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Copper Doping Of Zinc Oxide By Nuclear Transmutation, Matthew C. Recker Mar 2014

Copper Doping Of Zinc Oxide By Nuclear Transmutation, Matthew C. Recker

Theses and Dissertations

This research verifies that neutron irradiation of zinc oxide leads to Cu-doping of the material by nuclear transmutation. After irradiation, both 65Zn and 69mZn were detected and positively identified. 65Zn was visible at all times while 69mZn was visible when the samples were measured within a few Zn-69m half-lifes. All decay paths of 65Zn lead to 65Cu and the detection of the 1115.5 keV characteristic gamma ray from this decay clearly indicated that 65Cu was being created. Previous electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopic results were replicated to determine the spectrum of copper impurities …


Analysis Of Biological Weapon Spread Through A Transportation Network, Michael V. Macandrew Mar 2014

Analysis Of Biological Weapon Spread Through A Transportation Network, Michael V. Macandrew

Theses and Dissertations

Biological weapons are one of the top five threats identified by the Department of Defense in the United States. While most people commonly associate weapons of mass destruction only with atomic bombs, biological agents still have the ability to inflict mass casualties and panic. By strategically placing bioweapon detection units, known as BioWatch, in various airports, a disease spread could be detected and mitigated before country wide dispersal of the disease occurs. Key cities to invest this program are investigated through network analysis of flight itineraries with large volumes of traffic. In addition to analyzing an airport network, there is …


Airborne Wireless Communication Modeling And Analysis With Matlab, Matthew J. Vincie Mar 2014

Airborne Wireless Communication Modeling And Analysis With Matlab, Matthew J. Vincie

Theses and Dissertations

Over the past decade, there has been a dramatic increase in the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) for military, commercial, and private applications. Critical to maintaining control and a use for these systems is the development of wireless networking systems [1]. Computer simulation has increasingly become a key player in airborne networking developments though the accuracy and credibility of network simulations has become a topic of increasing scrutiny [2-5]. Much of the inaccuracies seen in simulation are due to inaccurate modeling of the physical layer of the communication system. This research develops a physical layer model that combines antenna …


Signal Processing In Cold Atom Interferometry-Based Ins, Kara M. Willis Mar 2014

Signal Processing In Cold Atom Interferometry-Based Ins, Kara M. Willis

Theses and Dissertations

High precision Cold Atom Interferometers (CAI) are in development to supplement or replace conventional, navigation quality inertial measurement units. A major drawback of the atomic interferometers is their low duty cycle and sampling rate, caused by delays required for cooling the atoms and collecting acceleration and angular rate measurements. A method is herein developed for inertial navigation by integrating highly accurate, low duty cycle CAI measurements with high bandwidth, conventional Inertial Navigation System (INS) measurements. A xed-lag smoothing algorithm is used to estimate optimal acceleration and angular rate measurements from the CAI and INS data. Given current CAI limitations, simulation …


Structural Characterization Of Atomically Thin Hexagonal Boron Nitride Via Raman Spectroscopy, James M. Bondy Mar 2014

Structural Characterization Of Atomically Thin Hexagonal Boron Nitride Via Raman Spectroscopy, James M. Bondy

Theses and Dissertations

A non-destruction evaluation of atomically thin hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) films is critical to the U.S. Air Force and Department of Defense initiatives pursuing graphene-based electronic field effect transistors (FETs) capable of operating at terahertz frequencies. H-BN thin films an increase to the characteristic E2g 1367cm-1 h-BN peak intensity has been correlated to an increase in film thickness. Raman spectroscopy on a h-BN film with thicknesses of 7, 14, and 21 atoms (2.5nm, 5nm, 7.5nm respectively) revealed a linear relationship between peak intensity and thickness. This relationship can mathematically be described as y=0.0265x+0.8084, and fits the data with a …


Verification And Validation Of Monte Carlo N-Particle Code 6 (Mcnp6) With Neutron Protection Factor Measurements Of An Iron Box, Andrew W. Decker Mar 2014

Verification And Validation Of Monte Carlo N-Particle Code 6 (Mcnp6) With Neutron Protection Factor Measurements Of An Iron Box, Andrew W. Decker

Theses and Dissertations

Using a 1984 benchmark experiment, MCNP6 replicated the neutron flux and neutron protection factor (NPF) measurements of an iron box, which simulated a basic military vehicle, resulting in less than 5% difference from the published results. Additionally, the neutron flux spectrum of a 239 PuBe source was characterized using a Bonner Sphere Spectrometer (BSS) and the solution unfolded using the Maximum Entropy Deconvolution (MAXED) program, producing a X2/df of 0.97. Utilizing a steel box provided by the DTRA, measurements of neutron flux from a D-D neutron accelerator were recorded via BSS inside and outside of the box. Both flux spectra …


Validation Of The Air Force Weather Agency Ensemble Prediction Systems, William B. Clements Mar 2014

Validation Of The Air Force Weather Agency Ensemble Prediction Systems, William B. Clements

Theses and Dissertations

Air Force Weather Agency's (AFWA) Ensemble Prediction Systems (EPS), Global Ensemble Prediction System (GEPS), 20km Mesoscale Ensemble Prediction System (MEPS20) and 4km Mesoscale Prediction System (MEPS4), were evaluated from April to October 2013 for 10 locations around the world to determine how accurately forecast probabilities for wind and precipitation thresholds and lightning occurrence match observed frequencies using Aerodrome Routine Meteorological Reports (METARs) and Aerodrome Special Meteorological Reports (SPECIs). Reliability diagrams were created for each forecast hour detailing the Brier skill score (BSS) to depict EPS performance compared to climatology for each site and score composition through reliability, resolution and uncertainty. …


Direct Emissivity Measurements Of Painted Metals For Improved Temperature Estimation During Laser Damage Testing, Sean M. Baumann Mar 2014

Direct Emissivity Measurements Of Painted Metals For Improved Temperature Estimation During Laser Damage Testing, Sean M. Baumann

Theses and Dissertations

A database of spectral, temperature dependent emissivities was created for a range of painted aluminum laser damage testing targets with the purpose of improving accuracy in temperature estimates on front and back target surfaces during laser damage tests. Previous temperature estimations were made by fitting an assumed graybody radiance curve to the radiance measured from the back surface via a Telops imaging Fourier transform spectrometer. In this work, spectral emissivity measurements were made using an SOC-100 hemispherical directional reflectometer and Nicolet Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. Of particular interest was a high temperature matte black enamel paint used to coat the …


Characterization And Mitigation Of Resistive Losses In A Large Area Laser Power Converter, Eli A. Garduno Mar 2014

Characterization And Mitigation Of Resistive Losses In A Large Area Laser Power Converter, Eli A. Garduno

Theses and Dissertations

GaAs Laser Power Converters (LPC) were simulated in 2D and 3D under 10 W/cm2 illumination of 810 nm light using Synopsys Sentaurus software revealing significant dependence of efficiency on grid metal finger spacings, S, and finger dimensions. Efficiency results were comparable to an experimental efficiency of 53.4% cited in the literature for an LPC under 43 W/cm2 of 810 nm laser light. 2D devices were simulated with S of 20 - 1000 µm revealing an efficiency drop, Δη, with increasing spacings. The efficiency drop was reduced from Δη of 39.43% at S = 740 µm to Δη of …


Comparison Of Ensemble Mean And Deterministic Forecasts For Long-Range Airlift Fuel Planning, Haley A. Homan Mar 2014

Comparison Of Ensemble Mean And Deterministic Forecasts For Long-Range Airlift Fuel Planning, Haley A. Homan

Theses and Dissertations

Implementing an ensemble mean forecast to aid in fuel planning for long-range strategic airlift has the potential to improve upon the deterministic forecasts currently used. More accurate wind forecasts could aid in a significant reduction in annual fuel costs for the DoD. This study focuses on the wind forecasts from the Global Forecast System (GFS) deterministic model and the ensemble mean wind forecasts from the Global Ensemble Forecast System (GEFS), Global Ensemble Prediction System (GEPS), and Mesoscale Ensemble Prediction System (MEPS) over a 60-day period from 19 Sep through 17 Nov 2013. The fuel burn and total spread was computed …


Sensitivity Of 96 And 120-Hour Numerical Model Tropical Cyclone Position Forecasts To Initial Position Errors, Coy C. Fischer Mar 2014

Sensitivity Of 96 And 120-Hour Numerical Model Tropical Cyclone Position Forecasts To Initial Position Errors, Coy C. Fischer

Theses and Dissertations

Global Forecast System (GFS) western Pacific tropical cyclone track forecasts from the 2011, 2012, and 2013 seasons (87 storms) were compared to Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) tropical cyclone best track data and warning bulletins in order to determine the sensitivity of 96 and 120-hour tropical cyclone position forecasts to initial position error. A tropical cyclone vortex tracker, which uses seven different model parameters to track storm centers, was implemented to determine model forecast positions. The differences between JTWC analysis positions and the model-derived vortex positions were analyzed at each forecast hour (00, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, 96, and …


Hydrothermal Crystal Growth Of Lithium Tetraborate And Lithium 𝛾-Metaborate, Jeffrey J. Graham Mar 2014

Hydrothermal Crystal Growth Of Lithium Tetraborate And Lithium 𝛾-Metaborate, Jeffrey J. Graham

Theses and Dissertations

Growth of lithium tetraborate by the hydrothermal method was attempted in 10-6 M LiOH, both by spontaneous nucleation and transport growth. Tetraborate grew out of the first spontaneous nucleation reaction, while the seed dissolved and lithium gamma-metaborate formed during the transport growth reactions. A species thermodynamic stability study showed gamma-metaborate formed exclusively from 350°C to 550°C, and Li3B5O8(OH)2 was observed at 250°C; tetraborate was not observed. A solubility study on lithium tetraborate did not achieve equilibrium conditions, but did demonstrate that gamma-metaborate is significantly more thermodynamically stable than tetraborate under the tested …


Production Potential Of Scandium-47 Using Spallation Neutrons At Los Alamos Isotope Production Facility, Kerriann A. Delorme Mar 2014

Production Potential Of Scandium-47 Using Spallation Neutrons At Los Alamos Isotope Production Facility, Kerriann A. Delorme

Theses and Dissertations

Scandium-47 (T1/2=3.41d) forms stable complexes with aminopolycarboxylic acids, useful as tumor biomarkers or antigens. Its therapeutic beta emissions at 441.1 keV and 600.5 keV are coupled with an imageable 159.4 keV gamma to permit in vivo-tracking of compound biodistribution. Currently, its wider clinical application is hindered by lack of availability, even as interest grows in radioscandium-based pharmaceuticals. We have investigated the Ti-47(n,np)Sc-47, 50Ti(n,3p) Sc-47,V-nat(n,x)Sc-47, and Ti-nat(n,x)Sc-47 reactions as potential routes to therapeutically relevant quantities of Sc-47. Targets of V-nat, Ti-nat and enriched Ti-47 (95.7% isotopic abundnace) and Ti-50 (83.1%) oxide targets were exposed to the …


Nuclear Structure Of Rhenium-186 Revealed By Neutron-Capture Gamma Rays, Andrew G. Lerch Mar 2014

Nuclear Structure Of Rhenium-186 Revealed By Neutron-Capture Gamma Rays, Andrew G. Lerch

Theses and Dissertations

The total radiative thermal neutron-capture cross section of 185Re(n,gamma) was calculated from measurements of its gamma-ray spectrum following irradiation of a highly enriched 185Re target in the guided thermal-neutron beam at the Budapest Research Reactor. The cross section was obtained by first summing the experimentally measured partial gamma ray-production cross sections associated with the known ground-state transitions below 323 keV. Combined with the contribution to ground-state population from the quasi-continuum, which was generated by the DICEBOX statistical-decay code, the resulting thermal neutron-capture cross section was determined to be 84(6) b. This result is statistically comparable to previous works. Additionally, 12 …


Electrical Characterization Of Spherical Copper Oxide Memristive Array Sensors, James P. Orta Mar 2014

Electrical Characterization Of Spherical Copper Oxide Memristive Array Sensors, James P. Orta

Theses and Dissertations

A new System Protection (SP) technology is explored by using electrical and mechanical interference-sensing devices that are implemented with granular memristive material. The granular materials consist of oxide-coated copper spheres with radii of about 700 µm that are placed in contact to produce thin oxide junctions which exhibit memristive behavior. Processes for etching, which compared acetic acid and nitric acid etches, and thermal oxidation at 100°C are performed and compared to produce copper spheres with a copper oxide layer over the sphere surface. Oxidized copper spheres are tested as sensor arrays by loading into a capillary tube in an aligned …


Utilizing Near-Ir Tunable Laser Absorption Spectroscopy To Study Detonation And Combustion Systems, Christopher J. Mcgahan Mar 2014

Utilizing Near-Ir Tunable Laser Absorption Spectroscopy To Study Detonation And Combustion Systems, Christopher J. Mcgahan

Theses and Dissertations

A Hencken burner, RDE, and a detonation tube were studied using a TDM-TDLAS system to measure water absorption features over two spectral regions (7,435 to 7,442 cm-1 and 7,465 to 7,471 cm-1) near 1.3 µm. These absorption features were t with simulated spectra using data from the HITEMP database to obtain temperatures and water concentrations for the three systems. Velocity was calculated for the RDE system using the Doppler shift of the spectral lines. To perform the calculations necessary to obtain these results (temperature, concentration, and velocity) a GUI was developed with supporting code. A Hencken burner …


Positron Spectroscopy Of Hydrothermally Grown Actinide Oxides, Edward C. Schneider Mar 2014

Positron Spectroscopy Of Hydrothermally Grown Actinide Oxides, Edward C. Schneider

Theses and Dissertations

In recent years AFIT has built expertise and resources dedicated to the growth and characterization of actinide oxides. The primary purpose of this research was to integrate positron spectroscopy ? with which AFIT also has a long history ? into this actinide research. The main objectives were to construct a Positron Annihilation Lifetime Spectroscopy system, including a new positron source, and to characterize a number of hydrothermally grown ThO2 and U:ThO2 crystals. Lifetime measurements were conducted on nine crystal samples and the spectra analyzed to determine the purity and quality of the crystals. In addition, analysis and fitting of the …


Investigation Of The Potential For Ftir As A Nondestructive Inspection Technique For Aircraft Coating Degradation, Hans G. Korth Mar 2014

Investigation Of The Potential For Ftir As A Nondestructive Inspection Technique For Aircraft Coating Degradation, Hans G. Korth

Theses and Dissertations

Polyurethane-based aircraft coating degradation was examined using Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform spectroscopy (DRIFTs). Two sample sets were aged in an autoclave; each containing four samples. Sample set A contained two as-cured samples and two samples treated to a level of visual degradation. Sample set B contained one sample left as-cured and three samples of differing degradation. DRIFTs spectra were collected on sample set B and singular value decomposition (SVD) was used to reveal trends between the degradation levels. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) was then applied to the SVD coefficients to determine the most accurate spectral band for classification of …


Fully Automated Sunspot Detection And Classification Using Sdo Hmi Imagery In Matlab, Gordon M. Spahr Mar 2014

Fully Automated Sunspot Detection And Classification Using Sdo Hmi Imagery In Matlab, Gordon M. Spahr

Theses and Dissertations

An automatic sunspot detection and classification method is developed combining HMII and HMIM imagery procured from the Solar Dynamics Observatory. Iterative global thresholding methods are employed for detecting sunspots. Groups are selected based on heliographic distance between sunspots via area-based grouping lengths. Classifications are applied through logical operators adhering to the standard McIntosh classification system. Calculated sunspot parameters and classifications are validated in three way comparisons between code output, Holloman AFB and the Space Weather Prediction Center. Accuracy is achieved within the margin of difference between Holloman and SWPC reports for sunspot area, number of groups, number of spots, and …


Optimizing Flight Schedules By An Automated Decision Support System, Ugur Erdemir Mar 2014

Optimizing Flight Schedules By An Automated Decision Support System, Ugur Erdemir

Theses and Dissertations

In current air forces, due to different types of aircrafts and missions, lots of flight schedules are published every day. All flying units make their flight schedules each of which contain decisions of the best pilot-mission-aircraft triplet according to unit’s own constraints and rules. In this study, main objective is to build a decision support system to assist the schedulers in fighter squadrons. Scheduling in fighter squadrons are complex and time consuming due to the combination of the large number of constraints and limited number of schedulers. Also, dynamic environment of the operation area that increases uncertainty level of the …


Aircraft Route Optimization Using The A-Star Algorithm, Garret D. Fett Mar 2014

Aircraft Route Optimization Using The A-Star Algorithm, Garret D. Fett

Theses and Dissertations

This research develops an Aviation Distance Estimation and Route Planning Tool (ADERPT) that finds least-cost aircraft routing from a designated departure airfield to an arrival airfield for the purposes of mission cost estimation and pre-mission planning. The model network consists of 43 Army airfields and 426 airports in the Contiguous United States (CONUS) with Department of Defense contract fuel. Using the A-Star algorithm and considering aircraft fuel range, ground speed, and refueling time, we determine the refuel locations that result in the most efficient route. Considering the use of both distance and travel time, we compare our model's performance with …


A Proper Splitting Theater Distribution Model For Improving Force Flow Analysis, Charles M. Flores Mar 2014

A Proper Splitting Theater Distribution Model For Improving Force Flow Analysis, Charles M. Flores

Theses and Dissertations

United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) force flow analysts perform the daunting task of determining feasibility of vehicle mixtures that will support theater distribution. Analysts conduct sensitivity analysis on the vehicle mixture solution to determine proper feasibility. Their current tool, the Improved Theater Distribution Model (ITDM) uses a multimodal, mixed set of vehicles to model the pickup and delivery of a set of requirements within a given time window. Although, the model is a sufficient tool, it may provide incorrect feasible solutions, which in turn may lead to an improper vehicle mixture for a set of given requirements. Improving upon the …


Fragment Capture Simulation For Manpads Test Arena Optimization, Michael J. Garee Mar 2014

Fragment Capture Simulation For Manpads Test Arena Optimization, Michael J. Garee

Theses and Dissertations

The assessment of aircraft survivability against explosive munitions is an expensive undertaking. Test articles for both aircraft and weapon are scarce due to their high costs, leading to a limited supply of test data. The development of newer, hopefully more effective weaponry and protection measures continues despite the short supply of test data. Therefore, test organizations need to explore methods for increasing the quality of test results while looking for ways to decrease the associated costs. This research focuses on the Man-Portable Air-Defense System (MANPADS) as the weapon of choice and live- re arena testing as the experimental data source. …


Application Of A Multi-Objective Network Model To A Combat Simulation Game: "The Drive On Metz" Case Study, Timothy D. Frawley Mar 2014

Application Of A Multi-Objective Network Model To A Combat Simulation Game: "The Drive On Metz" Case Study, Timothy D. Frawley

Theses and Dissertations

War games are routinely analyzed by the Department of Defense to study the players decision making process. This research develops a multicriteria model that enhances a war game players decision-making capability. The war game consists of a hexagonal-grid map of varying terrain that will be represent as a two-dimensional directed network. The network is obstructed by multiple enemy threats that expose a unit traversing the network to possible attack. The player is faced with the decision of choosing a route to a target node that balances the objectives of following the shortest path and maximizing the probability of success. A …


Characterizing Optical Loss In Orientation Patterned Iii-V Materials Using Laser Calorimetry, Dushyant A. Sadhwani Mar 2014

Characterizing Optical Loss In Orientation Patterned Iii-V Materials Using Laser Calorimetry, Dushyant A. Sadhwani

Theses and Dissertations

This research examines the optical loss in orientation patterned III-V materials. Laser calorimetry technique was assembled to measure the absorption loss in GaAs, GaP and Fe2+ZnSe samples. Three different methods are explained and utilized to calculate the absorptance value from the calorimetry data. Absorption coefficient values were found for three different samples of GaAs ranging from 0.025±0.009 cm-1 to 0.80±0.08 cm-1, all within the sphere of published values for GaAs. A Complete Angle Scatter Instrument (CASI) was used to determine scatter at incident angles ranging from 0 to 55.5 degrees from two OPGaAs samples using …


Simulation Modeling Of Advanced Pilot Training: The Effects Of A New Aircraft Family Of Systems, Bryngel J. Erickson Mar 2014

Simulation Modeling Of Advanced Pilot Training: The Effects Of A New Aircraft Family Of Systems, Bryngel J. Erickson

Theses and Dissertations

This research develops a tool to aid Air Force decision makers in the acquisition of a new trainer aircraft family of systems. The study utilizes discrete event simulation to model the effects a prospective aircraft family of systems has on the flow of student pilots through training processes. Previous research has produced models for student throughput or aircraft availability, this research focuses on the intersection of both. Analysis of results provides insights into the quantity of resources required at the differing levels of performance to sustain a desired throughput of pilot graduates.


Optimizing The Disposition And Retrograde Of United States Air Force Class Vii Equipment From Afghanistan, Arthur R. Litchfield Iii Mar 2014

Optimizing The Disposition And Retrograde Of United States Air Force Class Vii Equipment From Afghanistan, Arthur R. Litchfield Iii

Theses and Dissertations

To meet the President's established OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM drawdown date of 1 December 2014, the United States Air Force, while continuing to conduct and support combat operations, must begin to plan disposition and execute retrograde its Class VII equipment. Calling upon concepts utilized in the management of closed-loop supply chains and optimization, this research proposes a multiple objective linear program to optimize the alignment of Bagram and Kandahar Air Base positioned equipment with in-garrison demand. Closed-loop supply chains provide planning process guidelines necessary for second use value creation and efficient reverse logistical flows. Optimization concepts provide the methodology for model …


Wigner Distribution Functions As A Tool For Studying Gas Phase Alkali Metal Plus Noble Gas Collisions, Keith A. Wyman Mar 2014

Wigner Distribution Functions As A Tool For Studying Gas Phase Alkali Metal Plus Noble Gas Collisions, Keith A. Wyman

Theses and Dissertations

Wave packet propagation methods are used to compute scattering Wigner Distribution Functions (WDF) for the square well potential, square barrier potential, and the H+H2 and OH+CO, and several M+Ng collisions. The scattering WDF are used to interpret how probabilities flow among various potential energy surfaces as a function of time during a collision. Positive values of the scattering WDF correspond to the addition of probability to scatter into the state that corresponds to the asymptotic limit of the potential energy surface of interest. Negative values correspond to the loss of probability to scatter into the state that corresponds to the …


Optimal Partitioning Of A Surveillance Space For Persistent Coverage Using Multiple Autonomous Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: An Integer Programming Approach, Umar M. Khan Mar 2014

Optimal Partitioning Of A Surveillance Space For Persistent Coverage Using Multiple Autonomous Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: An Integer Programming Approach, Umar M. Khan

Theses and Dissertations

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are an essential tool for the battle eld commander in part because they represent an attractive intelligence gathering platform that can quickly identify targets and track movements of individuals within areas of interest. In order to provide meaningful intelligence in near-real time during a mission, it makes sense to operate multiple UAVs with some measure of autonomy to survey the entire area persistently over the mission timeline. This research considers a space where intelligence has identi ed a number of locations and their surroundings that need to be monitored for a period of time. An integer …


Reconstruction Error And Principal Component Based Anomaly Detection In Hyperspectral Imagery, James A. Jablonski Mar 2014

Reconstruction Error And Principal Component Based Anomaly Detection In Hyperspectral Imagery, James A. Jablonski

Theses and Dissertations

The rapid expansion of remote sensing and information collection capabilities demands methods to highlight interesting or anomalous patterns within an overabundance of data. This research addresses this issue for hyperspectral imagery (HSI). Two new reconstruction based HSI anomaly detectors are outlined: one using principal component analysis (PCA), and the other a form of non-linear PCA called logistic principal component analysis. Two very effective, yet relatively simple, modifications to the autonomous global anomaly detector are also presented, improving algorithm performance and enabling receiver operating characteristic analysis. A novel technique for HSI anomaly detection dubbed multiple PCA is introduced and found to …