Operations Research, Systems Engineering and Industrial Engineering Commons^™

Cumulative Average Pricing Method For Estimating Average Service Life, Mahendra Babu Hosangadi

Masters Theses

The study determined if accuracy of estimation of retirement price of industrial equipment was affected by using a cumulative average pricing (CAP) method at varying conditions of inflation rate, service life, and life characteristics. The study also determined the accuracy of estimating the average life of unaged data by simulated plant record (SPR) method. Thirty-six experiments were conducted at varying conditions of inflation rate, curve type and average life. The study was conducted for two left modal curves, two symmetrical modal curves and two right modal curves at 20 and 40 years average life using three different inflation rates: 3%, …

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 …

A Methodology To Assess Post-Launch Efforts To Counter Mobile Tactical Ballistic Missile Launchers, Wayne H. Hayes

Theses and Dissertations

The Department of Defense has a requirement to quantify the force enhancement effects from various configurations of an envisioned multilayered Theater Missile Defense (TMD) system. TMD research accomplished to date has focused primarily on the pre-launch and in-flight tactical ballistic missile (TBM) operational phases while ignoring the post-launch phase during which mobile transporter-erector-launchers (TELs) are vulnerable to attack. No methodology currently exists to measure the effectiveness of various post-launch counter-TEL system configurations or their potential contribution to the overall TMD mission. This research uses the decision analysis technique of influence diagrams to model the post-launch counter-TEL process using notional variable …

Decision Support Model For Municipal Solid Waste Management At Department Of Defense Installations, John F. Muratore

Theses and Dissertations

This research focuses on the development of a decision support model to identify the preferred strategy for managing municipal solid waste using the principles of decision analysis theory. The model provides an effective decision making tool to evaluate and compare different municipal solid waste management strategies. The users of this model, the Environmental Manager or decision maker at a given installation, can enter installation-specific waste stream characteristics, treatment and disposal costs, and material buy-back prices to determine the expected value for various alternative strategies. The strategy having the greatest expected value is considered the preferred alternative. In calculating the expected …

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 …

System Dynamic Modeling Of Activity And Flow Relationships In Plant Layout Problems, Gary Allen Weaver

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The problem of determining an optimal plant layout involves the distribution of machinery, service areas, and storage spaces. The solution is usually determined for a specific period of time and static in nature. Planning for the plant layout is normally performed at the onset of new construction, or major refurbishment of an existing facility. In addition, plant layouts are renewed when a significant productivity decrease is experienced over long periods of time and linked to material flow problems, and when an expanding company plans for major capital expenditures in equipment and space. Due to the dynamic nature of business the …

The Process Of Technology Transfer: A Case Study Of The National Aero-Space Plane Program, Brett T. Smith

Theses and Dissertations

Due to reduced funding levels and increased pressure towards cooperation with industry, government research and development (R&D) organizations are becoming increasingly involved in the transfer of technology to the commercial sector. However, the process of technology transfer is complex, and transfer activities are being applied inconsistently across the Department of Defense. This research explores the approaches, processes and mechanisms to accomplish technology transfer. A comprehensive literature review documents many of the transfer concepts that have been proposed or are currently in use. A detailed case study then examines the technology transfer efforts of an advanced government research organization: the National …

A Study Of The Factors Associated With Successful Technology Transfer And Their Applicability To Air Force Technology Transfers, James B. Rose

Theses and Dissertations

Although the United States is a world leader in scientific research, it lags behind some economic powers in the application of technologies. As quality and manufacturing excellence were critical to US competitiveness in the l98Os, so is commercializing technologies in the 199Os. With billion dollar budgets and exceptional scientific talent, the potential for fruitful technology transfer is abundant. By definition, federal-to-commercial technology transfer is the ability to leverage national investments in technology beyond their traditional customer base. The technology can be physical devices, processes, knowledge, or proprietary information. Unfortunately, and despite exhaustive legislative efforts, US industry has fallen behind its …

Assisting Defense Conversion Technology Transfer Efforts. A Case Study Of Ohio's Miami Valley, Marissa C. Salvador

Theses and Dissertations

Major changes in the geopolitical environment and the social and economic needs of the United States have resulted in resources being shifted away from national defense. Although the expected decrease in defense spending should not be harmful in macroeconomic terms, it can be devastating locally. To mitigate the effects of the drawdown, individual states and local communities must search for ways to bolster their local economies. One avenue that can be pursued to enhance future economic growth is the transferring of technologies to the commercial sector. Intermediary organizations have emerged to facilitate the process of technology transfer by serving as …

An Empirical Investigation Of The Integrated Weapon System Management Concept Of Seamless Processes, Timothy H. Surabian

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigated the way four Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) single manager organizations operationalized the Integrated Weapon System Management (IWSM) concept of "seamless processes." In this thesis, the IWSM concept of "seamless processes" refers to the degree of integration between acquisition and sustainment organizations. Four SPO organizations were involved in six case studies. This research focused on the way "seamless processes" affect the shifting of the organizational "center of gravity" within or between single manager organizations. An interview questionnaire was administered to 13 Product Center managers and 6 Logistics Center managers. The interview questions focused on IWSM in general, …

An Evaluation Of Cost Metrics Used Within Aeronautical Systems Center, Kevin M. Byrne

Theses and Dissertations

Aeronautical Systems Center (ASC) system program offices rely on cost metrics to acquire information on program effectiveness and organizational improvement. This study was an attempt to determine the effectiveness of ASC’s cost metrics. The effectiveness of the metrics were determined by the desirability of the behaviors which are exhibited when individuals utilize the specific metrics. Using an expert panel to evaluate the metrics, data was collected using the Group Research Laboratory for Logistics located in Armstrong Laboratory at Wright Patterson AFB, OH. Metric diagnostic charts were utilized to arrange the data into a format which would provide effectiveness information. The …

Aggregating Organizational Performance Metrics Using The Analytic Hierarchy Process, Bret L. Indermill

Theses and Dissertations

Measurement provides factual information which is necessary for effective control of business processes. Implementing a Total Quality Management (TQM) philosophy is a common process in many organizations today. The United States Air Force is using the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award criteria to measure organizational performance in implementing the Quality Air Force (QAF) initiative. Unfortunately, the Baldrige-based unit self-assessment (USA) process is an inconsistent measure due to its subjectivity, and is also time consuming to use. This study determined that a new USA method based on the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was not a significant improvement over the existing QAF-USA …

A Comparison Of Consistent Versus Inconsistent Scheduling Rules In A Flow Shop Environment, Nicola Gismondi

Theses and Dissertations

A consistent scheduling rule is one which will ensure a job's priority (relative to all other job's) will remain constant as it moves from queue to queue in a production system. Previous research concerning flow shop priority scheduling rules focused on comparison of either consistent or inconsistent rules. Conversely, this study sought to provide additional insight by comprising consistent and inconsistent rules in a flow shop environment The Air Force uses both types of rules in maintenance and logistics scheduling. Time and money can be saved if the scheduling managers can better understand the effect of consistency on a system. …

A Model For Forecasting Pollution Prevention Life Cycle Costs For Air Force Major Weapon Systems, Mark E. Garner, Jennifer S. Kirchoffer

Theses and Dissertations

This research effort developed a modification to the HAZMAT program so that the program could provide the user with the capability to generate an estimate during the concept exploration and design phases for the total costs associated with hazardous materials usage in a major weapon system. Using the HAZMAT database, a spreadsheet was developed which projects a cost for a weapon system based on its total surface area and the number of aircraft to be produced by performing an analogy with a similar weapon system. The modification uses algorithm which are based on the hazardous material substances rather than processes …

Tracking Air Force Pallets Using Rfid Technology: A Concept Study, Gary A. Gross

Theses and Dissertations

The lack of asset visibility experienced at Aerial Ports of Embarkation (APOEs) during Operation Desert Storm is a phenomenon that has occurred in every major conflict for the last 40 years. The costs associated with this lack of control directly relate to the combat readiness and capability of supported units. This study examined the possibility of installing a Radio Frequency Identification (RF-ID) system to track Department of Defense 463L pallets worldwide. Performance characteristics of commercially available RF-ID systems were summarized, and a conceptual Air Mobility Command (AMC) tracking system was presented. For purposes of concept study, Amtech Corporation's Intellitag RT …

Just In Time Manufacturing: A Migration From Materials Requirements Planning, Scott A. Koehler

Theses and Dissertations

Manufacturing planning and control systems play an important role in an organization's effectiveness. Over the past twenty to thirty years, U.S. manufacturing companies have faced increasing competition for market share from Japanese and other Pacific rim countries. This thesis will investigate the evolutionary path followed by manufacturing companies that have implemented various manufacturing planning and control systems. Specifically, Materials Requirements Planning (MRP) and Just In Time (JIT) production will be analyzed. MRP is a means of convening demand for the final product into a requirements schedule for the various components comprising that product. The JIT philosophy calls for continuously improving …

Addition Of Automatic Dimensioning Feature To D-M-E’S Ultimate Mold Base Design Software, Cori L. Brown

Masters Theses

There have been many improvements in the plastics industry over the past few years. One of these areas is in the design of injection molds. This area has been enhanced by the use of Computer-Aided Design systems and furthered by the creation of specialized mold design software. The Ultimate^® design system from D-M-E has made a mold designer's job much easier by automating much of this process. This project extends the function of this software by adding an automatic dimensioning feature that will make the mold design process less tedious and less time consuming. This addition will also standardize …

Development Of A Mold Trial Procedure For Establishing A Robust Process, Marc R. Vander Kooi

Masters Theses

To reduce variation in the injection molding process it is essential to understand the effect of process, mold, and material variables on critical part characteristics. Gaining a thorough understanding of these variables is often difficult due to the limited time manufacturers typically have available for mold trials. To address this issue, the Premier Class Injection Molding consortium (PCIM) has performed numerous experiments relating to shot-to-shot repeatability. Using the PCIM data set and experimentation procedures as a base, a procedure was developed to collect data during a mold trial. Incorporating small experiments and statistical analysis, the new procedure allows meaningful data …

Methods For Monitoring Process Control And Capability In The Presence Of Autocorrelation, Daniel J. Zalewski

Theses and Dissertations

When standard control charts are applied to a process whose measurements of quality exhibit autocorrelation, the performance of those charts can be considerably different than that expected when no autocorrelation is present. To model this performance, the existing definitions of assignable and chance causes of variation are extended to account for the variation induced by the autocorrelation structure. The application of statistical thinking toward continuous process improvement using the proposed taxonomy is discussed. A method to select control limits which yield a specified average run length in the absence of assignable causes of variation and which is suitable for use …

Effects Of Ergonomic Worksite Changes On Risks For Cumulative Trauma Disorders Of The Upper Body In An Assembly And Press Operation Job, David B. Mahone

Theses

Cumulative trauma of the upper body is associated with a variety of individual and job factors. An effort to optimize the human-hardware interface to minimize cumulative trauma is favored. Workers in a set of jobs had complained about hand/wrist and shoulder discomfort. One job was selected for testing alternate machine controls and worksite layout. Electromyography was used to test muscle activity, and photogoniometry was used to measure posture.

For the group of ten worker-subjects, statistically significant decreases in hand/wrist and shoulder muscle activity were found. A marginal, but significant increase in neck muscle activity was also found. When one subject …

Analysis Of A Design For Its Quality Manufacturability In Terms Of Misalignments And Fastener Related Problems, Abhinav Dhar

Theses

This study analyzes the relationship between design parameters established at the initial stage of the design process and the manufacturing quality problems that manifest themselves during production. Specifically, we study the relationship between design features and the occurrence of misalignment defects and fastener related problems.

This outcome of this work is a methodology, Design for Quality Manufacturability (DFQM). DFQM addresses the likelihood that defects will occur during the manufacture of a product in a standard plant. This is based on the premise that defects in assembled products are often influenced by some features of the design and/or assembly process. These …

A Robust Method Of Solving Nonlinear Boundary Value Problems Via Modified Compromise Programming, John L. Zornick

Theses and Dissertations

This study is an extension of Ng's previous work in which goal programming was used to determine an approximate solution to a boundary value problem. This approach follows the same basic approach developed by Ng in which the method of collocation was recast as a compromise programming model. Hence, instead of solving a system of simultaneous nonlinear equations, one seeks a compromise solution which minimizes (in a weighted residual sense) a vector norm of the differential equation residuals. A difference in this approach is that it makes use of a genetic algorithm as the optimizing engine as opposed to the …

Knowledge Acquisition And Structuring By Multiple Experts In A Group Support Systems Environment, Bernard Lee Lewis

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

This study addresses the impact of Group Decision Support Systems (GDSS) on expert system development by multiple Domain Experts. Current approaches to building expert systems rely heavily on knowledge acquisition and prototyping by a Knowledge Engineer working directly with the Domain Expert. Although the complexity of knowledge domains and new organizational approaches demand the involvement of multiple experts, standard procedures limit the ability of the Knowledge Engineer to work with more than one expert at a time.

Group Decision Support Systems offer a networked computerized environment for group work activities, in which multiple experts may express their ideas concurrently and …

Development Of A Knowledge-Based System For Generating Process Plans Using Group Technology: A Study For Norfolk Naval Shipyard, William P. Keene Jr.

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to study and analyze the Norfolk Naval Shipyard's manufacturing methods of determining part families and generating part process plans for parts in the machine shop. A knowledge-based decision support system was designed based on knowledge acquired from machinist experts and documented sources of the Norfolk Naval Shipyard. The system interprets specific part information provided by the user, categorizes parts into part families and generates process plans to manufacture the parts. The system was evaluated and tested for parts provided by Norfolk Naval Shipyard.

A Methodology To Generate Air Force Materiel Command Manpower Reduction Alternatives, Steven T. Bishop

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to generate manpower authorization reduction alternatives for Air Force Materiel Command. The advent of low-cost personal computer software applications, such as Excel, has created an assessable tool with the ability to solve linear programming problems. This research examines the manpower resource reduction process of Air Force Materiel Command and models the Resources Allocation - Integrated Process Team (RA-IPT) decision process. A linear programming model is developed to assign these reduction through a weighted sum. The linear programming model is developed as a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet model, the Exercise Support Program (ESP), using Visual Basic …

Applications Of Statistical Process Control In Monitoring Aircrew Bombing Proficiency, Kirk G. Horton

Theses and Dissertations

The current tools used by squadron supervisors to monitor the bombing performance of aircrews flying F-111E aircraft are monthly reports that have little predictive capability. No real-time methodology exists for monitoring and predicting aircrew bombing performance and preventing bombing problems that might cause an individual to become unqualified. It has been suggested that Statistical process Control (SPC) can be applied to the bombing process to develop tools for managing the process, correcting problems, and improve the bombing performance of a squadron. This study investigates the application of SPC to the bombing process. It examines data taken from an F-111E Fighter …

Life-Cycle Cost Analysis For Radioactive Waste Remediation Alternatives, Thomas P. White, Ronald J. Toland, Dorian Y. Buitrago

Theses and Dissertations

This research has two primary objectives. The first is to develop a generic, interactive, spreadsheet-based life-cycle cost model that uses net present value and risk analysis techniques for cost comparison. The second is to apply the model specifically to the vitrification and cementation methods of waste remediation. By using spreadsheet analysis and graphics capabilities, the model will provide direct and objective comparisons of remediation alternatives. Since vitrification is a new technology, the plant design and operations are conceptual. Therefore, computer simulation and engineering judgement are integral to the vitrification LCC estimate.

Selecting Optimal Experiments For Feedforward Multilayer Perceptrons, Lisa M. Belue

Theses and Dissertations

Where should a researcher conduct experiments to provide training data for a multilayer perceptron? This question is investigated and a statistically-based method for optimally selecting experimental design points for multilayer perceptrons is introduced. Specifically, a criterion is developed based on the size of an estimated confidence ellipsoid for the weights in the multilayer perceptron. This criterion is minimized over a set of exemplars to find optimal design points. Initially, single output networks are examined. An example is used to demonstrate the superiority of optimally selected design points over randomly chosen points and points chosen in a grid pattern. Also, two …

The Development Of A Metamodel For A Major Weapon System Cost Model, Paul W. Campbell

Theses and Dissertations

Cost estimation is an integral part of the procurement process of major weapon systems. Despite this essential role, the cost estimation process is able to provide the decision makers and analysts with a limited amount of insight. This is due to the complex nature of the cost models that typically contain 20-30 cost estimating relationships (CERs) and 50-100 variables. In an effort to provide the decision makers and analysts with additional insight to the cost estimate, this research demonstrates a methodology that will (1) identify the cost drivers of the cost model, ( 2) estimate the effects of these cost …

Right-Hand-Side Multidimensional Optimality Analysis Of A Large Scale Linear Program Using Metamodelling Techniques, Osman Iyde

Theses and Dissertations

A methodology for optimality analysis of linear programs was developed by Johnson, Bauer, Moore, and Grant to create metamodels using response surface methodology techniques such as experimental design and least squares regression, and a geostatistical estimation technique, namely kriging. Metamodels have the form of a simple polynomial, and they predict the optimal objective function value of an LP for various levels of the constraints. They eliminate the necessity of determining which critical region contains the right-hand-side (RHS) vector of interest since they are valid over multiple critical regions. The methodology of Johnson, et al. can be applied to large scale …