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Articles 1 - 30 of 141
Full-Text Articles in Engineering
Academic Audit Of Afit Programs In Systems Engineering, United States Air Force Scientific Advisory Board
Academic Audit Of Afit Programs In Systems Engineering, United States Air Force Scientific Advisory Board
AFIT Documents
This report provides an assessment and recommendations for the systems engineering educational programs at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT). The Air Force needs in systems engineering education are briefly summarized, followed by an analysis of the educational program at AFIT. Based on the assessment of AFIT's program, a set of recommendations are given for improving the programs and their utility to the Air Force. Appendices to the report contain additional information on the AFIT programs and an assessment of other graduate systems engineering programs in the US.
Trade Space Analysis Of Antenna Array Architecture Using System Modeling Tools, Eugene Johnson
Trade Space Analysis Of Antenna Array Architecture Using System Modeling Tools, Eugene Johnson
Theses and Dissertations
This trade study has two objectives. The first provides a trade space analysis of differing array architectures and associated radio frequency components using system-modeling tools. The second objective develops system modeling tools aiding similar analysis by other users. These objectives were accomplished by evaluating a selected group of output parameters to include overall system cost, mass, and power consumption, as well as the minimum detectable input level, system spurious free dynamic range, and selected beam spoilage parameters caused by the use of discrete phase shifters. A fixed number of designs were evaluated using simulation. The evaluation process examined input parameter …
Ultra Wide Band Signal Modeling For Radar Receiver Characterization, Robert J. Backscheider
Ultra Wide Band Signal Modeling For Radar Receiver Characterization, Robert J. Backscheider
Theses and Dissertations
Results for modeling, simulation, and analysis of interference effects that modern wideband signals have on existing narrowband radar system performance are presented. In particular, radar detection performance is characterized using a basic radar receiver model and operational parameters consistent with those of the ARSR-4 air route surveillance radar. Two modern wideband signals (interferers) are addressed in this work, including the GPS military signal (M-Code signal) and a direct sequence ultra wideband (DS-UWB) waveform meeting outdoor emission restrictions imposed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Interference effects are characterized for an unmodulated sinusoidal pulse as well as linear frequency modulated (LFM) …
Non-Cooperative Detection Of Ultra Wideband Signals, Brett D. Gronholz
Non-Cooperative Detection Of Ultra Wideband Signals, Brett D. Gronholz
Theses and Dissertations
Techniques for the non-cooperative (non-matched filter) detection of impulse-like ultra wideband signals using channelized receiver architectures are developed and evaluated. Each technique considered is modeled and simulations conducted to characterize detection performance, the results of which are compared with the detection performance of three receivers: the matched filter receiver, which provides optimum detection performance in AWGN; the radiometer, or energy detector; and the multi-aperture cross correlation receiver. It is shown that a channelized receiver (with no downconversion) can provide approximately 2.5 dB improvement over the radiometer when performing detection using the temporal-temporal matrix (TTM). The TTM processing technique provides the …
Consistency Results For The Roc Curves Of Fused Classifiers, Kristopher S. Bjerkaas
Consistency Results For The Roc Curves Of Fused Classifiers, Kristopher S. Bjerkaas
Theses and Dissertations
The U.S. Air Force is researching the fusion of multiple classifiers. Given a finite collection of classifiers to be fused, one seeks a new classifier with improved performance. An established performance quantifier is the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve, which allows one to view the probability of detection versus the probability of false alarm in one graph. Previous research shows that one does not have to perform tests to determine the ROC curve of this new fused classifier. If the ROC curve for each individual classifier has been determined, then formulas for the ROC curve of the fused classifier exist …
Wind Tunnel Investigation Of The Static Stability And Control Effectiveness Of A Rotary Tail In A Portable Uav, Jose R. Rivera Parga
Wind Tunnel Investigation Of The Static Stability And Control Effectiveness Of A Rotary Tail In A Portable Uav, Jose R. Rivera Parga
Theses and Dissertations
The Air Force Research Lab, Munitions Directorate, Flight Vehicles Integration Branch (AFRL/MNAV) developed a man-portable, carbon-fiber matrix UAV with a flexible rectangular wing of 24" span and 6" chord, 18.2" length. There is a need for the development of smaller and lighter UAV's to perform certain missions. The objective of this experimental study was to determine the behavior and the aerodynamic characteristics of rotary tails. The bird-inspired rotary tail mechanism studied enabled control of two degrees of freedom and was configured to provide elevator deflection and rotation. Its effects on the static stability and control effectiveness were measured using the …
Effects Of Variable Contact Load On Fretting Fatigue Behavior Of Shot-Peened And Un-Peened Titanium Alloy, Chia-Hawa Lee
Effects Of Variable Contact Load On Fretting Fatigue Behavior Of Shot-Peened And Un-Peened Titanium Alloy, Chia-Hawa Lee
Theses and Dissertations
Fretting fatigue occurs between two components in contact under relative motion and reduces fatigue life when compared with plain fatigue. Shot-peening, on the other hand, is the most commonly used cold working process to improve material fatigue resistance in aeronautical industries. Nearly all work accomplished to date has assumed a constant contact load while investigating fretting fatigue. The primary goal of this study was to explore fretting fatigue behavior under constant and variable contact load configurations using both shot-peened and un-peened specimens made up of Ti-6Al-4V alloy. Contact loads were applied with four different frequencies. Applied axial loads were also …
Decision Factors For Cooperative Multiple Warhead Uav Target Classification And Attack With Control Applications, Douglas D. Decker
Decision Factors For Cooperative Multiple Warhead Uav Target Classification And Attack With Control Applications, Douglas D. Decker
Theses and Dissertations
Autonomous wide area search, classification and attack using Unmanned Combat Air Vehicles (UCAVs) is considered. The wide area search and attack scenario is modeled, capturing important problem parameters related to environment, seeker, and munitions. Probabilistic analysis is used to formulate and analytically solve for various probabilities, including the probability of mission success. Two methods are utilized. The first examines the sub-events required for various events to occur. The second utilizes a Markov chain approach. General expressions are first obtained that are applicable to any assumed a priori distributions of targets and false targets. These expressions are subsequently applied to a …
Establishing A Cyber Warrior Force, Scott D. Tobin
Establishing A Cyber Warrior Force, Scott D. Tobin
Theses and Dissertations
Cyber Warfare is widely touted to be the next generation of warfare. As America's reliance on automated systems and information technology increases, so too does the potential vulnerability to cyber attack. Nation and non-nation states are developing the capability to wage cyber warfare. Historically, the Air Force and DoD have concentrated their efforts toward defensive network operations. However, a shift in doctrine has shown both the Air Force and DoD acknowledging the potential for Information Warfare. What appears to be lacking is the trained and educated cyber warrior force that will carry out the information operations if needed. This research …
Device Discovery In Frequency Hopping Wireless Ad Hoc Networks, Brian S. Peterson
Device Discovery In Frequency Hopping Wireless Ad Hoc Networks, Brian S. Peterson
Theses and Dissertations
This research develops a method for efficient discovery of wireless devices for a frequency hopping spread spectrum, synchronous, ad hoc network comprised of clustered sub-networks. The Bluetooth wireless protocol serves as the reference protocol. The development of a discovery, or outreach, method for scatternets requires the characterization of performance metrics of Bluetooth piconets, many of which are unavailable in literature. Precise analytical models characterizing the interference caused to Bluetooth network traffic by inquiring devices, the probability mass function of packet error rates between arbitrary pairs of Bluetooth networks, and Bluetooth discovery time distribution are developed. Based on the characterized performance …
Analytical Solution For Low-Thrust Minimum Time Control Of A Satellite Formation, John Sang-Pil Seo
Analytical Solution For Low-Thrust Minimum Time Control Of A Satellite Formation, John Sang-Pil Seo
Theses and Dissertations
Satellite formations or distributed satellite systems provide advantages not feasible with single satellites. Efficient operation of this platform requires the use of optimal control of the entire satellite formation. While the optimal control theory is well established, only a very simple dynamical system affords an analytical solution. Any practical optimal control problem solves the resulting two-point boundary value (TPBV) problem numerically. The relative satellite dynamics using Hill's coordinate system and approximations made by Clohessy and Wiltshire, combined with body-fixed thruster control, result in a linearized dynamic system. This dissertation provides the analysis for the minimum time satellite formation control by …
Electrostatic Radio Frequency (Rf) Microelectromechanical Systems (Mems) Switches With Metal Alloy Electric Contacts, Ronald A. Coutu Jr.
Electrostatic Radio Frequency (Rf) Microelectromechanical Systems (Mems) Switches With Metal Alloy Electric Contacts, Ronald A. Coutu Jr.
Theses and Dissertations
RF MEMS switches are paramount in importance for improving current and enabling future USAF RF systems. Electrostatic micro-switches are ideal for RF applications because of their superior performance and low power consumption. The primary failure mechanisms for micro-switches with gold contacts are becoming stuck closed and increased contact resistance with increasing switch cycles. This dissertation reports on the design, fabrication, and testing of micro-switches with sputtered bi-metallic (i.e., gold (Au)-on-Au-(6.3at%)platinum (Pt)), binary alloy (i.e., Au-(3.7at%)palladium (Pd) and Au-(6.3at%)Pt), and ternary alloy (i.e., Au-(5at%)Pt-(0.5at%)copper (Cu)) contact metals. Performance was evaluated, in-part, using measured contact resistance and lifetime results. The micro-switches with …
Role Of Plasticity On Fretting Fatigue Behavior Of Ti-6al-4v, Kisu Shin
Role Of Plasticity On Fretting Fatigue Behavior Of Ti-6al-4v, Kisu Shin
Theses and Dissertations
Fretting fatigue generally leads to the degradation of the fatigue strength of a material due to cyclic micro-slip between two contacting materials. Fretting fatigue is regarded as an important issue in designing aerospace structures. While many studies have evaluated fretting fatigue behavior under elastic deformation conditions, few studies have focused on fretting fatigue behavior under elastic-plastic deformation conditions. The primary goal of this study was to characterize the fretting fatigue crack initiation behavior in the presence of plasticity. Experimental tests were performed using pad configurations involving elastic-plastic deformations. In order to calculate stress distributions under elastic-plastic fretting fatigue conditions, FEA …
The Physical Understanding Of The Use Of Coatings To Mitigate Hypervelocity Gouging Considering Real Test Sled Dimensions, Andrew G. Szmerekovsky
The Physical Understanding Of The Use Of Coatings To Mitigate Hypervelocity Gouging Considering Real Test Sled Dimensions, Andrew G. Szmerekovsky
Theses and Dissertations
A dimensional analysis with accompanying numerical investigation is conducted. A simplified model of the real test sled is created that allows test sled dimensions to be converted to a numerical model for analysis. The dimensional analysis is used as a means of directly applying the numerical results to real test sled conditions. Similarity principles are studied and tested by comparing the results from scaled numerical models. Strain rate and other time dependent parameters are not scaled, but the effect of these parameters may be quantified and studied further. The dimensional analysis also provides a comprehensive approach to the test sled …
Quantifying Initial Condition And Parametric Uncertainties In A Nonlinear Aeroelastic System With An Efficient Stochastic Algorithm, Daniel R. Millman
Quantifying Initial Condition And Parametric Uncertainties In A Nonlinear Aeroelastic System With An Efficient Stochastic Algorithm, Daniel R. Millman
Theses and Dissertations
There is a growing interest in understanding how uncertainties in flight conditions and structural parameters affect the character of a limit cycle oscillation (LCO) response, leading to failure of an aeroelastic system. Uncertainty quantification of a stochastic system (parametric uncertainty) with stochastic inputs (initial condition uncertainty) has traditionally been analyzed with Monte Carlo simulations (MCS). Probability density functions (PDF) of the LCO response are obtained from the MCS to estimate the probability of failure. A candidate approach to efficiently estimate the PDF of an LCO response is the stochastic projection method. The objective of this research is to extend the …
A Tightly-Coupled Ins/Gps Integration Using A Mems Imu, Jonathan M. Neu
A Tightly-Coupled Ins/Gps Integration Using A Mems Imu, Jonathan M. Neu
Theses and Dissertations
Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technology holds great promise for future navigation systems because of the reduced size and cost of MEMS inertial sensors relative to conventional devices. Current MEMS devices are much less accurate than standard inertial sensors, but they can still be useful. In this thesis, data was recorded from an inexpensive MEMS inertial measurement unit and integrated with GPS measurements using a tightly-coupled Kalman filter. The overall goal of this research is to investigate the usefulness of MEMS sensors for a small, real-time, low-cost INS/GPS integration. A golf cart was used to collect dynamic data, along with a commercial …
Hybrid Stochastic Models For Remaining Lifetime Prognosis, Steven M. Cox
Hybrid Stochastic Models For Remaining Lifetime Prognosis, Steven M. Cox
Theses and Dissertations
The United States Air Force is developing its next generation aircraft and is seeking to reduce the risk of catastrophic failures, maintenance activities, and the logistics footprint while improving its sortie generation rate through a process called autonomic logistics. Vital to the successful implementation of this process is remaining lifetime prognosis of critical aircraft components. Complicating this problem is the absence of failure time information; however, sensors located on the aircraft are providing degradation measures. This research has provided a method to address at least a portion of this problem by uniting analytical lifetime distribution models with environment and/or degradation …
Optimization Of A Quantum Cascade Laser Operating In The Terahertz Frequency Range Using A Multiobjective Evolutionary Algorithm, Traci A. Keller
Optimization Of A Quantum Cascade Laser Operating In The Terahertz Frequency Range Using A Multiobjective Evolutionary Algorithm, Traci A. Keller
Theses and Dissertations
A quantum cascade (QC) laser is a specific type of semiconductor laser that operates through principles of quantum mechanics. In less than a decade QC lasers are already able to outperform previously designed double heterostructure semiconductor lasers. Because there is a genuine lack of compact and coherent devices which can operate in the far-infrared region the motivation exists for designing a terahertz QC laser. A device operating at this frequency is expected to be more efficient and cost effective than currently existing devices. It has potential applications in the fields of spectroscopy, astronomy, medicine and free-space communication as well as …
Excited States Of Silicon Carbide Clusters By Time Dependent Density Functional Theory, John E. Boyd
Excited States Of Silicon Carbide Clusters By Time Dependent Density Functional Theory, John E. Boyd
Theses and Dissertations
Previous AFIT research with density functional theory (DFT) has shown itself to be accurate for small SimCn (m,n ≤ 5) clusters at a fraction of the cost of other quantum mechanical methods, but it is only a ground state theory. Time dependent density functional theory (TDDFT), however, is able to calculate excited states as well. Evaluating the accuracy of these methods with respect to the excited states of these clusters was the focus of this research, specifically with respect to the excitation energies, geometries, and vibrational frequencies. It is shown that for the excited states that can …
Aerodynamic Analysis Of Lattice Grid Fins In Transonic Flow, Karl S. Orthner
Aerodynamic Analysis Of Lattice Grid Fins In Transonic Flow, Karl S. Orthner
Theses and Dissertations
Lattice grid fins have been studied for missile tail control for several years. A lattice grid fin can be described as an unconventional missile control surface comprised of an outer frame supported by an inner lattice grid of lifting surfaces. This unconventional fin design offers favorable lift characteristics at high angle of attack as well as almost zero hinge moments allowing the use of small and light actuators. In addition, they promise good storability for potential tube-launched and internal carriage dispenser-launched applications. The drawback for the lattice grid fins is the high drag and potentially poor radar cross section performance …
Detached Eddy Simulation Analysis Of Pak-B Low Pressure Turbine Blade, Kyle Malone
Detached Eddy Simulation Analysis Of Pak-B Low Pressure Turbine Blade, Kyle Malone
Theses and Dissertations
Two cases were computationally investigated using the detached eddy simulation (DES) turbulence model: an unmodified Pak-B blade and a Pak-B blade with a dimple located at 65% of axial chord. Both cases were created so that they simulated an infinite span with an infinite number of dimples. The cases were run for an inlet Reynolds number of 25,000. The computed results were used to resolve the location of separation and reattachment, visualize the streamlines for the dimpled case, build velocity magnitude contour and vector plots, and map the thickness of the boundary layer. The results were then compared to previous …
Magnetogasdynamic Flow Acceleration In A Scramjet Nozzle, Brian H. Harrington
Magnetogasdynamic Flow Acceleration In A Scramjet Nozzle, Brian H. Harrington
Theses and Dissertations
The effect of magnetogasdynamic (MGD) interactions on flow acceleration and thrust in a scramjet accelerator/nozzle are examined numerically at a free-stream flight condition of Mach 8. The parameters of conductivity pattern and load factor are varied in both inviscid and viscous flow regimes with the intent of increasing axial force exerted on the flow through a scramjet accelerator. The numerical code solves the Navier-Stokes equations with additional source terms for the MGD forces and energy interactions. An accelerating Lorentz force is applied to the flow resulting from a constant magnetic field and an electric field produced by two continuous side …
Fretting Fatigue Behavior Of Shot-Peened Titanium Alloy Tl-6al-4v Under Seawater Conditions, William Y. Allen
Fretting Fatigue Behavior Of Shot-Peened Titanium Alloy Tl-6al-4v Under Seawater Conditions, William Y. Allen
Theses and Dissertations
The fretting fatigue behavior of the shot-peened titanium alloy, Ti-6Al-4V, was investigated under a corrosive environment of synthetic seawater. Fretting fatigue tests were performed over a wide stress range to determine the effect of seawater at high and low cycle fatigue regimes. The results from this study showed: (1) seawater significantly reduces the fretting fatigue life of shot-peened Ti-6Al-4V at both high and low cycle fatigue relative to its counterpart in ambient laboratory conditions, (2) shot peening increases the fretting fatigue life of Ti-6Al-4V when tested under dry and seawater conditions relative to its counterpart of unpeened Ti-6Al-4V, (3) surface …
Cold Flow Testing Of A Modified Subscale Model Exhaust System For A Space Based Laser, David B. Jarrett
Cold Flow Testing Of A Modified Subscale Model Exhaust System For A Space Based Laser, David B. Jarrett
Theses and Dissertations
The aim of this research was a continued study of gas-dynamic phenomena that occurred in a set of stacked nozzles as reported by Captains Ian Bautista in 2003 and Scott Bergren in 2002. The arrangement of the stacked nozzles was a modified version of a 1/5th scale-model of one quadrant of the conceptual Space Based Laser Integrated Flight Experiment (SBL IFX) gas dynamic laser. Rather than cylindrical rings of nozzles, the stacked nozzles were flat and able to be rotated about a vector normal to the nozzle exits. This set of stacked flat nozzles was installed on a blow-down/vacuum wind …
Target Recognition Using Late-Time Returns From Ultra-Wideband, Short-Pulse Radar, Kenneth J. Pascoe
Target Recognition Using Late-Time Returns From Ultra-Wideband, Short-Pulse Radar, Kenneth J. Pascoe
Theses and Dissertations
The goal of this research is to develop algorithms that recognize targets by exploiting properties in the late-time resonance induced by ultra-wide band radar signals. A new variant of the Matrix Pencil Method algorithm is developed that identifies complex resonant frequencies present in the scattered signal. Kalman filters are developed to represent the dynamics of the signals scattered from several target types. The Multiple Model Adaptive Estimation algorithm uses the Kalman filters to recognize targets. The target recognition algorithm is shown to be successful in the presence of noise. The performance of the new algorithms is compared to that of …
Shock Tube Investigation Of Pressure And Ion Sensors Used In Pulse Detonation Engine Research, Robert J. Mcmillan
Shock Tube Investigation Of Pressure And Ion Sensors Used In Pulse Detonation Engine Research, Robert J. Mcmillan
Theses and Dissertations
Shock tubes utilize a difference in pressures between gases separated by a diaphragm to create a shock wave when the diaphragm ruptures. By using sensors of known spacing, the speed of the wave can be determined. The AFIT 2-inch shock tube was reassembled and tested to ensure proper and safe operation. A high-speed data acquisition system was configured to take data at 2 MS/s. This research showed that the Mach number of the shock waves produced in this shock tube fall within 7% of theoretical values at speeds under Mach 3 and within 9% at higher speeds. The peak velocity …
An Assessment Of Modern Methods For Rotor Track And Balance, Michael J. Renzi
An Assessment Of Modern Methods For Rotor Track And Balance, Michael J. Renzi
Theses and Dissertations
One routine maintenance item facing the helicopter industry today is the issue of rotor track and balance (RT&B). While the task of reducing vibrations is often overlooked as simply an unimportant maintenance concern, what should not be overlooked is the extensive amount of time and money committed by maintenance to smoothing an aircraft. If there were a way to make the process of rotor track and balance more efficient it would be a huge boost to the helicopter industry in both time and money. The first steps towards research into new and improved methods is to evaluate what is currently …
Isomer Heat Exchanger Combustor Replacement For A Supersonic Ramjet Powered Vehicle, Jonathan C. Cox
Isomer Heat Exchanger Combustor Replacement For A Supersonic Ramjet Powered Vehicle, Jonathan C. Cox
Theses and Dissertations
This study investigated the possibility of utilizing a Triggered Isomer Heat Exchanger (TIHE) within a ramjet engine to power a supersonic Conventional Air Launched Cruise Missile (CALCM). A computational ramjet engine was created using engine analysis software. This model was then run through a simulated cruise missile mission using AEDsys, a mission analysis and engine performance software suite. The replacement of the combustor with a TIHE led to an impressive range increase for the supersonic cruise missile.
Aeroelastic Analysis Of A Joined-Wing Sensorcraft, Jennifer J. Sitz
Aeroelastic Analysis Of A Joined-Wing Sensorcraft, Jennifer J. Sitz
Theses and Dissertations
This study performed an aeroelastic analysis of a joined-wing SensorCraft. The analysis was completed using an aluminum structural model that was splined to an aerodynamic panel model. The force and pressure distributions were examined for the four aerodynamic panels: aft wing, fore wing, joint, and outboard tip. Both distributions provide the expected results (elliptical distribution), with the exception of the fore wing. The fore wing appears to be affected by interference with the joint. The use of control surfaces for lift and roll was analyzed. Control surfaces were effective throughout most of the flight profile, but may not be usable …
Comparative Study On The Use Of Coherent Radar-Derived Electric Fields Vs. Statistical Electric Fields For The Initialization Of A High-Latitude Ionospheric Model, Christopher M. Hogue
Comparative Study On The Use Of Coherent Radar-Derived Electric Fields Vs. Statistical Electric Fields For The Initialization Of A High-Latitude Ionospheric Model, Christopher M. Hogue
Theses and Dissertations
The structure and time development of the magnetosphere-ionosphere system have significant impacts on the Air Force and its mission. Specifically, an accurate knowledge of ionospheric plasma densities is important for the operation of many Air Force systems. This research analyzes plasma density structure development through comparing two distinct electric field models. The two models compared here are a commonly used statistical model created by Heppner and Maynard 1987, and a more recently developed model using real-time coherent radar measurements from the SuperDARN radar network. Ionospheric simulations were run using Utah State University s Time-Dependent Ionospheric Model (TDIM) with the two …