Operations Research, Systems Engineering and Industrial Engineering Commons^™

An Analysis Of China’S Perceived Geographic Locations Of Interest By Use Of Value Informed Facility Location Models, Layton C. Hedge

Theses and Dissertations

This research examines China and derives insights specific to it and the First Island Chain and the Second Island Chain. In doing so, this research demonstrates a methodology to examine other competitors and their geostrategic interests. In the first phase of analysis, it develops a value hierarchy to depict objectives within subregions of the area of interest and considers four alternative weightings of the value hierarchy. In the second phase of analysis, it applies four location-covering models to assess how the competitor would emplace a range of limited resources to deter and/or control points of interest. Results indicate that land-based …

Simulating Human-Autonomous Aircraft Teams In An Anti-Access Area Denial (A2ad) Environment, Michael Kaminski

Theses and Dissertations

The role of autonomy has evolved recently, demanding tighter integration between human and autonomous systems, particularly in highly contested A2AD environments. Near-peer adversaries have modernized their integrated air defense systems (IADS), diminishing the current advantages of the United States Air Force. To regain air dominance, efforts like the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program are underway, aiming to deploy unmanned autonomous alongside manned next-generation fighter aircraft. This research assesses various operational concepts, focusing on autonomous tactics post-manned fighter loss, strike timing of independent teams, and weapon configuration observability. Using the Advanced Framework for Simulation, Integration and Modeling (AFSIM), an agent-based model …

A Reinforcement Learning Approach To The 2v2 Beyond Visual Range Air Combat Maneuvering Problem, Jacob J. Pike

Theses and Dissertations

This research examines a 2v2 air combat maneuvering problem (ACMP) in a Beyond Visual Range (BVR) environment. A discrete-time, infinite-horizon Markov Decision Process (MDP) model represents the BVR-ACMP, seeking to determine high-quality policies for a pair of autonomous aircraft to execute tactical maneuvers and firing decisions. The Advanced Framework for Simulation, Integration, and Modeling (AFSIM) characterizes the complex six-degree of freedom (6-DOF) aircraft operations, encompassing kinematics, sensors, and weapons. Given the high dimensionality and continuous nature of the state and decision variables, a deep reinforcement learning (RL) solution approach is adopted wherein the value function is approximated via a Neural …

Measuring The Comparative Performance Of Usaf Behavioral Health Clinic Operations: Emphasis On Capacity, Daniel L. Straw

Theses and Dissertations

This research examines the operations of behavioral health clinics in Air Force Continental United States facilities, with a focus on operational efficiency and capacity through Data Envelopment Analysis. Most facilities operate near capacity, demonstrating efficient resource usage, but concerns arise with the potential of increased demand. Days-to-care and leakage are identified as major sources of inefficiency, suggesting that addressing these issues can enhance operations and reduce costs. The study also explores the impact of COVID-19 on care delivery.

A Random Forest-Based Q-Learning Algorithm: Toward Interpretable Artificial Intelligence, Victor R. Rae

Theses and Dissertations

A growing demand exists for interpretable artificial intelligence models, leading to extensive research efforts to enhance the explainability and transparency of policies generated by reinforcement learning (RL) methods. This research develops random forest-based RL algorithms as a logical progression in this academic pursuit. The algorithms are evaluated using three standard benchmark environments from OpenAI gym — CartPole, MountainCar, and LunarLander — and compared to implementations of the Deep Q-learning Network (DQN) and Double DQN (DDQN) algorithms for various metrics, including performance, robustness, efficiency, and interpretability. The random forest-based algorithms exhibit superior performance to both neural network-based algorithms in two out …

Bayesian Augmentation Of Object Detection Algorithms To Enhance Object Classification Stability, Taylor D. Markham

Theses and Dissertations

Neural networks, despite their prowess in computer vision, often exhibit "flickering". Flickering occurs when networks fail to maintain consistent object representation across frames, leading to inaccurate and inconsistent output. This problem is particularly critical in mission-surety applications where reliable object recognition is crucial. This research presents a novel approach that combines existing object detection and tracking algorithms like YOLO and SORT with a Bayesian backend model. This Bayesian backend incorporates probabilistic reasoning to analyze the network's confidence in its predictions and infer the most likely object identity across multiple frames, effectively reducing flickering and enhancing robustness.

Federated Analysis Of Wearables Data For United States Air Force Mental And Physical Readiness, Sung Yong O

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigates the use of machine learning and deep learning models within a federated learning framework to predict physical and mental readiness in military personnel, using wearable technology data. The collaboration with the 711th Human Performance Wing’s STRONG Lab highlights the importance of readiness as emphasized by the National Defense and Security Strategies. The study evaluates various predictive models, incorporating federated learning to ensure data privacy and security in healthcare systems. By analyzing a comprehensive dataset, the research aims to contribute to military readiness enhancement through technological advancements, supporting health and wellness initiatives to bolster the effectiveness of military …

A Reinforcement Learning Self-Play Approach For Informing Wargaming Analysis & Development, Kathleen A. Maclean

Theses and Dissertations

The integration of RL into wargames to learn strategic and operational insights is of interest to the United States Air Force. This thesis explores the application of a RL SARSA(λ) algorithm to the wargame Stratagem MIST. The primary objective is to select air and ground combat policies for the Blue Agent to effectively counter various opponent strategies across different terrains. This testing enables a comprehensive evaluation of the Blue Agent’s adaptability and performance under varying combat conditions. The use of basis functions, linear value function approximations, and specific air and ground strategies simplifies the state and action spaces of the …

Navigating Complex Environments: A Comparative Study Of Shortest Path Algorithms For Military A2ad And Civilian Obstacle Avoidance, Ebony N. Williams

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigates advanced navigation in complex environments for urban and military applications, focusing on overcoming obstacles through algorithms like Dijkstra's. It highlights the role of adaptable cost functions in customizing strategies for different scenarios. The research identifies effective algorithm-cost function combinations, improving route planning and safety in civilian and defense sectors. It advances pathfinding knowledge and sets the groundwork for future enhancements with Python simulations and AFSIM.

An Introduction Of Adaptive Training Aid Concepts And Its Application To Accelerated Training For Air Battle Managers, John C. Gillispie

Theses and Dissertations

Over the years, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) to enable autonomous systems has undergone transformative shifts in the Department of Defense (DoD), revolutionizing capabilities and strategic approaches. To further optimize these advancements, varying levels of autonomy have been introduced across critical military applications, spanning intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), air battle management, and offensive/defensive air operations. As the technological landscape expands, so do the opportunities for autonomy to augment operations through human-agent teaming. Within the Air Force, one notably cognitively demanding role that stands to benefit from these strides is that of the Air Battle Manager (ABM). In support of …

T-Pickseer: Visual Analysis Of Taxi Pick-Up Point Selection Behavior, Shuxian Gu, Yemo Dai, Zezheng Feng, Yong Wang, Haipeng Zeng

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Taxi drivers often take much time to navigate the streets to look for passengers, which leads to high vacancy rates and wasted resources. Empty taxi cruising remains a big concern for taxi companies. Analyzing the pick-up point selection behavior can solve this problem effectively, providing suggestions for taxi management and dispatch. Many studies have been devoted to analyzing and recommending hotspot regions of pick-up points, which can make it easier for drivers to pick-up passengers. However, the selection of pick-up points is complex and affected by multiple factors, such as convenience and traffic management. Most existing approaches cannot produce satisfactory …

Laboratory Evaluation Of High-Temperature Resistant Lysine-Based Polymer Gel Systems For Leakage Control, Tao Song, Xuyang Tian, Baojun Bai, Yugandhara Eriyagama, Mohamed Ahdaya, Adel Alotibi, Thomas P. Schuman

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In-situ crosslinking gel known for its cost-effectiveness, has been employed for decades to plug high-permeability features in subsurface environments. However, some commonly used crosslinkers are being phased out due to the increasingly rigorous environmental regulations. As a newly discovered environmentally friendly crosslinker, lysine can crosslink the partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide through transamidation reaction. The present work aimed to study the effect of polymer composition and concentration on the gelation behavior of lysine and high molecular weight acrylamide-based polymers. Several commercial high molecular weight polymers with different contents of 2-Acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propane sulfonic acid (AMPS) including AN-105/125, SAV-55/37/28, and SAV-10 were deployed in this …

Environmental Analysis Of Codfish Production And Consumption In Portugal, Ayla Frost, Joana Almeida, Joana Dionisio, Radu Godina, Cátia Magro

Journal of Critical Global Issues

Codfish, a typical dish consumed frequently in Portugal, is fished in the cold Northern Atlantic waters far from the Portuguese coast. Thus, regional tensions and the environmental impacts of Portuguese codfish importation and production are significant current issues. The present study uses a life cycle assessment methodology to evaluate the array of environmental impacts of the production of 1 kg of codfish, following a cradle to gate approach. The life cycle inventory was grouped into catch and preprocessing, transit, and curing stages. The data collection of products and processes in each stage was based on scientific peer reviewed documents, technical …

Identification Of Faults In Highways Using Approximation Methods And Algorithms, Khudayberdiyev Khakkulmirzayevich Mirzaakbar, Anvar Asatilloyevich Ravshanov

Chemical Technology, Control and Management

Many fast Fourier transforms are used to identify defective parts of uneven surfaces on roads and send information to relevant organizations on the road, using the " RAVON YO‘LLAR" application installed on a mobile device during car movement. We determine the uneven parts of the road. Smooth and well-maintained roads reduce the risk of vehicle collisions, skidding and other road-related incidents. Timely measures contribute to overall safety, comfort and economic efficiency.

Synthesize A Neural Network Parameter Optimizer For An Adaptive Pid Controller, Nashvandova Gulruxsor Murot Qizi

Chemical Technology, Control and Management

Wide application of proportional-integral-differential (PID)-regulator in industry requires constant improvement of methods of its parameters superstructuring. In the paper, the questions of optimization of PID-regulator parameters with application of methods of neural network technology are considered. A methodology for selecting the architecture of neural network optimizer designed to determine the tuned parameters of PID regulator is proposed. The algorithm of training of the neural network, with the set on the basis of the method of inverse gradient propagation is offered. The proposed improved PID-neural regulator allowed to provide stabilization of neural network operation and its trainability in the control loop …

Analytical-Critical Review Of Widely Used Industrial Devices For Drying Mineral Fertilizers, Djalolitdin Paxritdinovich Mukhitdinov, Aleksey Viktorovich Schulz

Chemical Technology, Control and Management

The article is devoted to the review of the modern state of research in the mineral fertilizers drying field, critical analysis and comparison of widely used drying apparatuses. There are procedures of preliminary equipment selection for soluble fertilizers industrial drying on the basis of such criteria as productivity, efficiency, energy saving, environmental impact degree, indicating the possible advantages and disadvantages of different application variants.

Calculation Of Hydraulic Resistance Of A Tubular-Gridse Nozzle With Spiral Turbulizers, Nurmukhamedov Habibulla Sagdullaevich, Mavlonov Elbek Tulkinovich, S.Kh. Nishonova, Kh.S. Nurmukhamedov

Chemical Technology, Control and Management

The article presents the results of an experimental study on the hydraulic resistance of a tubular-grid nozzle made of smooth pipes and pipes with spiral turbulators. Experiments were carried out with nozzles made of smooth pipes and pipes with turbulators. Spiral turbulators are placed discretely with a step t/d=0,3125-0,9375 and installed on a tube sheet in a checkerboard pattern with a step s/d=1,15-10. Experimental studies were carried out with air flow in the transition region.

It has been established that with increasing numerical values of the dimensionless parameter s/d, the resistance of the pipe package decreases from 1,3 to 1,8 …

Development Of A Criterion Assessing The Level Of Relationship Of Multiple Identified Characteristics For Classification, Mirzoyan Mirzaaxmedovich Kamilov, Oybek Zokirovich Koraboshev, Bobomurod Mamitjonovich Tojiboev

Chemical Technology, Control and Management

This article discusses an optimized version of the standard design developed by Yu.I.Zhuravlev, an optimization procedure through an algebraic approach based on precedent algorithms that solves the problem of pattern identification. The formation of the convex hull of the recognition operator and corrective procedures of information models by mutual compensation of each other was also studied. In addition, the functional connection of recognition operators and the definition of idempotent connection of operators are analyzed.

Chromatographic Analysis Of The Chemical Composition Of Pyrolysis Distillate, Sh.T. Juraev, B.F. Muxiddinov, U.T. Tailakov

Chemical Technology, Control and Management

The paper presents the results of a study of the physico-chemical characteristics of the liquid fraction of products of thermal oxidative pyrolysis of worn tires. The mass fraction of the volatile gas compounds, the optimal boiling points of the obtained condensates and the flashpoint of pyrolysis liquids, together with the mass composition of cracking products of rubber products at high-temperature pyrolysis at a temperature of 800-900 °C, were determined. Chromatographic analysis allowed us to determine the composition, mainly the mass composition of pyrolysis products, which consisted of carbon (42.8%), higher aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons (17.0%), methane (10.2%), benzene (4.2%) and …

Strategy For Predictive Control Of The Rectification Process Based On A Model Controller With A Given Forecast, Ildar Rafkatovich Sultanov

Chemical Technology, Control and Management

A method is being developed to optimize the generated controls for the multicomponent distillation process with prediction, based on predictive data with a moving horizon. The difference between this method and the classical modeling approach, in which the percentage of the degree of opening of valves installed on the output streams of the column is used as control actions, is that control occurs on the feedback principle. The proposed method is based on the use of a dynamic process model to optimize control actions in real time in order to achieve certain production targets. The essence of the MPC approach …