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Biological Investigation Of The Stimulated Flapping Motions Of The Moth, Manduca Sexta, Travis B. Tubbs

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Modeling Vertical Flow Treatment Wetland Hydraulics To Optimize Treatment Efficiency, David T. Roen Ii

Theses and Dissertations

An upward Vertical Flow Treatment Wetland (uVFTW) at Wright Patterson AFB designed to bioremediate contaminated groundwater exhibits hydraulic short-circuiting. Prior studies estimated that groundwater flowed through less than 50% of the wetland’s volume, and that the mean residence time was significantly less than the nominal residence time, which was calculated assuming flow through the entire wetland volume. The objective of this research was to investigate how uVFTW hydraulics affects treatment efficiency, and to propose design strategies to maximize treatment efficiency. A groundwater flow and contaminant transport model of a uVFTW that couples hydraulics and degradation kinetics was built and applied …

Characterization Of Graphite Composite Material Particulates From Usaf Aircraft Maintenance Operations, Richard E. Yon

Theses and Dissertations

Due to the benefits of their material properties, advanced composite materials (ACM) are increasingly being used as structural components on aircraft, especially within the United States Air Force. As a result, the potential exists for occupational exposures to structural maintenance employees while repairing and fabricating aircraft components. Two field studies were conducted for this thesis in order to characterize ACM aerosol size distribution, determine the feasibility of utilizing direct reading instruments (DRIs) in the field, and ensure workers are protected with adequate controls. In order to characterize exposure, traditional integrated air sampling and DRIs were positioned together near an ACM …

Characterization And In Vitro Toxicity Of Copper Nanoparticles (Cu-Nps) In Murine Neuroblastoma (N2a) Cells, Sitao Veronica Brownheim

Theses and Dissertations

Nanomaterials, classified as materials within the 1 - 100 nanometer range, have seemingly endless applications. It is very important to the Air Force to increase the understanding of Cu-NPs and the possible health impacts from nanomaterial exposure prior to wide-spread industry and military use. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to thoroughly characterize the properties of three different copper samples upon suspension into aqueous solutions over time: Cu-NPs (Cu 25 nm), CuO-NPs (CuO 40 nm), and Cu-MSP (Cu 500nm). Additionally, this research seeks to observe in vitro effects upon murine neuroblastoma cells (N2A) by these three types of particles …

A Systems Architecture And Advanced Sensors Application For Real-Time Aircraft Structural Health Monitoring, Hyoungjin Shin, Edward C. Beckett

Theses and Dissertations

Aircraft are being pushed beyond their original service life, increasing the potential for structural failures. A catastrophic in flight failure of an F-15 bulkhead and severe cracking in the C-130 Wing rainbow fitting are two recent examples that have caused major problems for the Air Force. Previous Aircraft Structural Health Monitoring Systems research primarily explored using a system during the ground maintenance phase. This research will explore a Real-Time Aircraft Structural Health Monitoring System (RTASHMS) that includes a ground phase as well as an in-flight phase. The RTASHMS will continuously analyze structural hot spots, detect critical structural damage or cracks …

Experimental Measurements Of Store Separation Using Dry Ice Models In A Subsonic Flow, Michael C. Paul

Theses and Dissertations

Testing free-drop store separation from a cavity in wind tunnels proves a difficult task because the models are typically destroyed during the test. Furthermore, there is potential for damage to wind tunnel components. Prior work has shown that small dry ice models released within the test section do not cause damage to the AFIT pressure-vacuum wind tunnel components or vacuum chamber. Rather, the dry ice models break apart and sublimate harmlessly into gaseous carbon dioxide. Therefore, this study was undertaken to determine whether dry ice models might prove useful in free-drop store separation testing. A generic aircraft cavity was constructed …

Sizing Analysis For Aircraft Utilizing Hybrid-Electronic Propulsion Systems, Matthew D. Rippl

Theses and Dissertations

A submerged inlet investigation, using flow control in the form of discrete blowing, examined proximity and jet directionality to improve compressor face uniformity. The flow control locations were at the head of the ramp and part way down the ramp, providing four configurations under examination. Laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV)measurements at the throat determined the effect of the flow control based on the statistical velocity measurements. Blowing at closer proximity to the throat and targeting the largest velocity deficit region provided the best results. The airspeed and inlet velocity simulated takeoff and landing conditions; velocities ranged from Mach 0.1-0.3 at the …

Vision-Aided Autonomous Precision Weapon Terminal Guidance Using A Tightly-Coupled Ins And Predictive Rendering Techniques, Jonathan W. Beich

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis documents the development of the Vision-Aided Navigation using Statistical Predictive Rendering (VANSPR) algorithm which seeks to enhance the endgame navigation solution possible by inertial measurements alone. The eventual goal is a precision weapon that does not rely on GPS, functions autonomously, thrives in complex 3-D environments, and is impervious to jamming. The predictive rendering is performed by viewpoint manipulation of computer-generated of target objects. A navigation solution is determined by an Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF) which corrects positional errors by comparing camera images with a collection of statistically significant virtual images. Results indicate that the test algorithm is …

Adaptive Quality Of Service Engine With Dynamic Queue Control, James D. Haught

Theses and Dissertations

While the current routing and congestion control algorithms in use today are often sufficient for networks with relatively static topology, these algorithms may not be sufficient for military networks where a certain level of quality of service (QoS) needs to be achieved to complete a mission. Current networking technology limits a network's ability to adapt to changes and interactions in the network, often resulting in sub-optimal performance. This research investigates the use of queue size predictions to create a network controller to optimize computer networks. These queue size predictions are made possible through the use of Kalman filters to detect …

Routing Uavs To Co-Optimize Mission Effectiveness And Network Performance With Dynamic Programming, Spenser D. Lee

Theses and Dissertations

In support of the Air Force Research Laboratory's (AFRL) vision of the layered sensing operations center, command and control intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance (C2ISR) more focus must be placed on architectures that support information systems, rather than just the information systems themselves. By extending the role of UAVs beyond simply intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations and into a dual-role with networking operations we can better utilize our information assets. To achieve the goal of dual-role UAVs, a concrete approach to planning must be taken. This research defines a mathematical model and a non-trivial deterministic algorithmic approach to determining UAV …

Evaluating Information Assurance Control Effectiveness On An Air Force Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (Scada) System, Jason R. Nielsen

Theses and Dissertations

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems are increasingly being connected to corporate networks which has dramatically expanded their attack surface to remote cyber attack. Adversaries are targeting these systems with increasing frequency and sophistication. This thesis seeks to answer the research question addressing which Information Assurance (IA) controls are most significant for network defenders and SCADA system managers/operators to focus on in order to increase the security of critical infrastructure systems against a Stuxnet-like cyber attack. This research applies the National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST) IA controls to an attack tree modeled on a remote Stuxnet-like cyber …

Multiple Integrated Navigation Sensors For Improving Occupancy Grid Fastslam, Christopher P. Weyers

Theses and Dissertations

An autonomous vehicle must accurately observe its location within the environment to interact with objects and accomplish its mission. When its environment is unknown, the vehicle must construct a map detailing its surroundings while using it to maintain an accurate location. Such a vehicle is faced with the circularly defined Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) problem. However difficult, SLAM is a critical component of autonomous vehicle exploration with applications to search and rescue. To current knowledge, this research presents the first SLAM solution to integrate stereo cameras, inertial measurements, and vehicle odometry into a Multiple Integrated Navigation Sensor (MINS) path. …

Depot-Level Simulation And Multivariate Analysis On B-1 High Velocity Maintenance, Florence K. Yee

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this thesis is to gain insights on the B-1B depot maintenance operations, with a focus on direct maintenance hours or burn rate, under the implementation of High Velocity Maintenance (HVM). Based on historical depot maintenance data and the current B-1 depot HVM prototype data, a discrete-event simulation model is developed using Arena 12.0. Some United States Air Force supply chain influences, such as manning levels and kitting characteristics of the B-1 depot operations, are incorporated in our models as design factors. The model captures the stochastic nature of 30 HVM tasks performed on one B-1 aircraft in …

A Century Long Pursuit Of Alternative Fuels And Feedstocks: A Content Analysis, Elias J. Halvorson

Theses and Dissertations

he United States has dramatically increased its production of alternative fuels over the past seven years. With the passing of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA), alternative fuel production will increase in the United States over 700% from 2005 levels. However, the pursuit of petroleum alternatives is not a recent trend. Over the last 100 years, various nations have pursued petroleum alternatives with varying levels of success. This research focuses on the historical development of 10 leading alternative fuels and feedstocks. Through a thorough literature review we will identify commonalities among these fuels and feedstocks which have …

Exploring Trade-Offs In Auv Controller Design For Shark Tracking, Louis James Bertsch Iv

Master's Theses

This thesis explores the use of an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) to track and pursue a tagged shark through the water. A controller was designed to take bearing and range to the shark tag and then control the AUV to pursue it.

First, the ability of a particle filter to provide an accurate estimation of the location of the shark relative to the AUV is explored. Second, the ability of the AUV to follow the shark's path through the water is shown. This ability allows for localized environmental sampling of the shark's preferred path. Third, various path weightings are used …

Department Of Biological Systems Engineering Newsletter, Volume 7, Number 1, March 2011

BSE Department Magazine

No abstract provided.

Led Spotlight, Eric Toussaint

Electrical Engineering

This report details the development and construction of an LED spotlight useable in a theatrical or architectural setting.  In depth background information, initial design concepts, lighting instrument specifications, assembly, testing, and conclusions from results are highlighted in this document.  Project goals include efforts to support more energy efficient lighting in the arts and general lighting applications and a decrease in overall costs for energy used in all dramatic and architectural lighting applications.

Water And Air Quality Performance Of A Reciprocating Biofilter Treating Dairy Wastewater, Seppi Matthew Henneman

Master's Theses

ABSTRACT

Water and Air Quality Performance of a Reciprocating

Biofilter Treating Dairy Wastewater

Seppi Matthew Henneman

Agricultural non-point source pollution is the leading water quality problem in surface water and the second leading problem in ground water in the US.  Among the contaminants, nutrients (such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) can be transported from agricultural fields when cropland is not managed properly.  In California, dairy manure application to cropland has become tightly regulated with the goal of decreasing such nutrient pollution.  Dairies unable to balance their manure nutrient supply with cropland application area may benefit from a nitrogen removal technology.  One …

A Study Of Osteocyte Apoptosis By Region And Quadrant In Murine Cortical Bone, Jessica Kristen Chan

Master's Theses

ABSTRACT

A Study of Osteocyte Apoptosis by Region and Quadrant in Murine Cortical Bone

Jessica Kristen Chan

Osteocytes undergo apoptosis to spatially and temporally initiate bone remodeling.  This study investigates the distribution of apoptotic osteocytes within different quadrants and regions of cortical bone and compares the frequency of osteocyte apoptosis to regional factors associated with bone remodeling.  Specifically, the quantity of apoptosis was compared to levels of the bone morphagenic protein antagonists noggin and gremlin.  Samples of unloaded right tibial bone obtained from C57/Bl/6 mice underwent TUNEL staining for apoptotic osteocytes and were counterstained with methyl green to detect osteocyte …

Universal Engineering Programmer – An In-House Development Tool For Developing And Testing Implantable Medical Devices In St. Jude Medical, Khoa Tat Do

Master's Theses

During development and testing of the functionality of the pacemaker and defibrillator device, engineers in the St. Jude Medical Cardiac Rhythm Management Division use an in-house development tool called Universal Engineering Programmer (UEP) to ensure the device functions as expected, before it can be used to test on an animal or a human during the implantation process.  In addition, some applications of UEP are incorporated into the official releases of the device product.  UEP has been developed and used by engineers across departments in the St. Jude Medical Cardiac Rhythm Management Division (CRMD).  This thesis covers the flexible and reusable …

Ambulatory Healthcare Utilization In The United States: A System Dynamics Approach, Rafael Diaz, Joshua G. Behr, Mandar Tulpule

VMASC Publications

Ambulatory health care needs within the United States are served by a wide range of hospitals, clinics, and private practices. The Emergency Department (ED) functions as an important point of supply for ambulatory healthcare services. Growth in our aging populations as well as changes stemming from broader healthcare reform are expected to continue trend in congestion and increasing demand for ED services. While congestion is, in part, a manifestation of unmatched demand, the state of the alignment between the demand for, and supply of, emergency department services affects quality of care and profitability. The central focus of this research is …

The Biomechanics Of Varied Proximal Locking Screw Configurations In A Synthetic Model Of Proximal Third Tibial Fracture Fixation, Philip R. Wolinsky, Douglas Dennis, Brett D. Crist, Shane Curtiss, Scott J. Hazelwood

Biomedical Engineering

Objective: To determine if 1) angularly stable devices created by compressing (‘‘locking’’) proximal locking screws to intramedullary nails using end caps or compression screws or 2) increasing the number of proximal screws from two to three increases the stiffness of intramedullary constructs that stabilize proximal third tibia fractures in a nonosteopenic bone model.

Methods: Four proximal locking screw configurations were examined in a synthetic composite tibia model with a 2-cm gap simulating a comminuted proximal third tibia fracture with no bony contact: 1) two proximal screws not compressed to the nail; 2) one of two proximal screws compressed to …

Runoff, Erosion, And Size Distribution Of Sediment From Beef Cattle Feedlots, John E. Gilley, Jason R. Vogel, Roger Eigenberg, David B. Marx, Brian L. Woodbury

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

The size distribution of sediment in runoff from feedlot surfaces influences erosion rates and settling velocity. The objectives of this study were to: (1) measure runoff, erosion, and size distribution of sediment in runoff from feedlot surfaces containing varying amounts of unconsolidated surface material (USM), and (2) determine the effects of varying runoff rate on erosion and sediment size distribution. Simulated rainfall was applied to 0.75 m wide by 2 m long plots located within feedlot pens. Sieve and pipette analyses were used to measure the diameters of the eroded materials. No significant differences in runoff and erosion were found …

Manufacturing And Evaluation Of A Biologically Inspired Engineered Mav Wing Compared To The Manduca Sexta Wing Under Simulated Flapping Conditions, Nathanial E. Deleon

Theses and Dissertations

In recent years, researchers have expressed a vested interest in the concepts surrounding flapping wing micro air vehicles (FWMAVs) that are capable of both range and complex maneuvering. Most research in this arena has found itself concentrated on topics such as flapping dynamics and the associated fluid-structure interactions inherent in the motion, however there still remains myriad questions concerning the structural qualities intrinsic to the wings themselves. Using nature as the template for design, FWMAV wings were constructed using carbon fiber and Kapton and tested under simplified flapping conditions by analyzing frozen' digital images of the deformed wing by methods …

Postearthquake Recovery Of A Water Distribution System: Discrete Event Simulation Using Colored Petri Nets, Ronaldo Luna, Nandini Balakrishnan, Cihan H. Dagli

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Planning and preparedness is essential for any resilient infrastructure system. Modeling and simulation give engineers and planners a better understanding of the system and help them make better decisions. the objective of this study is to demonstrate an improved model for the disaster restoration process by using a discrete event simulation approach. the study also aims to help improve the post-earthquake restoration process by simulating restoration curves. in this paper, colored Petri nets are used to model the system and to simulate its behavior. the resource allocation after a rare event such as an earthquake differs from the resource allocation …

A Petri Net Simulation Model For Virtual Construction Of Earthmoving Operations, F. F. Cheng, Y. W. Wang, Yong Bai

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

A common and extended Petri net simulation framework for virtual construction of earthmoving operations is developed to simulate dynamic changes of workflow and information flow in the earthmoving construction process and illustrate the constraint relationship between various operational equipment and construction restrictions. The proposed framework considers factors that influence earthmoving operations including randomness of construction activities, individual preference of equipment scheduling, and constraint relationship between equipment and construction environment. With the given equipment availability and project indirect cost, the framework can predict construction situation, equipment utilization rate, estimated duration and cost to achieve visualized and intelligent scheduling of virtual construction …

Identifying Horizontal Gene Transfer Using Anomalies In Protein Structures And Sequences, Venkat Ram B. Santosh

School of Computing: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Genetics has traditionally focused on vertical gene transfer, which is the passing of the genetic material of an organism to its offspring. However, recent studies in genetics increased the awareness that horizontal gene transfer, which is the passing of the genetic material of an organism to another organism that is not its offspring, is also a significant phenomenon. Horizontal gene transfer is thought to play a major role in the natural evolution of bacteria, such as, when several different types of bacteria all suddenly develop the same drug resistance genes. Artificial horizontal gene transfer occurs in genetic engineering.

This thesis …

Thermodynamic, Sulfide, Redox Potential, And Ph Effects On Syngas Fermentation, Peng Hu

Theses and Dissertations

Recently, work in ethanol production is exploring the fermentation of syngas (primarily CO, CO2, and H2) following gasification of cellulosic biomass. The syngas fermentation by clostridium microbes utilizes the Wood-Ljungdahl metabolic pathway. Along this pathway, the intermediate Acetyl-CoA typically diverges to produce ethanol, acetic acid, and/or cell mass. To develop strategies for process optimization, a thermodynamic analysis was conducted that provided a detailed understanding of the favorability of the reactions along the metabolic pathway. Thermodynamic analysis provided identification of potentially limiting steps. Once these limiting reactions were identified, further thermodynamic analysis provided additional insights into the ways in which reaction …

Biofuel Cell Anode For Nad-Dependent Enzymes, Ovalles Rosalba Rincón

Chemical and Biological Engineering ETDs

Enzymatic biofuel cells are a very attractive young technology based on utilization of natural, renewable and plentiful resources that offer an alternative energy source. Most fuel cells run on hydrogen; but it is extremely expensive and difficult to obtain, which is why research has moved to target fuels that are already available in nature, avoiding high costs of production, both economically and environmentally. Several biofuels with very high energy densities are available to us in abundance, but the challenges to make use of them are plenty. These biofuels contain several carbon-to-carbon bonds which make their oxidation processes significantly more complex …

Design And Analysis Of Blast Induced Traumatic Brain Injury Mechanism Using A Surrogate Headform: Instrumentation And Outcomes, Eyitejumade A. Sogbesan

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Brain injury cases in military personnel exposed to improvised explosive devices (IED) in combat have been on the rise. In Iraq and Afghanistan improved helmets and body armor are not enough protection against blast wave threats. The United States military are sponsoring researchers and scientists around the globe to find the associations between pressure waves and traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Lack of accurate data and blast wave exposure information in returning soldiers has slowed the innovation needed to effectively diagnose TBI and other related brain injury as a result of pressure waves. More detailed data will be required to gain …