Digital Commons Network^™

Malaysian Automotive Industry's Technological Capabilities In Meeting The Defence Requirements, Ahmad Marzuki Ahmad Nawawi

Student Works (2000-2009)

The end of cold war in late 1980s had totally changed the strategic outlook in the management of military crisis. The revolution in military affairs IRMA) that took place thereafter, had witnessed the importance of technology in determining the national resilience and military power. In modern warfare, technology is considered the main determinant in victory or defeat in the battlefield. The Malaysian Army, realising the need to prepare a lean and mean force to fight a conventional warfare, requires state-of-the-art equipment in order to provide the mobility, firepower and intelligence, which are vital in waging war. All these elements can …

Reduced-Parts-Count Multilevel Rectifiers, Keith Corzine, J. R. Baker

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Multilevel power converters have gained much attention in recent years due to their high power quality, low switching losses, and high-voltage capability. These advantages make the multilevel converter a candidate topology for the next generation of naval ship prolusion systems. The primary disadvantage of these systems is the large number of semiconductors involved. This paper presents a reduced-parts-count rectifier which is well suited for naval rectifier applications where bidirectional power flow is not required. The proposed converter is analyzed and experimentally verified on an 18-kW four-level rectifier/inverter system.

Analysis Of A Four-Level Dc/Dc Buck Converter, Keith Corzine, J. Yuen, J. R. Baker

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In this paper, a four-level DC/DC buck power converter is introduced. The primary application for this converter is to regulate the center capacitor voltage in a four-level inverter system. The steady-state and average-value models for the proposed converter are developed and compared in simulation. The converter was constructed in the laboratory and verified on a four-level motor drive system. It was shown that the four-level DC/DC converter provides capacitor voltage balancing and allows higher output voltage utilization from the inverter.

State-Constrained Agile Missile Control With Adaptive-Critic-Based Neural Networks, Dongchen Han, S. N. Balakrishnan

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In this study, we develop an adaptive-critic-based controller to steer an agile missile that has a constraint on the minimum flight Mach number from various initial Mach numbers to a given final Mach number in minimum time while completely reversing its flightpath angle. This class of bounded state space, free final time problems is very difficult to solve due to discontinuities in costates at the constraint boundaries. We use a two-neural-network structure called "adaptive critic" in this study to carry out the optimization process. This structure obtains an optimal controller through solving optimal control-related equations resulting from a Hamiltonian formulation. …

A New Optimal Nonlinear Control Method And Its Application To Missile Guidance Law Design, Ming Xin, S. N. Balakrishnan

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In this paper, a new nonlinear control synthesis technique (q-D approximation) is discussed. By adding perturbations to the cost function this approach achieves a suboptimal solution to the Hamilton-Jacobi- Bellman (HJB) equation. By manipulating the perturbation terms both asymptotic stability and optimality properties are obtained. An application to the design of missile guidance law is presented and is compared with a similar technique (State Dependent Riccati Equation technique) used in problems of this class. © 2002 by the author(s).

Multilevel Voltage-Source Duty-Cycle Modulation: Analysis And Implementation, Keith Corzine, J. R. Baker

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Multilevel converters have become increasingly popular due to high power quality, high-voltage capability, low switching losses, and low electromagnetic compatibility concerns. Considering these advantages, the multilevel converter is a suitable candidate for implementation of future naval ship propulsion systems. This paper focuses on modulation techniques for the multilevel converter. In particular, a novel voltage-source method of multilevel modulation is introduced and compared to existing methods. The proposed method is discrete in nature and can therefore be readily implemented on a digital signal processor. The method is also readily extendable to any number of voltage levels. Results of experimental implementation are …

Development Of A Testbed For Design And Evaluation Of Power Electronic Based Systems, S. Pekarek, J. Tichenor, N. Benavides, A. Koenig, H. Wang, Scott D. Sudhoff, B. Kuhn, S. Glover, D. Aliprantis, J. Byoun, J. Sauer

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In this paper, a detailed technical description of a new hardware-based integrated power system testbed is presented. The testbed consists of an AC generation and propulsion system that is coupled to a DC zonal distribution system. A primary objective of the testbed is to provide a resource to the academic and industrial community by providing a non-proprietary system on which to demonstrate controls, survivability algorithms, and validate computer-aided design (CAD) tools. Copyright © 2002 Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc.

Stability Analysis Of A Dc Power Electronics Based Distribution System, Scott D. Sudhoff, Steven Pekarek, S. F. Glover, S. H. Zak, E. Zivi, J. D. Sauer, D. E. Delisle

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This paper illustrates the application of the generalized immittance space approach to the analysis of multi-bus interconnected power electronics-based power distribution system. The paper sets forth the basic classifications of power converters in regard to stability analysis, a set of network reduction transformations, and illustrates the use of these reductions in order to analyze the stability of a zonal dc distribution system. Copyright © 2002 Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc.

Bench-Scale Compost Reactors System And The Self-Heating Capabilities, Michael Alden Vining

LSU Master's Theses

Less expensive bench-scale composting reactor systems which can mimic actual composting process via self-heating are needed. One can achieve such systems without using the expensive temperature feed-back control by properly insulating the bench composting reactors. However, the knowledge of heat generation and transfer in bench composting reactors is essential in properly designing such inexpensive insulation systems. All compost trial temperature profiles illustrated initial elevated temperature levels followed by a slow gradual temperature decreasing phase. Of all of the variables, the airflow rate, the volume and the overall heat transfer coefficient, seem to have the greatest impact on producing thermophilic temperatures. …

Modulation Classification Of Digital Communication Signals, Visalakshi S. Ramakonar

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Modulation classification of digital communications signals plays an important role in both military and civilian sectors. It has the potential of replacing several receivers with one universal receiver. An automatic modulation classifier can be defined as a system that automatically identifies the modulation type of the received signal given that the signal exists and its parameters lie in a known range. This thesis addresses the need for a universal modulation classifier capable of classifying a comprehensive list of digital modulation schemes. Two classification approaches are presented: a decision-theoretic (DT) approach and a neural network (NN) approach. First classifiers are introduced …

Air Vehicle Path Planning, Jeffrey M. Hebert

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation explores optimal path planning for air vehicles. An air vehicle exposed to illumination by a tracking radar is considered and the problem of determining an optimal planar trajectory connecting two prespecified points is addressed. An analytic solution yielding the trajectory minimizing the received radar energy reflected from the target is derived using the Calculus of Variations. Additionally, the related problem of an air vehicle tracked by a passive sensor is also solved. Using the insights gained from the single air vehicle radar exposure minimization problem, a hierarchical cooperative control law is formulated to determine the optimal trajectories that …

Modeling And Analysis Of Social Networks, Robert S. Renfro Ii

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation develops new methods for the modeling and analysis of social networks. Social networks describe the complex relationships of individuals and groups in multiple overlapping contexts. Influence in a social network impacts behavior and decision making in every setting in which individuals participate. This study defines a methodology for modeling and analyzing this complex behavior using a Flow-Model representation. Multiple objectives in an influencing effort targeted at a social network are modeled using Goal Programming. Value Focused Thinking is applied to model influence and predict decisions based on the reaction of the psychological state of individuals to environmental stimuli. …

Theater-Level Stochastic Air-To-Air Engagement Modeling Via Event Occurrence Networks Using Piecewise Polynomial Approximation, David R. Denhard

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation investigates a stochastic network formulation termed an event occurrence network (EON). EONs are graphical representations of the superposition of several terminating counting processes. An EON arc represents the occurrence of an event from a group of (sequential) events before the occurrence of events from other event groupings. Events between groups occur independently, but events within a group occur sequentially. A set of arcs leaving a node is a set of competing events, which are probabilistically resolved by order relations. An important EON metric is the probability of being at a particular node or set of nodes at time …

Design Of A Hypersonic Waterjet Apparatus Driven By High Explosives, B. L. Weeks, J. Klosterman, Paul Nicholas Worsey

Mining Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The design and construction of a hypersonic waterjet apparatus is described. Jet velocities from 0.5 to 5 km/s have been achieved using a high explosive charge. Images are obtained in situ on various target substrates using a high-speed framing camera. Experimental results are shown for the impact of high velocity waterjets on propellants and high explosive samples. By observing the impact of the waterjet at a wide range of velocities a safety threshold can be determined where no reaction takes place.

Santa Clara Magazine, Volume 42 Number 4, Spring 2001, Santa Clara University

Santa Clara Magazine

3 - EL SOL SHINED IN 1968 STUDENT ELECTIONS By Adam Breen. During the 1968 campus elections, an electrical engineering student felt the student body was too apathetic, so he ran for dictator to spur interest. He could have been king, but instead had himself "assassinated " for a greater cause.

12 - DOUBLE LIVES By Susan Vogel. An economic boom in Silicon Valley created opportunities, jobs, and wealth-but those who work here often can't afford to live here. What are employees and employers doing about it?

16 - THE GLACIER PRIEST By Jeff Kunkel. Bernard Hubbard, S.J., was more …

The Other Information Warfare: A Mind Full Of Macedonia, Ibpp Editor

International Bulletin of Political Psychology

This article highlights ongoing aspects of psychological warfare in Macedonia between government and rebel forces.

An Even More Realistic (Non-Associative) Interval Logic And Its Relation To Psychology Of Human Reasoning, I. R. Goodman, Raul Trejo, Vladik Kreinovich, Jesus Martinez, Reginaldo Gonzalez

Departmental Technical Reports (CS)

No abstract provided.

Why Unary And Binary Operations In Logic: General Result Motivated By Interval-Valued Logics, Hung T. Nguyen, Vladik Kreinovich, I. R. Goodman

Departmental Technical Reports (CS)

Traditionally, in logic, only unary and binary operations are used as basic ones - e.g., "not", "and", "or" - while the only ternary (and higher order) operations are the operations which come from a combination of unary and binary ones. For the classical logic, with the binary set of truth values {0,1}, the possibility to express an arbitrary operation in terms of unary and binary ones is well known: it follows, e.g., from the well known possibility to express an arbitrary operation in DNF form. A similar representation result for [0,1]-based logic was proven in our previous paper. In this …

The Effect Of External Safeguards On Human-Information System Trust In An Information Warfare Environment, Gregory S. Fields

Theses and Dissertations

This research looks at how human trust in an information system is influenced by external safeguards in an Information Warfare (1W) domain. Information systems are relied upon in command and control environments to provide fast and reliable information to the decision-makers. The degree of reliance placed in these systems by the decision-makers suggests a significant level of trust. Understanding this trust relationship and what effects it is the focus of this study. A model is proposed that predicts behavior associated with human trust in information systems. It is hypothesized that a decision-maker's belief in the effectiveness of external safeguards will …

Quality Initiatives In The Air Force Development Of Reusable Launch Vehicles, Charles S. Galbreath

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis identifies useful tools and techniques available to aid the Air Force development of a reusable launch vehicle (RLV). These tools are identified by comparing traits found within the Lean Aerospace Initiative, Six Sigma and systems engineering. While identified specifically for the RLV effort, these tools and techniques will be of use to many development programs. Historical perspectives of both RLV development efforts within the Air Force and origins of modern quality teachings are provided to establish a common foundation of knowledge, upon which, further analysis can be conducted. This thesis, also, summarizes the current RLV effort within the …

An Analysis Of Civil Engineer Officer Contingency Training, Rusty J. Vaira

Theses and Dissertations

The primary objective of this research was to investigate the current overall civil engineer officer contingency training program and determine if civil engineer officers think it is adequately preparing them to perform in a contingency environment. In accomplishing this objective, this research explored the perceptions that officers have about the contingency training that is available through three primary training programs (Home Station Training, Silver Flag training, and Civil Engineer and Services School training). The overall intent of the author was to gauge how the officers feel about their contingency training and offer some suggestions on how to improve the training. …

A Process For Vectoring Offensive Information Warfare As A Primary Weapon Option Within The United States Air Force, Sheila G. Bennett

Theses and Dissertations

Consistently and comprehensively using Information Operations (IO) capabilities as primary weapon option within the Air Force is the next step to operationalizing IO within the Air Force. Doctrine and official guidance has set the variables of mission and concepts of operations, organizational structure, and IW players in place. The missing variable to operationalizing IO and probably the most difficult is the 'how' or process of the equation. This research will introduce a useable process that can be incorporated within the Air Force for integrating offensive IW activities into the current and given environment. The process is the basis for further …

Malicious Hackers: A Framework For Analysis And Case Study, Laura J. Kleen

Theses and Dissertations

Recent years have seen an increase in the number and severity of Information Operations (IO) attacks upon DoD resources. At a higher level, the US as a whole has come under cyber attack by individuals and groups seeking thrills, monetary gain, publicity for their causes, and myriad other goals. This effort develops a first cut model of individual hacker mentality that can be utilized to improve threat assessment, mitigate Information Assurance (IA) vulnerabilities, and improve risk assessment. Further, it is a first step toward automated characterization of Information Warfare (IW) attacks based upon hacker types. All hackers are not the …

Modeling Information Assurance, Joseph E. Beauregard

Theses and Dissertations

The ever-increasing speed of information systems allows decision-makers around the world to gather, process, and disseminate information almost instantaneously. However, with this benefit there comes a price. Information is valuable and therefore a target to those who do not have it or wish to destroy it. The Internet has allowed information to flow freely, but it has also made information vulnerable to many forms of corruption. The U. S. military controls much of the world's most sensitive information, and since it cannot sacrifice losing the speed at which this information is currently processed and disseminated, it must find a way …

The Effects Of Budgetary Constraints, Multiple Strategy Selection, And Rationality On Equilibrium Attainment In An Information Warfare Simulation, Steven W. Tait

Theses and Dissertations

Information warfare (IW) has developed into a significant threat to the national security of the United States. Our critical infrastructures, linked together by information systems, are increasingly vulnerable to information attack. This study seeks to understand some of those factors which affect the ability of an individual to make accurate decisions in an IW environment. The study used game theory to analyze the behavior of decision-makers within an IW simulation. The IW game model is based on a set of games known as infinitely repeated games of incomplete information. It uses the Bayesian Nash equilibrium concept to determine the strategy …

Weapon System Environmental Life Cycle Cost Methodologies And Models, William H. Kale Iii

Theses and Dissertations

Major Defense Acquisition Programs (MDAP) cost billions of dollars and have 30 to 50 year life spans. Numerous (federal, state, etc.) laws, Environmental Protection Agency regulations, and Executive Orders have driven DoD to develop and implement significant environmental policies within the past ten to fifteen years. Congressional mandate now requires each MDAP to evaluate its environmental life cycle cost (ELCC) to minimize these costs. This research focuses on the current methodologies and models used to predict and calculate the ELCC of a MDAP. This thesis analyzed the difficulties associated with using ELCC methodologies and models and examined several case studies …

Forecasting Readiness: Using Regression To Predict The Mission Capability Of Air Force F-16 Fighter Aircraft, Steven A. Oliver

Theses and Dissertations

According to many, the readiness of America's forces deteriorated in the 1990s. In the Air Force, the combat readiness of its fighter aircraft has declined. One of its indicators of combat readiness, the mission capable rate, is used to identify the percentage of aircraft unable to perform their missions. From FY94-FY98, the aggregate total not mission capable rate for maintenance steadily increased from 14% to 18.2% while total not mission capable rate for supply increased from 5.5% to 17.5% between FY86 and FY00. The USAF uses the funding/Availability Multi-Method Allocator for Spares model to forecast these rates for its aircraft. …

Cmp Process Development For Shallow Trench Isolation (Sti), Robert A. Selfridge

Journal of the Microelectronic Engineering Conference

Tool characterization and optimization was performed on a Westech Model 372 Polisher. A Rhodes ESM-U pad with a #5 groove with PSA and two slurries: a Rodel Klebosol 1501-50 silica based slurry and a proprietary cerium oxide slurry were utilized. Initial polishing of blanket thermal oxide wafers on the Westech produced %WIWNU greater than 80% using the Klebosol slurry. Following tool calibrations and modifications to machine configurations, %WIWNU dropped to approximately 5%. Characterization studies were performed for Removal Rate vs. Platen RPM and for Removal Rate vs. Down Force. An increase in removal rate was determined with an increase in …

U.S. Air Force Long-Range Strike Aircraft White Paper, United States Air Force

United States Air Force: Publications

As a result of DoD transformation plans and recent operational experience (Air War Over Serbia and Operation ENDURING FREEDOM) portions of the 1999 U.S. Air Force White Paper on Long Range Bombers have become outmoded. In October 2001, the Secretary of the Air Force directed an updated Long-range Strike Aircraft White Paper incorporating our new defense planning guidance. This document provides an update to the 1999 White Paper and reflects current decisions concerning bomber force structure and basing. While modification plans remain largely intact, the focus has been refined to support the Global Strike Task Force concept.

Multi-Level Voltage-Source Duty-Cycle Modulation: Analysis And Implementation, Keith Corzine, J. R. Baker

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Multi-level converters have become increasingly popular due to high power quality, high-voltage capability, low switching losses, and low EMC concerns. Considering these advantages, the multi-level converter is a suitable candidate for implementation of future naval ship propulsion systems. This paper focuses on modulation techniques for the multi-level converter. In particular, a novel voltage-source method of multi-level modulation is introduced and compared to existing methods. The proposed method is discrete in nature and can therefore be readily implemented on a digital signal processor (DSP). The method is also readily extendable to any number of voltage levels. Results of experimental implementation are …