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Air Force Institute of Technology

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Feature Selection For Predicting Pilot Mental Workload, Julia A. East Mar 2000

Feature Selection For Predicting Pilot Mental Workload, Julia A. East

Theses and Dissertations

Advances in technology have the cockpits of the aircraft in the Air Force inventory increasingly complex. Consequently, mental demands on the pilot have risen. In some cases, mental demands were so overwhelming that pilots have forgotten basic flying techniques, such as G-straining maneuvers. The results have been fatal. Recent research in this area has involved collecting psychophysiological features, such as electroencephalography (EEG), heart, eye and respiration measures, in an attempt to identify pilot mental workload. This thesis focuses on feature selection and reduction of the psycophysiological features and subsequent classification of pilot mental workload on multiple subjects over multiple days. …


An Evaluation Of Microburst Prediction Indices For The Kennedy Space Center And Cape Canaveral Air Station (Ksc/Ccas), Steven N. Dickerson Mar 2000

An Evaluation Of Microburst Prediction Indices For The Kennedy Space Center And Cape Canaveral Air Station (Ksc/Ccas), Steven N. Dickerson

Theses and Dissertations

A wet-microburst event on 16 August 1994 at the Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility alerted forecasters from the 45th Weather Squadron (45WS), the provider of weather support to the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) and Cape Canaveral Air Station (CCAS), to the challenges of wet-microburst prediction. Although there was no operational impact, this event caused the 45WS to revise their severe thunderstorm forecasting procedures to specifically address microbursts, resulting in the locally developed Microburst-Day Potential Index (MDPI). MDPI provides a several-hour outlook of microburst potential based on the results of the Microburst and Severe Thunderstorm (MIST) project. The 45WS also …


Multi-Objective Evaluation Of Target Sets In A Logistics Network, Paul D. Emslie Mar 2000

Multi-Objective Evaluation Of Target Sets In A Logistics Network, Paul D. Emslie

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis addresses the selection of target sets to disrupt an adversary's logistics network in a wartime environment. In the presence of many objectives--such as reducing maximum flow, lengthening routes, avoiding collateral damage, all at minimal risk to our pilots--the problem of determining the best target set is complex. Previous efforts have not adequately considered the value of the remaining network functionality after target destruction. In addition, current network targeting procedures optimize target sets with respect to only a single metric. This thesis uses a multi-objective decision analysis framework capturing actual targeting decision-maker values and preferences to evaluate and analyze …


Modeling The Effect Of Nonlinear And Rate-Limited Sorption On The Natural Attenuation Of Chlorinated Ethenes, Peter P. Feng Mar 2000

Modeling The Effect Of Nonlinear And Rate-Limited Sorption On The Natural Attenuation Of Chlorinated Ethenes, Peter P. Feng

Theses and Dissertations

Chlorinated solvents like tetrachloroethene (PCE) and trichloroethene (TCE) are the most common detected groundwater contaminants at Department of Defense installations in the United States. Unfortunately, technologies conventionally used to remediate chlorinated solvent-contaminated groundwater often fall short of achieving regulatory goals. Natural attenuation of chlorinated solvents offers an alternative remediation strategy that may achieve goals. However, the processes involved with natural attenuation are not fully understood, and this lack of understanding has hindered acceptance of natural attenuation by regulatory agencies. This study involved use of a numerical model that incorporated the physical, chemical, and biological processes thought to be relevant to …


Global Positioning System (Gps) Error Source Prediction, Marcus G. Ferguson Mar 2000

Global Positioning System (Gps) Error Source Prediction, Marcus G. Ferguson

Theses and Dissertations

With the initiation of the navigation accuracy prediction algorithm used to estimate the amount of GPS solution (location and time) error for receivers, the capability to accurately predict solution errors due to the major GPS error sources is growing. Although some sources of error within the GPS solution have been previously analyzed, modeled, and/or accounted for within various modeling efforts, a formal evaluation of the seven major error sources that distort GPS activity has not been officially conducted up until this point. This research offers a logical assessment of all the major GPS error sources and their definitive impact on …


In Situ Treatment Of Chlorinated Ethene-Contaminated Groundwater Using Horizontal Flow Treatment Wells, Derek R. Ferland Mar 2000

In Situ Treatment Of Chlorinated Ethene-Contaminated Groundwater Using Horizontal Flow Treatment Wells, Derek R. Ferland

Theses and Dissertations

The limitations of conventional containment technologies for groundwater contaminated with chlorinated solvents have motivated development of innovative technologies to achieve national groundwater remediation objectives. One inn9vative technology that is currently under development involves metal reductants or catalysts to chemically destroy the dissolved chlorinated solvent. Models are important tools that can be used to help transition this technology to the field. Model studies can be used to gain understanding about the technology, help determine when the prospective technology might work for a given site, and design full-scale field applications.


Distributed Object System Engineering For Terminal Aerodrome Forecast Validation And Metrics Processing, James S. Douglas Mar 2000

Distributed Object System Engineering For Terminal Aerodrome Forecast Validation And Metrics Processing, James S. Douglas

Theses and Dissertations

Distributed object systems are a very complex intertwining of heterogeneous hardware, software, and operating systems coupled with communication networks of varying protocols and capacities. Distributed components offer improved performance through parallel processing, improved expansion and scalability opportunities through modularity, improved availability through replication, and improved resource sharing and interoperability through interconnection. This research provides a distributed system design methodology to validate terminal forecasts and gather metrics for the Air Force Weather Agency. Proven principles such as component reuse and architectural development are applied through the use of parameterized types and design patterns. A client/server measurement model is developed to show …


Linking Engineer Career Orientation And Human Resource Management Practices: Does Fit Affect Retention?, Cynthia M. Davis Mar 2000

Linking Engineer Career Orientation And Human Resource Management Practices: Does Fit Affect Retention?, Cynthia M. Davis

Theses and Dissertations

Turnover of the Air Force civil engineering (CE) officers is becoming increasingly important, as levels of CE Captains consistently decreases. Allen and Katz (1986) identified three career orientations of engineers based on their job preference-project, professional, and management engineers. Shepard (1958) suggested a dual-ladder promotion system to meet the cancer desires of technical and management workers. Additional research has proposed "desired" Human Resource Management (HRM) practices to facilitate the retention of each type of career-based engineer (Lee and Maurer, 1997). In an effort to determine if these career orientations, along with Air Force HRM practices, were linked to declining retention, …


Integrating Automated Multi-Disciplinary Optimization In Preliminary Design Of Non-Traditional Aircraft, Mehmet Fidanci, Jeffrey R. Miller, Douglas J. Strauss Mar 2000

Integrating Automated Multi-Disciplinary Optimization In Preliminary Design Of Non-Traditional Aircraft, Mehmet Fidanci, Jeffrey R. Miller, Douglas J. Strauss

Theses and Dissertations

Current methods of aircraft conceptual design lack the ability to quickly generate detailed analysis, particularly of nontraditional designs such as blended wing body craft. This study developed a method to resolve this problem by creating a flexible, parametrically driven conceptual model in an object-oriented, adaptive modeling environment from which analysis and optimization may rapidly be performed. These object-oriented techniques are incorporated into a traditional conceptual design process. All objects inherit dependency-tracking and demand-driven calculations. Design Analysis was performed within the modeling language and utilized interfaces to other software packages. A detailed mesh, suitable for input into finite element analysis programs, …


Attitude Control And Multimedia Representation Of Air Force Institute Of Technology’S (Afit’S) Simulation Satellite (Simsat), Joseph M. Fulton Mar 2000

Attitude Control And Multimedia Representation Of Air Force Institute Of Technology’S (Afit’S) Simulation Satellite (Simsat), Joseph M. Fulton

Theses and Dissertations

This document describes the systematic construction of the AFIT-sponsored program to develop a laboratory-based satellite simulator. The simulation satellite (SIMSAT) system will provide a useful tool for resident staff while teaching attitude control concepts. A brief overview of attitude control theory is provided as well as a discussion of the benefits of multimedia use in education. A detailed discussion of the satellite's components allows the reader to become familiar with each piece of SIMSAT. Software control models are provided as well as a multimedia lesson plan on satellite attitude control. Also included in this document are potential experimental uses in …


Three-Dimensional Data Visualization Of Electronic Military Intelligence Using The Project Broadsword System, Michael L. Goeringer Mar 2000

Three-Dimensional Data Visualization Of Electronic Military Intelligence Using The Project Broadsword System, Michael L. Goeringer

Theses and Dissertations

Today's military electronic infrastructure solves many problems while creating others. Using computers, battlefield and global awareness is brought to bear through the near real-time linking of sensor platforms from around the globe. These intelligence networks produce vast amounts of data that must be parsed, interpreted, digested and stored by information gathering systems. As the amount of intelligence data continues to increase, these text-based systems become cumbersome and inadequate. To ensure vital information is not overlooked or discovered too late, other forms of intelligence product management and data navigation need to be investigated. This thesis explores procedures for enhancing the capabilities …


Descriptive And Conditional Climatology For Specific Launch Commit Criteria For Cape Canaveral, Florida, Edward C. Goetz Mar 2000

Descriptive And Conditional Climatology For Specific Launch Commit Criteria For Cape Canaveral, Florida, Edward C. Goetz

Theses and Dissertations

In 1987, an unmanned Atlas-Centaur-67 launched from the Cape triggered a lightning discharge that disabled the on-board guidance system and Range Control destroyed the platform. This incident spurred the review and revision of the natural and triggered lightning launch commit criteria (LCC). The LCC are a set of eleven complex rules that are constantly evaluated by the Launch Weather Team (LWT) of 45th Weather Squadron (45WS). Unfortunately, the 45WS LWT does not have either a descriptive or conditional climatology for many of the LCC. This thesis addresses the lightning and the cumulus LCC. A descriptive climatology for both the lightning …


A Distributed Agent Architecture For A Computer Virus Immune System, Paul K. Harmer Mar 2000

A Distributed Agent Architecture For A Computer Virus Immune System, Paul K. Harmer

Theses and Dissertations

Information superiority is identified as an Air Force core competency and is recognized as a key enabler for the success of future missions. Information protection and information assurance are vital components required for achieving superiority in the Infosphere, but these goals are threatened by the exponential birth rate of new computer viruses. The increased global interconnectivity that is empowering advanced information systems is also increasing the spread of malicious code and current anti-virus solutions are quickly becoming overwhelmed by the burden of capturing and classifying new viral stains. To overcome this problem, a distributed computer virus immune system (CVIS) based …


Analysis Of Uh-60 Blackhawk Safety Controls Using Value Focused Thinking And Monte Carlo Simulation, Roger D. Gallan Jr. Mar 2000

Analysis Of Uh-60 Blackhawk Safety Controls Using Value Focused Thinking And Monte Carlo Simulation, Roger D. Gallan Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

In the past few years, Army aviation accidents have been on the rise, due largely to increases in mission frequency and complexity, and diminishing resources. The magnitude of the resulting losses (casualties, dollars, equipment) has prompted the Commanding General of the Army Safety Center to demand a complete examination of the way safety hazards and subsequent safety controls are evaluated and selected. This project integrates value focused thinking, Monte Carlo simulation, and integer programming in response to this demand by developing and using a methodology that effectively identifies and evaluates portfolios of controls. An integer program generates portfolios of controls …


Analysis Of The Air Force Iso 14001 Pilot Study Conducted By Dod, Rodney C. Harris Mar 2000

Analysis Of The Air Force Iso 14001 Pilot Study Conducted By Dod, Rodney C. Harris

Theses and Dissertations

The Department of Defense (DoD) conducted an ISO 14001 pilot study with the primary goal of determining how ISO 14001 could help DoD organizations reduce risks, improve compliance with environmental regulations, enhance stewardship, contain costs, and meet emerging regulatory requirements. This thesis analyzed the pilot study, specifically looking at the ISO 14001 implementation at three Air Force installations participating in the study. The research objectives were to identify factors that affect implementation of ISO 14001, compare the implementation strategies used by the bases, and develop propositions for Air Force managers to consider when implementing ISO 14001. Interviews of key personnel, …


A Java Universal Vehicle Router In Support Of Routing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Robert W. Harder Mar 2000

A Java Universal Vehicle Router In Support Of Routing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Robert W. Harder

Theses and Dissertations

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) help the military gather information in times of peace and war. During a mission, typically 100 sites or more, a UAV will frequently be re-tasked to visit a pop-up threat, leaving the operator to determine the best way to finish the day's list of sites after the re-tasking. I develop a prototype application to serve the needs of a specific customer, the 11th Reconnaissance Squadron, by helping them preplan missions and dynamically re-task UAVs. This prototype application is built on a reusable airframe router called the core AFIT Router, which can later be added to more …


Toward Validating Vertical Aggregation In Object Oriented Simulation, George W. Johnson Jr. Mar 2000

Toward Validating Vertical Aggregation In Object Oriented Simulation, George W. Johnson Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

Recent interest in studying the nonlinear effects of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance in combat models has prompted researchers to employ vertical aggregation in object-oriented simulations. Traditional horizontal aggregation falls short for its inability to provide accurate means for nonlinear functions. Averaging a group of objects that exhibit nonlinear behavior provides a linear approximation to the mean, which is not necessarily the expected value of the underlying nonlinear function. Vertical aggregation explicitly models individual objects, thus preserving their nonlinear behaviors. In this research, a validation procedure is derived to study the aptness of vertical aggregation methods. Validation is carried out by …


An Object-Oriented Approach To The Modeling And Visualization Of Breast Cancer Tumors, Bruce C. Jenkins Mar 2000

An Object-Oriented Approach To The Modeling And Visualization Of Breast Cancer Tumors, Bruce C. Jenkins

Theses and Dissertations

Great strides have been made in controlling the progression of breast cancer, but medical professionals continue to rely primarily upon traditional mammography for early detection. Enhancing breast cancer detection capabilities - and thus reducing tumor detection time - should result in a reduction in mortality rates. The detection capabilities of mammography may be enhanced through improved modeling and visualization techniques. This thesis is an extension of initial research conducted at the Air Force Institute of Technology. Previous efforts focused on developing a mathematical model for simulating the growth of cancer within unconstrained 3-dimensional space. The research also explored the behavior …


An Intelligent User Interface To Support Air Force Weather Product Generation And Automated Metrics, Darryl N. Leon Mar 2000

An Intelligent User Interface To Support Air Force Weather Product Generation And Automated Metrics, Darryl N. Leon

Theses and Dissertations

Air Force pilots require dependable weather reports so they may avoid unsafe flying conditions. In order to better gauge the accuracy of its weather products, Air Force Weather has established the requirement for an Air Force-wide automated weather metrics program. Under the guidelines for this program, forecasts will automatically be compared to observed weather to determine their accuracy. Statistics will be collected in the hopes of determining forecast error trends that can be corrected through education and training. In order for the statistical data produced by such a program to draw reliable conclusions about forecast accuracy, however, the correct format …


Formal Object State Model Transformations For Automated Agent System Synthesis, David W. Marsh Mar 2000

Formal Object State Model Transformations For Automated Agent System Synthesis, David W. Marsh

Theses and Dissertations

Automated agent system synthesis is the process of generating code from a requirements specification with appropriate inputs from the software engineer. Object-oriented (OO) specifications are frequently used to model intelligent software agent systems and software requirements in general; formal representations capture precisely the intentions of the specifier. Portions of OO specifications can be classified as the structural, functional, and state (or dynamic) models; major strides have been taken in the development of transformations for creating code from formal OO specifications, specifically the structural and functional aspects, and are captured within the AFIT Wide-Spectrum Object Modeling Environment (AWSOME). This research creates …


Optical Investigation Of Molecular Beam Epitaxy AlXGa1-XN To Determine Material Quality, Judith L. Mcfall Mar 2000

Optical Investigation Of Molecular Beam Epitaxy AlXGa1-XN To Determine Material Quality, Judith L. Mcfall

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to determine the quality of AIGaN samples with various mole fractions of aluminum doped with silicon. The samples utilized for this study were composed of an AIN buffer layer sandwiched between the sapphire substrate and AIGaN epilayer grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). Cathodoluminescence (CL) and photoluminescence (PL) were employed to determine the mole fraction of aluminum in each sample. These techniques also gave insight into the material's nonuniformity, defects, and impurities. CL was run at 4 different beam energies (2,5,10, & 15 keV) with four different currents (1,10,50, & 90 µA) for the …


Information System Incidents: The Development Of A Damage Assessment Model, Mark D. Horony Dec 1999

Information System Incidents: The Development Of A Damage Assessment Model, Mark D. Horony

Theses and Dissertations

Information system (IS) incidents are on the rise. With low manning and undertrained information security specialists it is difficult for organizations to stop IS incidents from occurring. Once an incident has occurred it is the IS manager's responsibility to ensure that a full and accurate damage assessment has been accomplished. However, most IS managers lack the necessary tools to assess the damage from an incident. This exploratory thesis developed an IS incident damage assessment model (DAM) that can be part of the IS manager's tool kit. During the development of the model, it became apparent that the model was supported …


Evaporation Of Jet Fuels, Charles Eric Hack Dec 1999

Evaporation Of Jet Fuels, Charles Eric Hack

Theses and Dissertations

Determining the fate and transport of JP-8 jet fuel is a complex and important problem. As part of the startup procedures for jet engines, fuel is passed through aircraft engines before combustion is initiated. Because of the extremely low temperatures at northern tier Air Force bases, the unburned fuel does not evaporate readily and may come into contact with ground crew. To determine the amount and duration of contaminant contact, the evaporation of the emitted fuel must be modeled. The amount and composition of the fuel upon reaching the ground crew may be determined by droplet evaporation models that have …


Approximation And Optimization Of An Auditory Model For Realization In Vlsi Hardware, Samuel L. Sangregory Dec 1999

Approximation And Optimization Of An Auditory Model For Realization In Vlsi Hardware, Samuel L. Sangregory

Theses and Dissertations

The Auditory Image Model (AIM) is a software tool set developed to functionally model the role of the ear in the human hearing process. AIM includes detailed filter equations for the major functional portions of the ear. Currently, AIM is run on a workstation and requires 10 to 100 times real-time to process audio information and produce an auditory image. An all-digital approximation of the AIM which is suitable for implementation in very large scale integrated circuits is presented. This document details the mathematical models of AIM and the approximations and optimizations used to simplify the filtering and signal processing …


Power, Performance, And Perception (P3): Integrating Usability Metrics And Technology Acceptance Determinants To Validate A New Model For Predicting System Usage, Alan P. Fiorello Dec 1999

Power, Performance, And Perception (P3): Integrating Usability Metrics And Technology Acceptance Determinants To Validate A New Model For Predicting System Usage, Alan P. Fiorello

Theses and Dissertations

Currently, there are two distinct approaches to assist information technology managers in the successful implementation of office automation software. The first approach resides within the field of usability engineering, while the second approach is derived from the discipline of management information systems (MIS). However, neither approach has successfully produced conclusive evidence that explains what characteristics facilitate system use as well as influence user acceptance of the system. This study reports on the validity of a new model, entitled the Power, Performance, Perception (P3) model, that links the constructs of usability engineering to user acceptance. Additionally, speech recognition software (SRS) was …


A Numerical Simulation Of A Carbon Black Suspension Cell Via A Time-Reversed, Double Layer Compute Algorithm, Gregg T. Anderson Dec 1999

A Numerical Simulation Of A Carbon Black Suspension Cell Via A Time-Reversed, Double Layer Compute Algorithm, Gregg T. Anderson

Theses and Dissertations

A numerical simulation of a carbon black suspension cell is explored which models a laser-induced plasma within a liquid ethanol medium of approximately 1 mm thickness. The simulation model assumes a laser pulse with a pulse width of approximately 9 nsecs propagating in the left-to-right direction striking the front surface of the medium and focusing to a spot within the liquid volume. When the energy density within a given irradiated volume is sufficiently high, it ignites the carbon particles and generates a large number of free electrons, i.e., a plasma. The plasma couples with the in-coming laser energy on a …


Electrical And Optical Characterization Of Intrinsic And Ion-Implantation Induced Defects In 6h- And 4h-Sic, Michael B. Scott Dec 1999

Electrical And Optical Characterization Of Intrinsic And Ion-Implantation Induced Defects In 6h- And 4h-Sic, Michael B. Scott

Theses and Dissertations

Deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS), Hall effect, and cathodolummescence (CL) measurements are used to characterize the intrinsic and ion-implantation induced defects in high-temperature (475 and 500 °C) ion-implanted epitaxial n-type 6H- and 4H-SiC, ion-implanted with Cr, Mg, Ar, N, and P atoms. Comparison of room-temperature and high-temperature ion-implanted 6H-SiC:Mg and :Cr indicate the significance of high-temperature ion implantation on the activation of the ion-implanted atoms and damage-recovery of the crystalline lattice. The effects of high-temperature annealing on both damage-recovery and implanted ion activation are detected and analyzed, from 1200 to 1800 °C. Trap parameters of both damage-related and species-related defects …


Reverse Engineering Of Foreign Missiles Via Genetic Algorithm, Jon D. Wollam Dec 1999

Reverse Engineering Of Foreign Missiles Via Genetic Algorithm, Jon D. Wollam

Theses and Dissertations

One mission of the National Air Intelligence Center (NAIC) is the reverse engineering of foreign missile weapon systems from incomplete observational data. In the past, intuition and repeated runs of a missile performance model were required to converge to a solution compatible with observed flight characteristics. This approach can be cumbersome and time consuming, as well as being subject to undesirable influences from the analyst's preconceptions and biases. An alternative approach has been created to apply genetic algorithm (GA) techniques to allow automation of the process, wider exploration of the design space, and more optimal solutions matching the observational data. …


Implementation Of Speech Recognition Software For Text Processing: An Exploratory Analysis, Sean P. Abell Dec 1999

Implementation Of Speech Recognition Software For Text Processing: An Exploratory Analysis, Sean P. Abell

Theses and Dissertations

The rationale behind implementing new information technologies is often to gain productivity improvements associated with the substitution of machinery for labor. However, the literature shows little direct evidence of a positive relationship between information technology investment and subsequent productivity benefits. This thesis reports on the examination into the productivity implications of implementing speech recognition software in a text processing environment. More specifically, research was conducted to compare text processing speeds and error rates using speech recognition software versus the keyboard and mouse. Of interest was the time required to input and proofread text processing tasks as well as the number …


Towards A Game Theory Model Of Information Warfare, David A. Burke Dec 1999

Towards A Game Theory Model Of Information Warfare, David A. Burke

Theses and Dissertations

The repeated game of incomplete information model, a subclass of game theory models, was modified to include aspects of information warfare. The repeated game of incomplete information model was first developed to analyze nuclear weapons disarmament negotiations. The central role of information in this model suggested its applicability to IW, which focuses on the defense and acquisition of information. A randomized experimental design was utilized to determine how people behave in a laboratory IW setting and to test the IW game model's basic predictions. The impact of experience and learning on IW performance was also assessed during the experiment. IW …