry Perspective, Ali N. Karabulut, Hilmi Oz
How To Develop An Interactive Electronic Technical Manual: An Industry Perspective, Ali N. Karabulut, Hilmi Oz
Theses and Dissertations
Improvements in technology, especially in computer science, in the last two decades have made it possible, and preferable to develop digital technical manuals. A digital manual, which is called an Interactive Electronic Technical Manual (IETM), is a package of information required for the diagnosis and maintenance of a weapon systems, optimally arranged and formatted for interactive screen presentation to the end-user. Being the largest organization in the U.S., the Department of Defense has pioneered in the development of IETM concept as well as in the establishment of its standards. There have been many researches done about different IETM applications and …
Development Of An Operations Research Software Package For Army Divisions., Blane C. Wilson
Development Of An Operations Research Software Package For Army Divisions., Blane C. Wilson
Theses and Dissertations
There exists great potential for applying operations research techniques to solve specific problems in the areas of operations, installation support, and training at the Army division level. Because of the operational tempo of today's active-duty and reserve component units, command must focus on accomplishing the daily missions. Also, due their limited knowledge of the field, planners may not be aware of how operations research can be used to enhance planning and operations. Time, training funds, resources, safety, personnel, and equipment are all critical factors in this process. Operations research techniques could be used to improve division-level operations by saving time, …
An Integer Program Decomposition Approach To Combat Planning, John C. Van Hove
An Integer Program Decomposition Approach To Combat Planning, John C. Van Hove
Theses and Dissertations
Over the last two decades, our military forces have been working to incorporate the latest computer technology into the combat planning process. The earliest efforts use word processors, spreadsheets, and databases to organize planning data and to display high level summaries for commanders. Later efforts perform feasibility checks as missions are planned to insure that the necessary resources are available and that the assets requested are capable of meeting the assigned scheduling requirements. Some of the most recent computer planning tools have included the capability to automatically plan individual missions or groups of missions. These automated efforts have been heuristic …
Feasibility Study On The Use Of The Internet For Traffic Of Unclassified Data, Alexandre L. Guerra, Luiz Gustavo F. P. Silva
Feasibility Study On The Use Of The Internet For Traffic Of Unclassified Data, Alexandre L. Guerra, Luiz Gustavo F. P. Silva
Theses and Dissertations
This research compares two possible networking methods for connecting all Brazilian Air Force Materiel Command units responsible for support and operation of Brazilian Air Force's weapons systems. The network includes the use of dedicated X.25 links, and the use of a virtual Private Network using the Internet (TCP/IP) as the medium of transmission. The Brazilian Air Force Materiel Command, responsible to support operating units over a very large sparse territory, lacks an efficient media of computer communications, which makes it difficult to control the supply chain channels of materiel present in each unit, depots, and warehouses. We studied the network …
Analysis Of Usaf Medium And Heavylift Space Launch Mission Reliability Requirements, Arthur R. Dawkins
Analysis Of Usaf Medium And Heavylift Space Launch Mission Reliability Requirements, Arthur R. Dawkins
Theses and Dissertations
The launch services that the USAF procures to carry DOD payloads into orbit are characterized by high risks and high costs. If a launch vehicle experiences a catastrophic failure, the cost of the entire launch vehicle, the launch processing, and the payload are completely lost (often in excess of 1,5 billion dollars.) Despite this enormous risk for the payload customer, and indeed the launch provider, launch success rates around the world are not much above 90 percent. The current USAF medium and heavylift launch systems are often based on technology that is 20 years old and older. Furthermore, little historical …
Data Storage Devices For Air Force Space Command: A Comparative Analysis, Darryl E. Mosley
Data Storage Devices For Air Force Space Command: A Comparative Analysis, Darryl E. Mosley
Theses and Dissertations
Two of Air Force Space Command's primary missions are ballistic missile warning and global navigation, accomplished by commanding and controlling Defense Support Program and Global Positioning System satellites respectively. The computerized ground control system, called the satellite command and control system (CCS) used to perform command and control of the satellites currently uses antiquated peripheral storage devices. These storage devices are critical components, but are often prone to failure, possibly resulting in adverse mission impact. The Air Force must choose an alternative storage device for use in conjunction with CCS in order to accommodate planned operations tempo increases. This thesis …
Parallel Implementation Of An Artificial Neural Network Integrated Feature And Architecture Selection Algorithm, Craig W. Rizzo
Parallel Implementation Of An Artificial Neural Network Integrated Feature And Architecture Selection Algorithm, Craig W. Rizzo
Theses and Dissertations
The selection of salient features and an appropriate hidden layer architecture contributes significantly to the performance of a neural network. A number of metrics and methodologies exist for estimating these parameters. This research builds on recent efforts to integrate feature and architecture selection for the multilayer perceptron. In the first stage of work a current algorithm is developed in a parallel environment, significantly improving its efficiency and utility. In the second stage, improvements to the algorithm are proposed. With regards to feature selection, a common random number (CRN) addition is proposed. Two new methods of architecture selection are examined, to …
The Application Of Statistical Sampling Techniques To The Operational Readiness Inspection, Troy L. Dixon, Timothy S. Madgett
The Application Of Statistical Sampling Techniques To The Operational Readiness Inspection, Troy L. Dixon, Timothy S. Madgett
Theses and Dissertations
A Blue Ribbon Commission report to the Air Force Chief of Staff in February 1997 makes several specific recommendations on the conduct of Operational Readiness Inspections. This thesis develops a solution to one of the recommendations of that report; utilize scientifically based sampling techniques to reduce the footprint of the inspection on an evaluated unit. Acceptance sampling, common in industry, is developed for use in the environment of the Operational Readiness Inspection. The time saved from this more efficient sampling practice reduces Inspector General time at an evaluation, decreases the footprint, and answers the specific recommendations of the Blue Ribbon …
Using Simulation To Model Time Utilization Of Army Recruiters, James D. Cordeiro Jr., Mark A. Friend
Using Simulation To Model Time Utilization Of Army Recruiters, James D. Cordeiro Jr., Mark A. Friend
Theses and Dissertations
It is a well-known fact Army recruiters work very long hours in a demanding environment. In many cases, recruiting stations are geographically isolated from military bases, with recruiters often tolerating a high cost of living, crime, and other such adverse conditions that characterize the communities they work in. The job itself demands self-starting, motivated individuals with a wide range of skills, from street-savvy to salesmanship, in order to succeed. A number of factors in recent years have made military recruiting more difficult, which include scandals involving highly-placed soldiers and changes in attitudes towards military service among eligible men and women. …
Application Of Decision Analysis To Evaluate Alternative Research And Development Investments., Michael J. Artelli
Application Of Decision Analysis To Evaluate Alternative Research And Development Investments., Michael J. Artelli
Theses and Dissertations
This thesis is an application of decision analysis techniques to the problem of evaluating competing research and development investments and selecting the best portfolio from among the alternatives. In contrast to the current ad hoc approach, decision analysis provides an explicit and easily explained rationale for investment choices, complete and consistent incorporation of multiple objectives, and direct insight into the effects of uncertain investment returns. A hierarchical objective decomposition was used to capture the user's preference structure. The hierarchy was then used to develop a computer-based decision aid to allow the users to quickly and consistently evaluate technology investment options. …
A Game-Theoretic Improvement Model For Stochastic Networks: Reliability Vs. Throughput, Jeffrey A. Schavland
A Game-Theoretic Improvement Model For Stochastic Networks: Reliability Vs. Throughput, Jeffrey A. Schavland
Theses and Dissertations
Prescriptive models used to allocate resources for network improvement traditionally have used reliability or flow as Measures of Effectiveness (MOEs). Such metrics do not give value to efforts which make a component more difficult to exploit. This study developed an entirely new MOE for stochastic network improvement, flow damage utility, which uses a two person, zero-sum, non-cooperative game to optimize a probabilistic network for an estimate of expected flow minus performance degradation after a worst case component loss. A multiple criteria optimization problem that uses flow damage utility and an analogous, previously developed metric for the reliability problem is used …
Anderson-Darling And Cramer-Von Mises Based Goodness-Of-Fit Tests For The Weibull Distribution With Known Shape Using Normalized Spacings, Eric W. Frisco
Anderson-Darling And Cramer-Von Mises Based Goodness-Of-Fit Tests For The Weibull Distribution With Known Shape Using Normalized Spacings, Eric W. Frisco
Theses and Dissertations
Two new goodness-of-fit tests are developed for the three-parameter Weibull distribution with known shape parameter. These procedures eliminate the need for estimating the unknown location and scale parameters prior to initiating the tests and are easily adapted for censored data. This is accomplished by employing the Anderson-Darling and Cramer-von Mises statistics based on the normalized spacings of the sample data. Critical values of the new tests are obtained for common significance levels by large Monte Carlo simulations for shapes 0.5(0.5)4.0 and sample sizes 5(5)40 with up to 40% censoring (Type II) from the left and/or right. An extensive Monte Carlo …
The Application Of Sequential Convex Programming To Large-Scale Structural Optimization Problems, Todd A. Sriver
The Application Of Sequential Convex Programming To Large-Scale Structural Optimization Problems, Todd A. Sriver
Theses and Dissertations
Structural design problems are often modeled using finite element methods. Such models are often characterized by constraint functions that are not explicitly defined in terms of the design variables. These functions are typically evaluated through numerical finite element analysis (FEA). Optimizing large-scale structural design models requires computationally expensive FEAs to obtain function and gradient values. An optimization approach which uses the SCP sequential convex programming algorithm of Zillober, integrated as the optimizer in the Automated Structural Optimization System (ASTROS), is tested. The traditional approach forms an explicitly defined approximate subproblem at each design iteration that is solved using the method …
Parameter Estimation Of The Mixed Generalized Gamma Distribution Using Maximum Likelihood Estimation And Minimum Distance Estimation, Dean G. Boerrigter
Parameter Estimation Of The Mixed Generalized Gamma Distribution Using Maximum Likelihood Estimation And Minimum Distance Estimation, Dean G. Boerrigter
Theses and Dissertations
The Generalized Gamma is an extremely flexible distribution that is useful for reliability modeling. Among its many special cases are the Weibull and Exponential distributions. A mixture of Generalized Gamma Distributions is even more useful because multiple causes of failure can he simultaneously modeled. This research studied parameter estimation of the special cases of the Mixed Generalized Gamma Distribution and built upon them until the full nine-parameter distribution was being estimated. First, special cases of a single Generalized Gamma Distribution were estimated. Next, mixtures of Exponential distributions with both known and unknown location parameters were estimated. Next, mixtures of Weibull …
A New Sequential Goodness Of Fit Test For The Three-Parameter Weibull Distribution With Known Shape Based On Skewness And Kurtosis, Jonathan C. Clough
A New Sequential Goodness Of Fit Test For The Three-Parameter Weibull Distribution With Known Shape Based On Skewness And Kurtosis, Jonathan C. Clough
Theses and Dissertations
The Weibull distribution finds wide applicability across a broad spectrum of disciplines and is very prevalent in reliability theory. Consequently, numerous statistical tests have been developed to determine whether sample data can be adequately modeled with this distribution. Unfortunately, the majority of these goodness-of-fit tests involve a substantial degree of computational complexity. The study presented here develops and evaluates a new sequential goodness-of-fit test for the three-parameter Weibull distribution with a known shape that delivers power comparable to popular procedures while dramatically reducing computational requirements. The new procedure consists of two distinct tests, using only the sample skewness and sample …
A Life Cycle Cost Model For Innovative Remediation Technologies, Osman S. Dereli
A Life Cycle Cost Model For Innovative Remediation Technologies, Osman S. Dereli
Theses and Dissertations
LCC analysis is a powerful tool for investigating the costs of competing systems. This thesis investigates the cost scaling methods to improve the traditional LCC modeling techniques. The motivation for this research is finding a good estimate for the remediation technologies when the contaminant volume is not exactly known. This specific case lead researcher to investigating the methods of cost scaling and effects of inflation in the cost estimation. As a result of study a generic LCC model is developed. Methods for considering inflation and scaling are recommended and embodied into the model. The developed model is applied the specific …
Using Bayesian Statistics In Operational Testing, Thuan H. Tran
Using Bayesian Statistics In Operational Testing, Thuan H. Tran
Theses and Dissertations
This research explored the applicability of Bayesian methods to the problem of determining the reliability of a series system, a parallel system, and a bridge system. The time to failure of each component in each system is assumed to be exponentially distributed. A basic exponential case and a basic binomial case are also evaluated. In general, using simulated data and real data when possible, the Bayesian methods produced confidence intervals that were much tighter than the classical inference methods, thus allowing a decision maker to have higher confidence in making a decision. System level data and aggregated component level data …
Forecasting Market Index Performance Using Population Demographics, Bradley J. Alden
Forecasting Market Index Performance Using Population Demographics, Bradley J. Alden
Theses and Dissertations
This study attempted to verify claims made by forecaster Harry S. Dent, Jr. It utilized regression analysis in order to determine the correlation between the number of births and the closings on a market index with a specified lag between the input and output variables. While the research was able to develop a model with the factor Dent considers the most important, the predictions based on this model did not completely coincide with the forecasts Dent makes. Furthermore, the research could not confirm the accentuation Dent places on a 46-year lag between predictor and response variables. As an extension, scenarios …
Calculating A Value For Dominant Battlespace Awareness, Eric A. Beene
Calculating A Value For Dominant Battlespace Awareness, Eric A. Beene
Theses and Dissertations
In times of ever-tightening military budgets, methodologies are required that can compare the contributions of various systems involved in the warfighting process. While many tools are in use that directly measure the effects of greater numbers of enhanced hardware, and even improved processes, no validated methodology exists to measure elements that contribute to Command, Control, Communications, and Computers (C4); Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR); or to analytically compare these elements with more traditional hardware. This thesis develops a methodology for mathematically quantifying awareness in a military command and control (C2) environment. This methodology begins with the Observe-Orient-Decide-Act Loop to show …
Sensitivity Analysis Of Brawler Pilot Skill Levels, Daniel C. Buschor
Sensitivity Analysis Of Brawler Pilot Skill Levels, Daniel C. Buschor
Theses and Dissertations
BRAWLER is a high resolution air to air combat simulation model used for engagement level analyses of few on few air combat. It uses a value driven decision logic to help simulate pilot behavior. In order to account for varied pilot skill levels, BRAWLER has defined three skill levels; Rookie, Pilot, and Ace. A Rookie can track up to three aircraft in its mental model, the Pilot, up to five aircraft, while an Ace has no limit. Further, each skill level varies the amount of time before a known aircraft, which has not been recently observed, is purged from the …
Solving Geometric Knapsack Problems Using Tabu Search Heuristics, Christopher A. Chocolaad
Solving Geometric Knapsack Problems Using Tabu Search Heuristics, Christopher A. Chocolaad
Theses and Dissertations
An instance of the geometric knapsack problem occurs in air lift loading where a set of cargo must be chosen to pack in a given fleet of aircraft. This paper demonstrates a new heuristic to solve this problem in a reasonable amount of time with a higher quality solution then previously reported in literature. We also report a new tabu search heuristic to solve geometric knapsack problems.
An Airlift Hub-And-Spoke Location-Routing Model With Time Windows: Case Study Of The Conus-To-Korea Airlift Problem, David W. Cox
An Airlift Hub-And-Spoke Location-Routing Model With Time Windows: Case Study Of The Conus-To-Korea Airlift Problem, David W. Cox
Theses and Dissertations
Traditionally, the United States Air Force's Air Mobility Command (AMC) has used the concept of direct delivery to airlift cargo and passengers from a point of embarkation to a point of debarkation. This study develops an alternative hub-and-spoke combined location-routing integer linear programming prototype model, and uses this model to determine what advantages a hub-and-spoke system offers, and in which scenarios it is better-suited than the direct delivery method. Additionally, the analysis suggests that the C-17 may be better-suited, in certain airlift situations, for theater airlift versus strategic (direct delivery) airlift. The model features the following elements: time windows, cargo …
Sensitivity Analysis Of The Thunder Combat Simulation Model To Command And Control Inputs Accomplished In A Parallel Environment, David A. Davies
Sensitivity Analysis Of The Thunder Combat Simulation Model To Command And Control Inputs Accomplished In A Parallel Environment, David A. Davies
Theses and Dissertations
This research had two objectives. The first was to develop a methodology to demonstrate the parallel processing capability provided by Air Force's Aeronautical System's Command (ASC) Major Shared Resource Center (MSRC) and apply that methodology to the SIMAF Proof of Concept project. Secondly, AFSAA/SAAB requested a sensitivity analysis of THUNDER to the modeled command and control (C2) inputs. The power of parallelization can not be overemphasized. The data collection phase of this thesis was accomplished at the MSRC using a script developed to automate the processing of an experimental design, providing the analyst with a launch and leave capability. On …
Generating Bomber Routes For The Delivery Of Gravity Weapons, Gregory J. Ehlers
Generating Bomber Routes For The Delivery Of Gravity Weapons, Gregory J. Ehlers
Theses and Dissertations
United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) is updating the Arsenal Exchange Model (AEM) that it uses for allocating strategic weapons to targets. AEM does not model the range constraints on bomber routes. These routes are used to deliver gravity munitions. In order to include these constraints in the new method, the Weapons Allocation Model (WAM), a pool of routes that satisfy the range constraints needs to be created. The number of possible routes to consider is extremely large and it is not possible to enumerate them all. Therefore, the method to form the pool of routes needs to reduce the number …
An Operational Review Of Air Campaign Planning Automation, William R. Haas
An Operational Review Of Air Campaign Planning Automation, William R. Haas
Theses and Dissertations
The air campaign planning process is a complex and dynamic process. Operations research has been applied to this problem to shorten the planning cycle with mixed results. The Joint Force Air Component Commander Planning Tool was developed as an air campaign planning aid. It uses the Conventional Targeting and Effectiveness Model (CTEM) as the force analysis model for master air attack plan (MAAP) planning. This thesis reviews the limitations and assumptions of CTEM and CTEM in JPT from and operational perspective. A new approach to using models in air campaign planning, collaborative planning, is being developed for use with JPT. …
Investigating Sorbent Geometry Response Surfaces From Sorption Rate Data, H. Michael Harrison
Investigating Sorbent Geometry Response Surfaces From Sorption Rate Data, H. Michael Harrison
Theses and Dissertations
Sorption and desorption of hydrophobic organic compounds (HOCs) into soil particles occurs at Air Force contamination sites. Long-term desorption extends clean up time, costing billions. Accurately modeling desorption will reduce costs and improve clean up designs. State of the art models depict soil as uniform spherical particles which lose the effect of longer sorption path lengths. An alternate approach, the multiple sites in series (MSS) model, describes the sorption capacity of a mixture of soil particle sizes and shapes using a composite particle defined by a two parameter statistical distribution. When the MSS model uses a general radial geometry function …
A Network Disruption Modeling Tool, James A. Leinart
A Network Disruption Modeling Tool, James A. Leinart
Theses and Dissertations
Given that network disruption has been identified as a military objective and C2-attack has been identified as the mechanism to accomplish this objective, a target set must be acquired and priorities assigned to each target set. In order to move beyond subjective target prioritization, development and implementation of a methodology and model, that quantitatively measures the value of each target in achieving the objective, is needed in prioritizing targets. This thesis effort uses a vertex cut-set algorithm on a transformation of the graph representing a notional network of interest. The cut-sets generated represent potential target sets. Value-focused thinking and decision …
Cross-Resolution Combat Model Calibration Using Bootstrap Sampling, Bryan S. Livergood
Cross-Resolution Combat Model Calibration Using Bootstrap Sampling, Bryan S. Livergood
Theses and Dissertations
The US Air Force uses many combat simulation models to assist them in performing combat analyses. BRAWLER is a high-resolution air-to-air combat simulation model used for engagement-level analyses of few-on-few air combat. THUNDER is a low-resolution combat simulation model used for campaign-level analyses of theater-level warfare. BRAWLER is frequently used to ensure that THUNDER air-to-air inputs are valid. This thesis describes the confederation of THUNDER and BRAWLER by clearly showing how one particular BRAWLER output, the effectiveness of a missile type, is transformed into THUNDER air-to-air input data. Since BRAWLER is a stochastic simulation model, it is necessary to replicate …
Analysis Of Alternatives: Multivariate Considerations, John J. Siegner
Analysis Of Alternatives: Multivariate Considerations, John J. Siegner
Theses and Dissertations
The Aeronautical System Center (ASC) is developing a Simulation and Analysis Facility (SIMAF) that will link models, simulations, hardware-in-the-loop, and system-in-the-loop resources to create a robust virtual environment supporting assessment of alternate systems in the defense acquisition process. ENS is assisting ASC with scenario development, experimental design, and battleroom visualization efforts for a SIMAF capability demonstration. This thesis uses multivariate analysis and visualization tools to develop an approach for reducing the dimensionality of multiple campaign level measures of effectiveness for a notional Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) study. Additionally, the thesis advances an AoA visualization paradigm for the SIMAF capability demonstration. …