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Air Force Institute of Technology

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Characterization And Implementation Of A Real-World Target Tracking Algorithm On Field Programmable Gate Arrays With Kalman Filter Test Case, Benjamin D. Hancey Mar 2008

Characterization And Implementation Of A Real-World Target Tracking Algorithm On Field Programmable Gate Arrays With Kalman Filter Test Case, Benjamin D. Hancey

Theses and Dissertations

A one dimensional Kalman Filter algorithm provided in Matlab is used as the basis for a Very High Speed Integrated Circuit Hardware Description Language (VHDL) model. The JAVA programming language is used to create the VHDL code that describes the Kalman filter in hardware which allows for maximum flexibility. A one-dimensional behavioral model of the Kalman Filter is described, as well as a one-dimensional and synthesizable register transfer level (RTL) model with optimizations for speed, area, and power. These optimizations are achieved by a focus on parallelization as well as careful Kalman filter sub-module algorithm selection. Newton-Raphson reciprocal is the …


Signal Processing Design Of Low Probability Of Intercept Waveforms, Nathaniel C. Liefer Mar 2008

Signal Processing Design Of Low Probability Of Intercept Waveforms, Nathaniel C. Liefer

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigates a modification to Differential Phase Shift Keyed (DPSK) modulation to create a Low Probability of Interception/Exploitation (LPI/LPE) communications signal. A pseudorandom timing offset is applied to each symbol in the communications stream to intentionally create intersymbol interference (ISI) that hinders accurate symbol estimation and bit sequence recovery by a non-cooperative receiver. Two cooperative receiver strategies are proposed to mitigate the ISI due to symbol timing offset: a modified minimum Mean Square Error (MMSE) equalization algorithm and a multiplexed bank of equalizer filters determined by an adaptive Least Mean Square (LMS) algorithm. Both cooperative receivers require some knowledge …


Development And Flight Of A Robust Optical-Inertial Navigation System Using Low-Cost Sensors, Michael B. Nielsen Mar 2008

Development And Flight Of A Robust Optical-Inertial Navigation System Using Low-Cost Sensors, Michael B. Nielsen

Theses and Dissertations

This research develops and tests a precision navigation algorithm fusing optical and inertial measurements of unknown objects at unknown locations. It provides an alternative to the Global Positioning System (GPS) as a precision navigation source, enabling passive and low-cost navigation in situations where GPS is denied/unavailable. This paper describes two new contributions. First, a rigorous study of the fundamental nature of optical/inertial navigation is accomplished by examining the observability grammian of the underlying measurement equations. This analysis yields a set of design principles guiding the development of optical/inertial navigation algorithms. The second contribution of this research is the development and …


Effects Of Multipath And Oversampling On Navigation Using Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexed Signals Of Opportunity, Christopher M. Schexnayder Mar 2008

Effects Of Multipath And Oversampling On Navigation Using Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexed Signals Of Opportunity, Christopher M. Schexnayder

Theses and Dissertations

The Global Positioning System (GPS) has become the primary system for navigation and precise positioning. GPS has limitations, though, and is not suitable in environments where a line-of-site (LOS) path to multiple satellites is not available. Reliable alternatives need to be developed to provide GPS-like positioning when GPS is unavailable. One such alternative is to use signals of opportunity (SoOP). This concept refers to navigation using signals which inherently exist in the environment and were developed for non-navigation applications. This research focuses on exploiting the Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexed (OFDM) signal for the purpose of navigation. An algorithm was developed …


Hardware Algorithm Implementation For Mission Specific Processing, Jason W. Shirley Mar 2008

Hardware Algorithm Implementation For Mission Specific Processing, Jason W. Shirley

Theses and Dissertations

There is a need to expedite the process of designing military hardware to stay ahead of the adversary. The core of this project was to build reusable, synthesizeable libraries to make this a possibility. In order to build these libraries, Matlab® commands and functions, such as Conv2, Round, Floor, Pinv, etc., had to be converted into reusable VHDL modules. These modules make up reusable libraries for the Mission Specific Process (MSP) which will support AFRL/RY. The MSP allows the VLSI design process to be completed in a mere matter of days or months using an FPGA or ASIC design, as …


Limitations Of Segmented Wavefront Control Devices In Emulating Optical Turbulence, Michael D. Plourde Mar 2008

Limitations Of Segmented Wavefront Control Devices In Emulating Optical Turbulence, Michael D. Plourde

Theses and Dissertations

Using a device to act as a surrogate for atmospheric turbulence in a laboratory is necessary to build and test optical systems for imaging, lidar, laser weapons, and laser communications. Liquid-crystal spatial light modulators (LC SLMs) and segmented micro-electro-mechanical-system (MEMS) deformable mirrors (DMs) are commonly used devices for altering wavefronts in order to simulate a portion of atmospheric turbulence. The best location of these devices was theoretically analyzed to obtain the broadest possible range of atmospheric conditions. It was found that two phase screens should be placed at the beginning of the optical path to achieve maximum turbulence strength for …


Identification Of Command And Control Information Requirements For The Cyberspace Domain, Brian D. Aschenbrenner Mar 2008

Identification Of Command And Control Information Requirements For The Cyberspace Domain, Brian D. Aschenbrenner

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to develop an information requirements analysis method that would provide the Director of Cyberspace Forces with the information required to support effective command and control of cyberspace. This research investigates the role of information in command and control, information in the traditional war fighting domains, cyberspace as a war fighting domain, and various methods of determining information requirements of organizations. This research produced an information requirements analysis method that is suitable for identifying the command and control information requirements of the Director of Cyberspace Forces.


Process Time Refinement For Reusable Launch Vehicle Regeneration Modeling, Joseph A. Servidio Mar 2008

Process Time Refinement For Reusable Launch Vehicle Regeneration Modeling, Joseph A. Servidio

Theses and Dissertations

To sustain operational effectiveness, the Air Force has invested in the research and development of space-based technologies. Certain ongoing spacelift research efforts are focused on developing operationally responsive Reusable Military Launch Vehicles (RMLV) capable of launching payloads into orbit within hours of a tasking notification. Previous Air Force Research Laboratory-sponsored AFIT studies have resulted in the development of the MILEPOST discrete-event simulation model. This model has enabled the ability to analyze the impacts to responsiveness and manpower requirements given different RMLV design alternatives. The focus of this thesis is to improve the fidelity of the MILEPOST model by developing parametric …


Inland Resupply Without A Road Or Runway: Airdrop Solutions Including High-Altitude Precision Systems, Derek L. Williamson Mar 2008

Inland Resupply Without A Road Or Runway: Airdrop Solutions Including High-Altitude Precision Systems, Derek L. Williamson

Theses and Dissertations

Given the variety of airdrop options now available, it may be difficult to determine the best mix of paradrop and aircraft types to employ, how the chosen types affect delivery weight capacity and what the least cost would be for the operation while still accomplishing the mission regarding drop zone weight, altitude, offset, and accuracy requirements. This research creates a planning tool to analyze these decisions and also identify trends regarding the best aircraft and paradrop types to use considering cost and capability in a strategic rather than tactical setting. This is accomplished through the formulation of a linear program …


Simulated Multi-Echelon Readiness-Based Inventory Leveling With Lateral Resupply, Todd C. Burnworth Mar 2008

Simulated Multi-Echelon Readiness-Based Inventory Leveling With Lateral Resupply, Todd C. Burnworth

Theses and Dissertations

For the past fifty years, U.S. Air Force reparable inventory has been allocated based on an analytic model developed by Dr. Craig C. Sherbrooke. Although versions of his model can be implemented easily with the help of a computer, the analytic approach fundamentally lacks the flexibility to address numerous logistics issues. This body of research will offer a novel alternative approach that will enable researchers to investigate currently unsolved logistics problems such as quantifying the benefits of lateral resupply.


Determining The Surface-To-Air Missile Requirement For Western And Southern Part Of The Turkish Air Defense System, Omer Alkanat Mar 2008

Determining The Surface-To-Air Missile Requirement For Western And Southern Part Of The Turkish Air Defense System, Omer Alkanat

Theses and Dissertations

An air defense system is vital for countries to protect their homelands. Today, air defense systems consist of integrated systems such as early warning radars, fighter aircraft, airborne early warning aircraft and surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems. The Turkish air defense system does not have long range SAM systems. Turkey plans to procure SAM systems to protect her borders. This research develops two location optimization models to optimally locate SAM sites to defend specified areas of the nation. One of the models finds the minimum number of SAM sites to cover the specified area; the other finds the maximum coverage for …


Discrete Event Simulation Of A Suppression Of Enemy Air Defenses (Sead) Mission, Ahmet Aydin Candir Mar 2008

Discrete Event Simulation Of A Suppression Of Enemy Air Defenses (Sead) Mission, Ahmet Aydin Candir

Theses and Dissertations

Contemporary military campaigns increasingly count on the use of air power. Suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) operations have been a crucial element of military air power for 50 years. Several developments and evolution in both air defense and attack systems suggest that SEAD missions will continue to have growing importance to air forces. Since SEAD operations have a significant impact on air campaigns, it is important to examine their efficiency and identify improvement opportunities. This study explores factors that influence SEAD operations through use of a discrete event simulation built in Arena and subsequent statistical analysis of the results.


Robust Aircraft Squadron Scheduling In The Face Of Absenteeism, Osman Bahadir Gokcen Mar 2008

Robust Aircraft Squadron Scheduling In The Face Of Absenteeism, Osman Bahadir Gokcen

Theses and Dissertations

Air Force fighter aircraft squadrons the world over share a unique problem. Each requires complex training schedules coupling aircraft to pilots, the duo to missions and airspaces, and then the entire combination to a feasible time slot. Creating daily and weekly flight schedules that include shifts around the clock every day of the year with a set number of pilots is a time consuming job for manual schedulers within a squadron. Complicating matters is absenteeism. If one or more pilots are unable to perform their previously assigned tasks, due to sickness, aircraft failure, or reassignment, those tasks must be performed …


Combat Identification Modeling Using Robust Optimization Techniques, Taeho Kim Mar 2008

Combat Identification Modeling Using Robust Optimization Techniques, Taeho Kim

Theses and Dissertations

The purposes of this research were: (1) the modeling of a CID situation and (2) the search for robust and controllable input variable settings. The inputs were defined as controllable and noise variables and the confusion matrices in ROC theory were adapted to act as controllable factors. In this research a simple virtual battlespace representation is employed. The experimental results of the CID system are summarized by a posterior confusion matrix and throughout the confusion matrix analysis we can obtain all various types of data such as accuracy, error cost, error rates, and so forth. To find the optimal parameters …


Simulation Of National Intelligence Process With Fusion, Joseph S. Lupa Mar 2008

Simulation Of National Intelligence Process With Fusion, Joseph S. Lupa

Theses and Dissertations

This work is a follow on effort of two previous Master's theses. The first was Modeling and Simulation of the Military Intelligence Process by Captain Carl Pawling in 2004. The other was A Knowledge Matrix Modeling of the Intelligence Cycle by Captain Kevin Whaley in 2005. Both of these were done to facilitate the study and analysis of the intelligence process for the National Security Space Organization (NSSO). Here, modifications are made the Pawling model to include tasking multiple intelligence sources for data collection to fulfill Requests for Information (RFIs) and fusing the collected data into one new piece of …


Robust Sensitivity Analysis Of Courses Of Action Using An Additive Value Model, Hunter A. Marks Mar 2008

Robust Sensitivity Analysis Of Courses Of Action Using An Additive Value Model, Hunter A. Marks

Theses and Dissertations

The Department of Defense (DoD) requires the ability to quantifiably measure progress in arenas that are complex and difficult to measure, such as the stability of a region. Therefore, the DoD works diligently to predict the effect of operations and sponsors research to improve prediction and analysis. They desire a repeatable, systematic methodology to aid in the selection of courses of action (COA) that efficiently meet stated objectives and quantitatively measure the degree of accomplishment of these objectives. The author proposes a value-focused thinking (VFT) decision analysis (DA) approach to this problem. This methodology not only aids in selection of …


Simulation Modeling And Analysis Of F-16 Pilot Training Squadron, Adem Okal Mar 2008

Simulation Modeling And Analysis Of F-16 Pilot Training Squadron, Adem Okal

Theses and Dissertations

The need for fighter pilots in the Turkish Air Force is expected to increase with the planned acquisition of Joint Strike Fighters, ongoing new F-16 purchases, and other upgrades to the Turkish Air Force fighter inventory. This increased demand will affect the current fighter training squadron curriculum and scheduling. This study focuses on issues related to 143rd Oncel squadron F-16 Pilot Training with this projected increase in number of student pilots (SP). Completing the training periods on time is an important issue along with maintaining effective training performance. In our study the Total Time of the training period serves …


Assessing Capabilities Of The High Energy Liquid Laser Area Defense System Through Combat Simulations, Ryan S. Ponack Mar 2008

Assessing Capabilities Of The High Energy Liquid Laser Area Defense System Through Combat Simulations, Ryan S. Ponack

Theses and Dissertations

High Energy Laser (HEL) technology continues to improve and its place in the battlefield is ever evolving. By combining the high energy delivery of solid state laser technology with the efficient thermal management of liquid laser technology, HELLADS has two main advantages over any HEL predecessors. One, the configuration is small and light enough to be carried on more tactical aircraft such as fighters. Two, the thermal management greatly increases HEL fire power by increasing dwell time on target. To assess HELLADS operational capabilities the test community has been challenged with how to effectively examine the advantages and limitations through …


Forecasting Instability Indicators In The Horn Of Africa Region, Bryan R. Tannehill Mar 2008

Forecasting Instability Indicators In The Horn Of Africa Region, Bryan R. Tannehill

Theses and Dissertations

The forecasting of state failure and the associated indicators has been a topic of great interest to a number of different agencies. USAID, CENTCOM, the World Bank, the Center for Army Analyses, and others have all examined the subject based on their own specific objectives. Whether the goal is denying terrorists space in which to operate, deciding how to pre-position materials in anticipation of unrest, stabilizing foreign markets and trade, or preventing or mitigating humanitarian disasters, man made or otherwise, this topic has been of interest for over a decade. The Horn of Africa has been one of the least …


Street Gangs: A Modeling Approach To Evaluation "At Risk" Youth, Bernard Jacob Loeffelholz Mar 2008

Street Gangs: A Modeling Approach To Evaluation "At Risk" Youth, Bernard Jacob Loeffelholz

Theses and Dissertations

Street gangs have plagued the United States for decades. One focus of current gang prevention efforts strives to reduce the number of new recruits to local street gangs. This research proposes the uses of modeling and decision analysis to aid in identifying potentially “at risk” children likely to join a street gang in Montgomery County, Ohio. A stronger means of identification of “at risk” children can lead to a more efficient placement of resources to reduce the number of street gang recruits. The approach also aids in differentiating between neighborhoods to help focus efforts. Information obtained from value-focused thinking (VFT) …


A Cocitation Analysis Of Crisis Management Literature, Elizabeth A. Yesué Mar 2008

A Cocitation Analysis Of Crisis Management Literature, Elizabeth A. Yesué

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis addresses the need for a structured mapping of academic literature relating to crisis management. An overview of current crisis management literature is provided, highlighting the gap and concentrating on predominant themes that have been identified in previous reviews, as well as those extracted from influential works. A review of bibliometric methodology is highlighted to address the gap. Research goals are named and the phased methodology necessary to meet those goals is outlined and followed. Results are covered in detail: The resultant factor analysis and multidimensional scaling confirm previous efforts to taxonomize the literature, further reinforcing the call to …


Impacts Of Weather Variations On Energy Consumption Efforts At U.S. Air Force Installations, James S. Griffin Mar 2008

Impacts Of Weather Variations On Energy Consumption Efforts At U.S. Air Force Installations, James S. Griffin

Theses and Dissertations

Energy consumption is a national concern, as evidenced by federal laws aimed toward facility energy conservation measures for federal organizations. Factors, primarily weather variables, that significantly impact energy consumption must be addressed and understood to align resources and programs to meet federal energy reduction goals. An energy model was created and tested to produce an appropriate forecasting tool for energy consumption. Energy demand at Air Force installations primarily depends on climatic conditions, with a small portion attributed to a base level of non-climatic conditions, such as interior lighting and appliance loads. By gathering all energy consumption and meteorological data covering …


A Decision Tool To Evaluate Budgeting Methodologies For Estimating Facility Recapitalization Requirements, Krista M. Hickman Mar 2008

A Decision Tool To Evaluate Budgeting Methodologies For Estimating Facility Recapitalization Requirements, Krista M. Hickman

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to develop a decision tool to assist in the evaluation of facility recapitalization budget estimation models to determine which model was best suited for a particular organization. Specifically, this thesis sought to answer an overarching research question addressing the importance of recapitalization and the best method to estimate the facility recapitalization budget using the Department of Defense (DoD) as the subject of the research. A comprehensive literature review revealed ten existing recapitalization model alternatives to consider for implementation. The methodology used to develop a decision tool was based on the Value Focused Thinking (VFT) …


Sustainable Design Policy And Leadership In Energy And Environmental Design Certification, David M. Nyikos Mar 2008

Sustainable Design Policy And Leadership In Energy And Environmental Design Certification, David M. Nyikos

Theses and Dissertations

The 2007 Air Force Sustainable Development and Design Policy mandates the use of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED ) criteria for military construction projects. Additionally, the policy authorizes adding two percent of the original building budget to the total building budget in order to fund the resulting sustainable design costs. To determine if the specific sustainable design goals of this policy had statistical support in the population of LEED certified buildings, the author gathered construction, cost, and utility data on a sample of 160 LEED certified buildings. Simple correlation and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the resulting …


Comparative Kinetics And Distribution To Target Tissues Of Organophosphates Using Physiologically-Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling, Rick E. Vermillion Mar 2008

Comparative Kinetics And Distribution To Target Tissues Of Organophosphates Using Physiologically-Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling, Rick E. Vermillion

Theses and Dissertations

A physiologically-based pharmacokinetic model has been developed to examine the effects of organophosphates on the levels of acetylcholine in different tissues throughout the mammalian body. Many organophosphate-like chemical and kinetic characteristics are tested without reference to a specific chemical. Characteristics include partition coefficients, metabolic constants, the inhibition coefficient, the aging rate, and the regeneration rate. Two separate exposure scenarios are tested and compared against a baseline. The baseline consists of a direct inhalation exposure. The first exposure scenario examines the effects of bronchial scrubbing (via inhalation) and the second scenario is a study of dermal exposures and compares the levels …


Optimization Of Therapeutic Strategies For Organophosphate Poisoning, Gregory G. Seaman Mar 2008

Optimization Of Therapeutic Strategies For Organophosphate Poisoning, Gregory G. Seaman

Theses and Dissertations

The National Preparedness Vision requires the U.S. be prepared to prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from all hazards associated with a chemical attack. Results of this study demonstrate that we cannot protect service members and first responders as required following a nerve agent attack. The research presented herein aimed to construct a physiologically based pharmacokinetic model to determine optimal therapeutic strategies for organophosphate (nerve agent) poisoning. The constructed model integrated organophosphates and two antidotes, atropine and oximes. Model results reasonably mirrored literature data and anecdotal observations of organophosphate poisoning. Results suggest a symptoms-based dosing strategy of atropine and …


Oxygenation Of The Root Zone And Tce Remediation: A Plant Model Of Rhizosphere Dynamics, Ian F. Thompson Mar 2008

Oxygenation Of The Root Zone And Tce Remediation: A Plant Model Of Rhizosphere Dynamics, Ian F. Thompson

Theses and Dissertations

This study analyzes rhizosphere conditions that enhance the effective aerobic degradation of TCE in wetland bioremediation systems. A plant model was built using Stella 9.0 modeling software and uses numerical integration evaluation; it addresses movement of oxygen through plant vascular and aerenchymal systems, and into the rhizosphere where oxygen and other substrates influence bacteria. Methanotrophs and heterotrophs are assumed to be influential bacteria groups. Variations of humidity-induced-convection, methane, soil carbon, and copper concentrations are evaluated. Varying concentrations and hydraulic loadings of TCE are assessed with respect to TCE consumption rate and TCE treatment efficiency. Soil conditions most directly affected TCE …


Intelligence Surveillance And Reconnaissance Asset Assignment For Optimal Mission Effectiveness, Ryan D. Kappedal Mar 2008

Intelligence Surveillance And Reconnaissance Asset Assignment For Optimal Mission Effectiveness, Ryan D. Kappedal

Theses and Dissertations

This research develops mathematical programming techniques to solve an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance sensor assignment problem for USSTRATCOM. The problem as specified is hypothesized to be difficult (i.e. np-hard). With the smallest test cases, the true optimal solution is found using simple optimization techniques, but, due to intractability, the optimal solutions for larger test cases are not found using these same techniques. Instead, heuristic techniques are applied to several test cases in order to determine the best, robust methodologies to find true or near optimal solutions. Specifically, simulated annealing (SA) is tested for convergence properties across several different parameter settings. …


An Analysis Of Information Asset Valuation (Iav) Quantification Methodology For Application With Cyber Information Mission Impact Assessment (Cimia), Denzil L. Hellesen Mar 2008

An Analysis Of Information Asset Valuation (Iav) Quantification Methodology For Application With Cyber Information Mission Impact Assessment (Cimia), Denzil L. Hellesen

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research is to develop a standardized Information Asset Valuation (IAV) methodology. The IAV methodology proposes that accurate valuation for an Information Asset (InfoA) is the convergence of information tangible, intangible, and flow attributes to form a functional entity that enhances mission capability. The IAV model attempts to quantify an InfoA to a single value through the summation of weighted criteria. Standardizing the InfoA value criteria will enable decision makers to comparatively analyze dissimilar InfoAs across the tactical, operational, and strategic domains. This research develops the IAV methodology through a review of existing military and non-military valuation …


An Analysis Of Methodologies & Best Practices For Rapidly Acquiring Technologies To Meet Urgent Warfighter Needs, Charles D. Solomon Mar 2008

An Analysis Of Methodologies & Best Practices For Rapidly Acquiring Technologies To Meet Urgent Warfighter Needs, Charles D. Solomon

Theses and Dissertations

The rapidly changing global security environment that today's military operates within requires an ever-increasing ability to quickly adapt to non-traditional threats. This has forced the United States to re-examine the traditional means of equipping its forces to ensure more agile acquisition practices are available to the Science and Technology (S&T) and acquisition communities. While there have been significant efforts to look towards industry for potential solutions to this problem, the heavily bureaucratic and restrictive government environment has made applying commercial lessons learned difficult. To effectively implement rapid fielding approaches within the government context, research into organizations facing the same or …