Engineering Commons^™

Design And Fabrication Of Rotationally Tristable Compliant Mechanisms, Tyler M. Pendleton

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research is to develop the tools necessary to create tristable compliant mechanisms; the work presents the creation of models and concepts for design and a demonstration of the feasibility of the designs through the fabrication of tristable compliant mechanism prototypes on the macro scale. Prior methods to achieve tristable mechanisms rely on detents, friction, or power input; disadvantages to these methods include a high number of parts, the necessity for lubrication, and wear. A compliant tristable mechanism accomplishes tristability through strain energy storage. These mechanisms would be preferable because of increased performance and cost savings due …

Doppler-Only Multistatic Radar, Dustin G. Mixon

Theses and Dissertations

In order to estimate the position and velocity of a target, most multistatic radar systems require multiple independent target measurements, such as angle-of-arrival, time-of-arrival, and Doppler information. Though inexpensive and reliable, Doppler-only systems have not been widely implemented due to the inherent nonlinear problem of determining a target’s position and velocity from their measurements. We solve this problem. In particular, we first establish the lack of observability in the Doppler-only bistatic system, thereby demonstrating the need for multiple transmitters and/or receivers. Next, for a multistatic system with a sufficient number of transmitter-receiver pairs, we invoke classical optimization techniques, such as …

Percolation In Two-Dimensional Grain Boundary Structures And Polycrystal Property Closures, David T. Fullwood

Theses and Dissertations

The thesis addresses two topics in the study of material properties as determined by the microstructure. The first topic involves percolation as a tool in relating the grain boundary structure to global properties such as fracture and corrosion resistance. The second investigates optimization techniques in order to find the space of values that properties of a material can take, from consideration of the microstructure. In part I, the applicability of standard lattice percolation models to a random 2-D grain structure is explored. A random network based on the triangle lattice is proposed as a more appropriate model, and results in …

Developing A Design Space Model Using A Multidisciplinary Design Optimization Schema In A Product Lifecycle Management System To Capture Knowledge For Reuse, Nathaniel Luke Fife

Theses and Dissertations

Parametric strategies for design automation and optimization can have a big impact on engineering design. When parametric tasks and optimization frameworks and methods are combined, theses strategies can be used to make up what is known as a multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) schema. Knowledge of a design space can be modeled by using a MDO schema to represent the design process. However, current MDO frameworks used to create this schema lack the scope to capture enterprise wide knowledge for reuse and collaboration. Concurrent with the development of MDO, many companies are moving toward increased use of product lifecycle management (PLM). …

Developing New Multidimensional Knapsack Heuristics Based On Empirical Analysis Of Legacy Heuristics, Yong Kun Cho

Theses and Dissertations

The multidimensional knapsack problem (MKP) has been used to model a variety of practical optimization and decision-making applications. Due to its combinatorial nature, heuristics are often employed to quickly find good solutions to MKPs. While there have been a variety of heuristics proposed for the MKP, and a plethora of empirical studies comparing the performance of these heuristics, little has been done to garner a deeper understanding of heuristic performance as a function of problem structure. This dissertation presents a research methodology, empirical and theoretical results explicitly aimed at gaining a deeper understanding of heuristic procedural performance as a function …

Optimization Of Shape, Size, And Topology Design Variables In Trusses With A Genetic Algorithm, Kevin M. Gillman

Theses and Dissertations

Briggs' genetic algorithm was extended in the Gillman algorithm to include shape optimization of trusses. Other contributions include value representation, different member linking, alternate genes, automatic k-factor evaluation for buckling, and the option to prevent overlapping members. The purpose of these contributions was to make optimization using a genetic algorithm more accessible to design engineers. The Gillman algorithm was demonstrated in two original examples as well as an example from a published work. The Gillman algorithm was effective in finding lighter designs.

The Benefit Of Using Simulation To Improve The Implementation Of Lean Manufacturing Case Study: Quick Changeovers To Allow Level Loading Of The Assembly Line, Jack J. Mcclellan

Theses and Dissertations

In today's competitive manufacturing environment, companies are constantly looking for ways to improve. Because of this, many companies are striving to become "lean" by implementing lean manufacturing, which is a difficult process. To aid in the implementation of lean manufacturing, simulation was used to reduce the trial-and-error period of lean manufacturing and find to optimum approach to implement the lean manufacturing principle. In this research, a case study of implementing level loading of the production schedule for BullFrog International, L.C. will be examined. To make it possible to implement level loading, the thermo-former machine at the beginning of the operations …

Incorporating Functionally Graded Materials And Precipitation Hardening Into Microstructure Sensitive Design, Mark Edward Lyon

Theses and Dissertations

The methods of MSD are applied to the design of functionally graded materials. Analysis models are presented to allow the design of compliant derailleur for a case study and constraints are placed on the design. Several methods are presented for relating elements of the microstructure to the properties of the material, including Taylor yield theory, Hill elastic bounds, and precipitation hardening.

Applying n-point statistics to the MSD framework is also discussed. Some results are presented for the information content of the 2-point correlation statistics that follow from the methods used to integrate functionally graded materials into MSD.

For the compliant …

Computer-Based Methods For Constructing Two-Level Fractional-Factorial Experimental Designs With A Requirement Set, Steven L. Forsythe

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation developed four methodologies for computer-aided experimental design of two-level fractional factorial designs with requirement sets (DOE/RS). The requirement sets identify all the experimental factors and the appropriate interaction terms to be evaluated in the experiment. Taguchi graphs and similar manual methods provide techniques for solving the DOE/RS problem. Unfortunately, these methods are limited because they become difficult to use as the number of factors or interaction terms exceeds ten. This research showed that the DOE/RS problem belongs to a class of difficult-to-solve problems known as NP-Complete. It is the combinatorial nature of NP-Complete problems that causes them to …

Approximation And Optimization Of An Auditory Model For Realization In Vlsi Hardware, Samuel L. Sangregory

Theses and Dissertations

The Auditory Image Model (AIM) is a software tool set developed to functionally model the role of the ear in the human hearing process. AIM includes detailed filter equations for the major functional portions of the ear. Currently, AIM is run on a workstation and requires 10 to 100 times real-time to process audio information and produce an auditory image. An all-digital approximation of the AIM which is suitable for implementation in very large scale integrated circuits is presented. This document details the mathematical models of AIM and the approximations and optimizations used to simplify the filtering and signal processing …

Technology Selection For The Air Force Research Laboratory Air Vehicles Directorate: An Analysis Using Value Focused Thinking, Michael F. Winthrop

Theses and Dissertations

A technology selection model was developed for the Air Vehicles Directorate of Air Force Research Laboratory. The model was developed and demonstrated to aid in addressing the question of what technologies Air Vehicles' should invest in to remain consistent with Air Force values. Both Value-Focused Thinking and optimization approaches were used to identify the value of Air Vehicles technology, to provide insights to Air Vehicles' decision-makers, to determine where value gaps might exist with the scored alternatives, and to determine how sensitive the model was to changes. As a demonstration of the approach, seven technologies were scored, representing all three …

Trigonometric Transforms For Image Reconstruction, Thomas M. Foltz

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation demonstrates how the symmetric convolution-multiplication property of discrete trigonometric transforms can be applied to traditional problems in image reconstruction with slightly better performance than Fourier techniques and increased savings in computational complexity for symmetric point spread functions. The fact that the discrete Fourier transform a circulant matrix provides an alternate way to derive the symmetric convolution-multiplication property for discrete trigonometric transforms. Derived in this manner, the symmetric convolution-multiplication property extends easily to multiple dimensions and generalizes to multidimensional asymmetric sequences. The symmetric convolution-multiplication property allows for linear filtering of degraded images via point-by-point multiplication in the transform domain …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Experimental Investigation Of The Influence Of Molecular Weight On Mixing And Penetration In Supersonic Dissimilar Gaseous Injection Into A Supersonic Cross-Flow, Troy A. Giese

Theses and Dissertations

In pursuit of a more efficient and effective fuel-air mixing for a SCRAMjet combustor, this study investigated relative near field effects of molecular weight on mixing and penetration of different gaseous injection into a supersonic (M=2.9) cross flow. Helium and argon gas were chosen as injectants because of the large differences in molecular weights. Also, mixing enhancement was observed by injecting the traverse gas jet parallel to the compression face of a ramp. Color schlieren photography was used to identify the shock structures and interactions in the flow field. Measurements of mean flow properties were used to establish the jet …

Optimal Orbit Insertion Strategies Using Combined High And Low Thrust Propulsion Systems, Darren W. Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

Low thrust electric propulsion systems are becoming sufficiently mature to consider their use as primary propulsion for orbital transfer in place of high thrust chemical systems. Instead of facing an either/or situation, it may be advantageous to use both types. This effort demonstrates a technique for finding orbital transfer strategies that use both high and low thrust propulsion systems and which result in optimal tradeoffs of the performance parameters cost of orbit insertion, total orbit transfer time, and available spacecraft mass at final orbit. These performance parameters are calculated as a function of the fraction of orbit transfer from Low …

A Comparative Analysis Of Networks Of Workstations And Massively Parallel Processors For Signal Processing, David C. Gindhart

Theses and Dissertations

The traditional approach to parallel processing has been to use Massively Parallel Processors (MPPs). An alternative design is commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) workstations connected to high-speed networks. These networks of workstations (NOWs) typically have faster processors, heterogeneous environments, and most importantly, offer a lower per node cost. This thesis compares the performance of MPPs and NOWs for the two-dimensional fast Fourier transform (2-D FFT). Three original, high-performance, portable 2-D FFTs have been implemented: the vector-radix, row-column and pipeline. The performance of these algorithms was measured on the Intel Paragon, IBM SP2 and the AFIT NOW, which consists of 6 Sun Ultra workstations …

Secondary Data Support And Non-Homogeneities In Space-Time Adaptive Processing, Todd B. Hale

Theses and Dissertations

One of the primary problems with the application of Space-Time Adaptive Processing (STAP) techniques is secondary data support for the interference plus noise covariance matrix estimate. Reed has shown the required secondary data support to achieve performance within 3 dB of optimal SINR is approximately equal to twice the degrees of freedom (DOF) used in the algorithm. Reed proved this rule for Sample Matrix Inversion (SMI) techniques. A concern arises when applying this rule to a newer class of reduced dimension STAP algorithms that do not fall under the SMI umbrella. This thesis focuses on the Cross Spectral Metric (CSM) …

A Wire Antenna Designed For Space Wave Radiation Over The Earth Using A Genetic Algorithm, Brian S. Sandlin

Theses and Dissertations

A wire antenna is designed for optimal performance at low elevation angles in the presence of a lossy half-space. A simple genetic algorithm (GA) and GENOCOP III software are each integrated with Numerical Electromagnetics Code Version 4.1 (NEC4.1) to optimize a wire antenna geometry for multiple objectives: power gain, azimuthal symmetry, and input impedance. The performance of the two versions of the integrated GA are compared. Several of the resulting antennas are analyzed, and an antenna is proposed for use in a Remote Intrusion Monitoring System (RIMS). Simulations suggest that the proposed antenna, which is well-matched, offers a significant increase …

Effects Of Near-Field Scatterers On Space-Time Adaptive Processing, Jonathan W. Fitton

Theses and Dissertations

Near-field scatterers, such as the wing of an airplane, can affect the ability of the processor to null out clutter and jammer signals. The target, clutter, and jammer signals will reflect off the near-field scatterers into the array and appear to be coming from a direction different from their true sources. This thesis develops a theoretical model for the direct path and scattered path signals from the target, clutter, and jamming signals. The optimum weight vector, normally computed using the steering vector to the target and the covariance matrix of the undesired signals, must now include the effects of the …

Models For The Optimization Of Air Refueling Missions, Clayton H. Pflieger

Theses and Dissertations

This research follows A. Yamani's work on the problem of minimizing total fuel costs for airlift missions that require in-flight refueling. Yamani's major assumptions were removed and the resulting enhanced formulation was applied the the original problem and the related problem of maximizing allowable cabin load. This optimization is accomplished selecting the rendezvous point and initial fuel for each aircraft. The formulation considers a C-141B airlifter refueled once by a KC-135E tanker. Flight is assumed to be at constant altitude and follow great-circle routes. The fuel costs of climb and cruise flight are modeled as functions of gross weight, while …

A Two-Stage Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (Icbm) Design Optimization Study And Life Cycle Cost Analysis, David P. Blanks, Douglas M. Bruce, Anthony M. Logue, Ralph A. Sandfry, Stephen J. Skotte, Michael L. Zywien

Theses and Dissertations

Realities of recent changes in the fiscal environment and the international domestic security structure have caused the strategic community to make some difficult decisions to preserve the capability of the current ICBM force. One of these decisions is to view Minuteman Ill as the centerpiece of the strategic force well into the next century. Extending the life of the 24-year- old Minuteman III system requires system solutions that provide required performance at an affordable life cycle cost. The intent of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility of designing a 2-stage ICBM to perform the Minuteman III mission. The main …