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Steady-State Kinetics Of Br(2P1/2) Yields Co2(101) Electronic-To-Vibrational Energy Transfer Laser System, Stephen J. Karis
Steady-State Kinetics Of Br(2P1/2) Yields Co2(101) Electronic-To-Vibrational Energy Transfer Laser System, Stephen J. Karis
Theses and Dissertations
Steady state photolysis experiments were conducted to gain information relevant to the construction of a continuous wave electronic to vibrational pumped infrared laser. An Ar+ laser =488 µm) was used to produce the electronically excited state Br(2P1/2) (Br*) via photolysis of molecular bromine. Energy was then transferred to the near resonant vibrational state CO2(101) (CO2) via the collisional quenching of Br* by CO2. The dependence of the 2.71 µm Br* and 4.3 µm CO2 emissions on CO2 pressure was measured, as well as …
Analysis Of Soil Vapor Extraction Expenses To Estimate Bioventing Expenses, Steven M. Loken
Analysis Of Soil Vapor Extraction Expenses To Estimate Bioventing Expenses, Steven M. Loken
Theses and Dissertations
An in-depth analysis of the expenses incurred with five soil venting petroleum remediation projects was accomplished. The data was obtained from receipts provided by a major United States petroleum refiner and distributor. Cost categories were designed that incorporated all costs and provided a method to analyze the data. The five cost categories used were: permits, equipment, management, utilities, and analysis. Further analysis showed trends and described the behavior of the costs related to remediation events. The relative percentile for each cost category was found to be consistent among the projects. Many costs were also found to be very linear throughout …
Use Of Respirometry To Determine The Effect Of Nutrient Enhancement On Jp-8 Biodegradability, Christian T. Totten
Use Of Respirometry To Determine The Effect Of Nutrient Enhancement On Jp-8 Biodegradability, Christian T. Totten
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to use respirometry to measure the impact of nutrient combinations or treatments on JP - 8 biodegradation under simulated fuel spill soil conditions. The study was designed observe one soil type at a constant fuel exposure level of 1% and a constant moisture of 60% of field capacity. Three experiments conducted were of two and three factor designs with potassium nitrate and sodium phosphate addition levels serving as two factors and fuel serving as a third factor in Experiments 1 and 2. Cumulative oxygen values obtained by the respirometer were assumed to be a …
Non-Imaging Infrared Spectral Target Detection, Matthew R. Whiteley
Non-Imaging Infrared Spectral Target Detection, Matthew R. Whiteley
Theses and Dissertations
Automatic detection of time-critical mobile targets using spectral-only infrared radiance data is explored. A quantification of the probability of detection, false alarm rate, and total error rate associated with this detection process is provided. A set of classification features is developed for the spectral data, and these features are utilized in a Bayesian classifier singly and in combination to provide target detection. The results of this processing are presented and sensitivity of the class separability to target set, target configuration, diurnal variations, mean contrast, and ambient temperature estimation errors is explored. This work introduces the concept of atmospheric normalization of …
Optimal Inputs For System Identification, James M. Brown Ii
Optimal Inputs For System Identification, James M. Brown Ii
Theses and Dissertations
The derivation of the power spectral density of the optimal input for system identification is addressed in this research. Optimality is defined in information theoretic terms, with entropy quantifying the parameter information content of the input and output measurement sequences pertaining to a discrete time plant. The maximization of entropy is performed in the context of three different scenarios. First, the case in which the average output power of the plant is constrained is considered. Second, input average power is constrained. Finally, the optimization is carried out unconstrained, but with penalties applied to both the input and output powers. Although …
Full Envelope Control Of Nonlinear Plants With Parameter Uncertainty By Fuzzy Controller Scheduling, Thomas J. Kobylarz
Full Envelope Control Of Nonlinear Plants With Parameter Uncertainty By Fuzzy Controller Scheduling, Thomas J. Kobylarz
Theses and Dissertations
A full envelope controller synthesis technique is developed for multiple-input single-output (MISO) nonlinear systems with structured parameter uncertainty. The technique maximizes the controller's valid region of operation, while guaranteeing pre-specified transient performance. The resulting controller does not require on-line adaptation, estimation, prediction or model identification. Fuzzy Logic (FL) is used to smoothly schedule independently designed point controllers over the operational envelope and parameter space of the system's model. These point controllers are synthesized using techniques chosen by the designer, thus allowing an unprecedented amount of design freedom. By using established control theory for the point controllers, the resulting nonlinear dynamic …
Collisional Dynamics Of The Rubidium 52P Levels, Matthew D. Rotondaro
Collisional Dynamics Of The Rubidium 52P Levels, Matthew D. Rotondaro
Theses and Dissertations
The collisional dynamics of the 52P levels in rubidium has been examined using steady-state laser absorption and spectrally-resolved laser induced fluorescence techniques. State-to-state cross-sections for energy transfer between Zeeman split levels ranged from 16-248 °A2 for collisions with nitrogen and rare gases. These energy transfer cross-sections exhibit a significant dependence on (J,mj) state and certain symmetry relationships are demonstrated. A sub-Doppler spectrum of the Zeeman split levels indicating the isotopic shift in the D1 line of 106 ± 35 was obtained using laser saturation spectroscopy.
Schedule Management Competencies For Department Of Defense Program Managers, Jeffrey F. Brown
Schedule Management Competencies For Department Of Defense Program Managers, Jeffrey F. Brown
Theses and Dissertations
With ongoing public scrutiny of defense system acquisitions, due to numerous program failures resulting from cost and schedule overruns, now, more than ever, cost and schedule-management competencies are critical to program success. This research examined the schedule-management competencies required of defense program managers. A schedule-management competency model was developed from a foundation of past research. The model was evaluated through a mail survey of 484 intermediate and senior level military program managers assigned to Air Force Materiel Command. The results provided by 243 respondents indicate that 25 of the 28 competencies in the model were valuable to program managers and …
An Evaluation Of Cost Metrics Used Within Aeronautical Systems Center, Kevin M. Byrne
An Evaluation Of Cost Metrics Used Within Aeronautical Systems Center, Kevin M. Byrne
Theses and Dissertations
Aeronautical Systems Center (ASC) system program offices rely on cost metrics to acquire information on program effectiveness and organizational improvement. This study was an attempt to determine the effectiveness of ASC’s cost metrics. The effectiveness of the metrics were determined by the desirability of the behaviors which are exhibited when individuals utilize the specific metrics. Using an expert panel to evaluate the metrics, data was collected using the Group Research Laboratory for Logistics located in Armstrong Laboratory at Wright Patterson AFB, OH. Metric diagnostic charts were utilized to arrange the data into a format which would provide effectiveness information. The …
Why Schedules Slip: Actual Reasons For Schedule Problems Across Large Air Force System Development Efforts, William M. Cashman
Why Schedules Slip: Actual Reasons For Schedule Problems Across Large Air Force System Development Efforts, William M. Cashman
Theses and Dissertations
The three main objectives of this research were to identify the actual reasons for schedule problems across large Air Force system development efforts, to quantity the importance of each category of reasons in terms of frequency and severity, and to demonstrate that the reasons for schedule problems are not program unique, but are common across system development efforts. To this end, this thesis contains a categorization and analysis of 549 reasons for schedule difficulties on 22 large Air Force Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) programs from 1981 to 1994. These aircraft, missile, aircraft equipment, aircraft upgrade, and simulator programs had …
Aggregating Organizational Performance Metrics Using The Analytic Hierarchy Process, Bret L. Indermill
Aggregating Organizational Performance Metrics Using The Analytic Hierarchy Process, Bret L. Indermill
Theses and Dissertations
Measurement provides factual information which is necessary for effective control of business processes. Implementing a Total Quality Management (TQM) philosophy is a common process in many organizations today. The United States Air Force is using the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award criteria to measure organizational performance in implementing the Quality Air Force (QAF) initiative. Unfortunately, the Baldrige-based unit self-assessment (USA) process is an inconsistent measure due to its subjectivity, and is also time consuming to use. This study determined that a new USA method based on the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was not a significant improvement over the existing QAF-USA …
An Investigation Into Aircraft Availability, Michael S. Kapitzke
An Investigation Into Aircraft Availability, Michael S. Kapitzke
Theses and Dissertations
The Air Force currently uses an expected value model in the Aircraft Availability Model (AAM) to calculate aircraft availability. However, even with the application of Lean Logistics, the failure-demand rate and the depot repair time are not fixed and the mean value is still used in the model. This research looks at the effect of the magnitude of the variance of the distributions of failure-demand rate and depot repair time. Also, this research evaluates the effect of variable mean failure-demand rates on the variability of aircraft availability. A simulation model was developed which applied the variable failure-demand rates and depot …
A Comparative Study Of Linear And Nonlinear Estimate At Completion Methods, Todd D. Nystrom
A Comparative Study Of Linear And Nonlinear Estimate At Completion Methods, Todd D. Nystrom
Theses and Dissertations
Controlling costs in the acquisition of new defense systems is a major challenge in today's environment of declining budgets and rapidly changing technology. One of the challenges faced by program managers and cost analysts is selecting the most appropriate Estimate at Completion (EAC) method for their program. This study compares the performance of the popular index-based EAC methods with several newer nonlinear, regression based EAC methods to determine whether the complex nonlinear methods perform better than the simpler index-based methods. In addition, the sensitivity of the results to stage of contract completion, system type, program phase, contract type, Department of …
Assisting Defense Conversion Technology Transfer Efforts. A Case Study Of Ohio's Miami Valley, Marissa C. Salvador
Assisting Defense Conversion Technology Transfer Efforts. A Case Study Of Ohio's Miami Valley, Marissa C. Salvador
Theses and Dissertations
Major changes in the geopolitical environment and the social and economic needs of the United States have resulted in resources being shifted away from national defense. Although the expected decrease in defense spending should not be harmful in macroeconomic terms, it can be devastating locally. To mitigate the effects of the drawdown, individual states and local communities must search for ways to bolster their local economies. One avenue that can be pursued to enhance future economic growth is the transferring of technologies to the commercial sector. Intermediary organizations have emerged to facilitate the process of technology transfer by serving as …
The Process Of Technology Transfer: A Case Study Of The National Aero-Space Plane Program, Brett T. Smith
The Process Of Technology Transfer: A Case Study Of The National Aero-Space Plane Program, Brett T. Smith
Theses and Dissertations
Due to reduced funding levels and increased pressure towards cooperation with industry, government research and development (R&D) organizations are becoming increasingly involved in the transfer of technology to the commercial sector. However, the process of technology transfer is complex, and transfer activities are being applied inconsistently across the Department of Defense. This research explores the approaches, processes and mechanisms to accomplish technology transfer. A comprehensive literature review documents many of the transfer concepts that have been proposed or are currently in use. A detailed case study then examines the technology transfer efforts of an advanced government research organization: the National …
A Comparative Evaluation Of Voice Versus Keypad Input For Manipulating Electronic Technical Data For Flight Line Maintenance Technicians, David A. Chapman, James R. Simmons
A Comparative Evaluation Of Voice Versus Keypad Input For Manipulating Electronic Technical Data For Flight Line Maintenance Technicians, David A. Chapman, James R. Simmons
Theses and Dissertations
Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals will soon become a requirement for aircraft maintenance technicians. An important aspect in their development is the selection of an input device that will enhance, rather than impede, technician performance. The purpose of this thesis was to evaluate two types of input devices that can he used: a voice recognition input and a keypad input. Studies to date have evaluated the superiority of digital data over paper data, and advantages of using a Head Mounted Display Device over a flat screen laptop computer. No research has evaluated the input device. An experiment was conducted to determine …
A Comparison Of Consistent Versus Inconsistent Scheduling Rules In A Flow Shop Environment, Nicola Gismondi
A Comparison Of Consistent Versus Inconsistent Scheduling Rules In A Flow Shop Environment, Nicola Gismondi
Theses and Dissertations
A consistent scheduling rule is one which will ensure a job's priority (relative to all other job's) will remain constant as it moves from queue to queue in a production system. Previous research concerning flow shop priority scheduling rules focused on comparison of either consistent or inconsistent rules. Conversely, this study sought to provide additional insight by comprising consistent and inconsistent rules in a flow shop environment The Air Force uses both types of rules in maintenance and logistics scheduling. Time and money can be saved if the scheduling managers can better understand the effect of consistency on a system. …
An Empirical Investigation Of The Integrated Weapon System Management Concept Of Seamless Processes, Timothy H. Surabian
An Empirical Investigation Of The Integrated Weapon System Management Concept Of Seamless Processes, Timothy H. Surabian
Theses and Dissertations
This research investigated the way four Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) single manager organizations operationalized the Integrated Weapon System Management (IWSM) concept of "seamless processes." In this thesis, the IWSM concept of "seamless processes" refers to the degree of integration between acquisition and sustainment organizations. Four SPO organizations were involved in six case studies. This research focused on the way "seamless processes" affect the shifting of the organizational "center of gravity" within or between single manager organizations. An interview questionnaire was administered to 13 Product Center managers and 6 Logistics Center managers. The interview questions focused on IWSM in general, …
Calibration Of The Price S Software Cost Model, James C. Galonsky
Calibration Of The Price S Software Cost Model, James C. Galonsky
Theses and Dissertations
As more Department of Defense resources are being allocated toward software development, the necessity to accurately plan for software costs has become critical. Obtaining reliable estimates from software cost models, like PRICE S, can be a problem when input parameters are not precisely defined or calibrated. This research effort centered on refining Productivity Factor (PROFAC) values for defense industry applications. The Space and Missile Systems Center Database was used to calibrate PROFAC values for eleven stratified data sets: military ground, military mobile, missile, unmanned space, Ada, Assembly, C, COBOL, FORTRAN, JOVIAL, and PASCAL. The accuracy of the calibrations was determined …
An Analysis Of The Purpose And Development Of Management Reserve, Kevin T. Gould
An Analysis Of The Purpose And Development Of Management Reserve, Kevin T. Gould
Theses and Dissertations
This study investigates both the purpose and development of management reserve budget as it pertains to the Cost-Schedule Control Systems Criteria outlined in DoD Instruction 5(X)O.2. With the Defense Department facing an environment of shrinking budgets, it is becoming increasingly critical for them to manage their acquisition programs as efficient and effective as possible. The objectives of this study were to gain insight, from both a government and commercial perspective, on both the purpose and the development of the contractor's management reserve budget. Contractor system descriptions and interviews of individuals associated with the government acquisition process were used to document …
Just In Time Manufacturing: A Migration From Materials Requirements Planning, Scott A. Koehler
Just In Time Manufacturing: A Migration From Materials Requirements Planning, Scott A. Koehler
Theses and Dissertations
Manufacturing planning and control systems play an important role in an organization's effectiveness. Over the past twenty to thirty years, U.S. manufacturing companies have faced increasing competition for market share from Japanese and other Pacific rim countries. This thesis will investigate the evolutionary path followed by manufacturing companies that have implemented various manufacturing planning and control systems. Specifically, Materials Requirements Planning (MRP) and Just In Time (JIT) production will be analyzed. MRP is a means of convening demand for the final product into a requirements schedule for the various components comprising that product. The JIT philosophy calls for continuously improving …
Calibration Of The Software Life Cycle Model (Slim) To The Space And Missile Systems Center (Smc) Software Database (Swdb), Robert K. Kressin
Calibration Of The Software Life Cycle Model (Slim) To The Space And Missile Systems Center (Smc) Software Database (Swdb), Robert K. Kressin
Theses and Dissertations
Several sophisticated Department of Defense (DOD) weapon and space systems depend on a variety of mission-critical computer software applications. Because of the increasing costs to develop these applications, and today's austere defense budget, accurately estimating the costs to develop software is gaining a great deal of attention within the DOD. Unfortunately, software cost estimation models have been encountering difficulties in accurately estimating the costs of software development. However, research has shown that calibrating one's software cost estimation model can improve the predictive capability of that model. As such, this study focused on calibrating the SLIM cost model to sets of …
Cost Management Competencies: The Importance And Frequency As Seen By The Financial Analyst, Diana E. Pry
Cost Management Competencies: The Importance And Frequency As Seen By The Financial Analyst, Diana E. Pry
Theses and Dissertations
This research studied the application of cost management competencies in the financial management career field. The purpose was to determine how frequently these competencies are used by the financial analysts and how important they are in the analysts' work environment. To accomplish this research a mail survey was sent to 978 financial analysts across Air Force Materiel Command. Out of the 978 survey instruments sent 535 were returned with useful data, for a response rate of 54.7%. From these surveys, 24 of the 49 competencies were identified as being valuable to financial analysts. The 24 competencies provide a framework for …
Calibration Of The System Evaluation And Estimation Of Resources Software Estimation Model (Seer-Sem) For The Air Force Space And Missile Systems Center (Smc), Kolin D. Rathmann
Calibration Of The System Evaluation And Estimation Of Resources Software Estimation Model (Seer-Sem) For The Air Force Space And Missile Systems Center (Smc), Kolin D. Rathmann
Theses and Dissertations
This study examined whether calibration of the SEER-SEM impacted the effort estimates generated by the model for software developments- A historical database was provided by the Space and Missile System's Center Los Angeles, and used as the model's input data. The data was stratified into four usable platforms, military ground command and-control, military ground signal processing, military specification avionics, and military mobile. Each platform's data sets were split, the majority of points for calibration of the model, and the rest for model validation. The accuracy of SEER to this particular data set is limited, yet the model did respond to …
Calibration Of The Software Architecture Sizing And Estimation Tool (Saset), Carl D. Vegas
Calibration Of The Software Architecture Sizing And Estimation Tool (Saset), Carl D. Vegas
Theses and Dissertations
This study attempted to analyze the effect of calibration on the performance of the SASET computer software cost estimating model. Data used for input into the model were drawn from the most current USAF SMC Software Database (SWDB). Once all the records to be used for analysis were identified, the DBMS-Calibration tool (which is part of SASET) was used to perform regression analysis on the relationship between program size (measured in SLOC) and the effort required to develop the program (measured in man-months). Productivity information reported from this tool was then input into equations used to calculate the Productivity Calibration …
Air Force Materiel Command (Afmc) Modeling, Simulation, And Analysis (Ms&A) Interactive Database, Timothy J. Wagner
Air Force Materiel Command (Afmc) Modeling, Simulation, And Analysis (Ms&A) Interactive Database, Timothy J. Wagner
Theses and Dissertations
This study develops a high level, unifying taxonomy for Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis (MS&A) products for the Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC). AFMC is concerned that limited resources are being expended on duplicative MS&A efforts. No mechanism exists that would confirm or deny this concern, so it was suggested that a database could be developed to catalog and track AFMC's MS&A inventory. First, it was necessary to determine the information that a decision maker needs to select a suitable MS&A product. Potential traits and characteristics were identified through review of current regulatory guidance, interviews with MS&A users, and a study …
A Calibration Of The Revic Software Cost Estimating Model, Betty G. Weber
A Calibration Of The Revic Software Cost Estimating Model, Betty G. Weber
Theses and Dissertations
This study examined the change in performance resulting from calibration of the REVIC software cost model and whether calibration improved the model's ability to estimate software development costs. Three calibrations were conducted on two operating environments using the SMC database. The calibrations consisted of one coefficient only and two coefficient and exponent calibrations, using different procedures. Analysis of the goodness of fit" was accomplished using MRE, MMRE, RMS, RRMS, and the prediction test to measure the model's improvement in predicting ability. The Wilcoxon and Wilk-Shapiro tests were used to test for normality of the sample data. The author concluded that …
Using Customer Satisfaction For Measuring The Effectiveness Of Integrated Product Teams, Charles H. Embs, James N. Anderson
Using Customer Satisfaction For Measuring The Effectiveness Of Integrated Product Teams, Charles H. Embs, James N. Anderson
Theses and Dissertations
In attempting to develop a performance measurement system for assessing the effectiveness of integrated Product Teams (iPTs), this research focused on the identification of those characteristics that were most important to the customers of Hyrs. Customer satisfaction was selected as the focal point because it is the foundation of the Integrated Weapon System Management (IWSM) philosophy which fostered the IPT approach to conducting business. The customer satisfaction data was gathered from the Quality Air Force self-assessments conducted by the B-1, B-2, F-15, F-16, F-22, and C-17 System Program Offices, as well as interviews conducted by Brigadier General Kenne with several …
Corporate Social Responsibility: A Cross Sectional Examination Of Incentivization, Jennifer A. Block
Corporate Social Responsibility: A Cross Sectional Examination Of Incentivization, Jennifer A. Block
Theses and Dissertations
This study examined corporate social responsibility and the most effective ways to incentivize environmentally proactive behavior among federal production contractors. The goal was to isolate factors which have the greatest potential for encouraging corporate environmental responsibility and to use the knowledge gained to construct incentives which can be incorporated into federal contracts. Relying on the concepts developed in organizational theory, four theories were presented to provide support that organizational behavior can be influenced. Previous incentive techniques used by the government were also investigated. From the initial research, a model was developed to describe the relationship between incentives and environmental responsibility. …
An Investigation Of Problems In Analyzing Prices Of State-Of-The-Art Commercial Items, Vicki A. Fry
An Investigation Of Problems In Analyzing Prices Of State-Of-The-Art Commercial Items, Vicki A. Fry
Theses and Dissertations
This research explored whether techniques described in the Armed Services Pricing Manual are sufficient for evaluating prices of leading-edge and modified commercial items. The research was sparked by the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act Of 1994, which encourages contracting officers to rely on information other than certified cost or pricing data when buying commercial products. Pricing techniques used in five recent acquisitions were investigated through a case-study methodology. The research concludes that current guidance is sufficiently broad to enable the contracting officer to tailor the tools to an acquisition at hand. Research findings, however, indicate that the Department of Defense should …