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Characterization Of Chlorinated Solvent Degradation In A Constructed Wetland, Nathan D. Clemmer Mar 2003

Characterization Of Chlorinated Solvent Degradation In A Constructed Wetland, Nathan D. Clemmer

Theses and Dissertations

Widespread chlorinated ethene contamination of aquifers coupled with high costs of current treatment technologies demand innovative remediation solutions. Wetlands, maintaining anaerobic and aerobic zones promoting the complete degradation of chlorinated ethenes such as Tetrachloroethylene (PCE), could be the answer. This thesis characterized the chlorinated solvent contamination levels in three strata of an upward flow constructed wetland. Analysis of samples was accomplished by purge-and-trap gas chromatography. Water quality parameters, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Oxidation Reduction Potential (ORP), pH, Conductivity, and Temperature, were also measured in monitoring wells with a water monitoring sonde. After removing data outliers caused by short-circuiting flow, PCE concentrations …

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Statistical Process Control: An Application In Aircraft Maintenance Management, Bradley A. Beabout Mar 2003

Statistical Process Control: An Application In Aircraft Maintenance Management, Bradley A. Beabout

Theses and Dissertations

Maintenance management at the 135th Airlift Wing, Maryland Air National Guard desires a visualization tool for their maintenance performance metrics. Currently they monitor their metrics via an electronic spreadsheet. They desire a tool that presents the performance information in a graphical manner. This thesis effort focuses on the development of a visualization tool utilizing two of the seven tools offered by Statistical Process Control (SPC). This research demonstrates the application of p-charts and Pareto diagrams in the aircraft maintenance arena. P-charts are used for displaying mission capable (MC) rates and flying scheduling effectiveness (FSE) rates. Pareto diagrams are then used …

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Using Neural Networks For Estimating Cruise Missile Reliability, Donald L. Hoffman Mar 2003

Using Neural Networks For Estimating Cruise Missile Reliability, Donald L. Hoffman

Theses and Dissertations

ACC believes its current methodology for predicting the reliability of its Air Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM) and Advanced Cruise Missile (ACM) stockpiles could be improved. They require a predictive model that delivers the best possible 24-month projection of cruise missile reliability using existing data sources, collection methods and software. It should be easily maintainable and developed to allow a layperson to enter updated data and receive an accurate reliability prediction. The focus of this thesis is to improve upon free flight reliability, although the techniques could also be applied to the captive carry portion of the missile reliability equation. The …

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Physical Fitness And The Expeditionary Air Force, Elizabeth T. Lewis Mar 2003

Physical Fitness And The Expeditionary Air Force, Elizabeth T. Lewis

Theses and Dissertations

The Air Force is constantly evolving. With the many changes and the Expeditionary Air Force structure put in place, it is more important now than ever that the Air Force has a physical fitness program to keep its members healthy and productive. By doing this, it can ensure success in completing the Air Force mission while keeping the organization at the highest level of readiness possible. This thesis looks at what the Air Force values in having a fitness program. These values are taken from Air Force doctrine and related instructions. Using these values, fitness programs can be evaluated to …

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Analysis Of Organizational Architectures For The Air Force Tuition Assistance Program, Krista Z. Lapietra Mar 2003

Analysis Of Organizational Architectures For The Air Force Tuition Assistance Program, Krista Z. Lapietra

Theses and Dissertations

The consideration of restructuring through a change in organizational architecture is often a fiercely debated issue within an organization. The argument for restructuring to improve quality, customer service, and financial management is pitted against perceived lack of job security and historically poor results from previous restructuring initiatives. To balance all sides when considering a change in organizational architecture, the organization should use a method of evaluating potential architectures that assists in determining the best new architecture and generates support from those involved. The objective of this research is to provide the Air Force Education Division with a defendable methodology for …

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An Analysis Of Multiple Layered Networks, Kevin T. Kennedy Mar 2003

An Analysis Of Multiple Layered Networks, Kevin T. Kennedy

Theses and Dissertations

Current infrastructure network models of single functionality do not typically account for the interdependent nature of infrastructure networks. Infrastructure networks are generally modeled individually, as an isolated network or with minimal recognition of interactions. This research develops a methodology to model the individual infrastructure network types while explicitly modeling their interconnected effects. The result is a formulation built with two sets of variables (the original set to model infrastructure characteristics and an additional set representing cuts of interdependent elements). This formulation is decomposed by variable type using Benders Partitioning and solved to optimality using a Benders Partitioning algorithm. Current infrastructure …

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A Simulation Based Comparative Analysis Of Alternatives For Tuition Assistance Organizational Structures, Tamiko L. Ritschel Mar 2003

A Simulation Based Comparative Analysis Of Alternatives For Tuition Assistance Organizational Structures, Tamiko L. Ritschel

Theses and Dissertations

The military services have experienced enormous downsizing efforts in the last decade. With these initiatives, organizations have had to derive innovative ways to meet their objectives with fewer resources. An organization's structure is an avenue to address these challenges within the atmosphere of a shrinking capital budget. Organizational structure changes can affect every aspect of the organization. Such an impact suggests proposals for drastic organizational changes must meet the rigors of a full analysis. The intent of this research is to provide a comprehensive analysis of centralization options for Air Force Tuition Assistance efforts. This thesis effort involves the development …

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Models For Sortie Generation With Autonomic Logistics, Nicholaus A. Yager Mar 2003

Models For Sortie Generation With Autonomic Logistics, Nicholaus A. Yager

Theses and Dissertations

The primary objective of this research is to investigate the impact of an autonomic logistics system (ALS) on the sortie generation process for an individual airbase. As in some prior studies of this process, the methodology used to model the sortie generation process is a queueing network containing fork-join nodes for concurrent maintenance activities. The sortie generation rate is commonly regarded as the primary performance measure of the sortie generation process. This measure coincides with the throughput and is used to compare two models: (1) pre-ALS operations and (2) ALS-enhanced airbase operations. Analysis of the models shows that the ALS …

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Stochastic Intra-Cellular Modeling, Thomas E. Hopkins Mar 2003

Stochastic Intra-Cellular Modeling, Thomas E. Hopkins

Theses and Dissertations

Air Force personnel may sometimes come into contact with potentially harmful chemicals while performing their duties. Of course the Air Force desires to keep any potential health risks to its members to a minimum. To this end the Air Force would like to identify which chemicals are toxic, their level of toxicity, and the processes by which these chemicals disrupt normal biological activities at the cellular level. The development of mathematical models can be of great benefit to toxicity studies. Because real world systems involve randomness, that is noise, and the desire is to create mathematical models to represent those …

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Towards A Framework For Understanding Innovation Implementation In The Air Force, Howard E. Byrd Jr. Mar 2003

Towards A Framework For Understanding Innovation Implementation In The Air Force, Howard E. Byrd Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

Innovation is a major way organizations deal with changes in their competitive environment. The Department of Defense (DoD) too is facing incredible changes and challenges within its competitive environments. This situation is requiring the adopting and implementing of many new innovations in an effort to transform the forces to meet the challenges. A key component of the DoD's efforts to transform is in Air Force acquisition and sustainment processes. Digital technical orders are an example of such a sustainment process. The Air Force has mandated it will transform from a paper based technical data environment to a digital one. The …

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The Development Of An Integrated Measure Of Readiness For Change Instrument And Its Application On Asc/Pk, Steven W. Clark Mar 2003

The Development Of An Integrated Measure Of Readiness For Change Instrument And Its Application On Asc/Pk, Steven W. Clark

Theses and Dissertations

Organizations are continually forced to implement changes due to a myriad of external and internal influences, Despite the fact that organizations are predominantly in a perpetual state of change, recent research has shown that nearly 75% that have initiated large-scale change efforts have not realized the significant organizational improvements that were intended, As a preemptive measure, organizational managers are being encouraged to gauge their organization's readiness prior to implementing change initiatives, Unfortunately, over 40 unique instruments currently exist that purport to measure some aspect of readiness, Because of limited perspective, no one instrument has emerged as the standard and they …

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Determining The Value Of Automation In Commercial And Usaf Supplier Evaluation Systems, Michael E. Knipper Mar 2003

Determining The Value Of Automation In Commercial And Usaf Supplier Evaluation Systems, Michael E. Knipper

Theses and Dissertations

The US Air Force has determined that improving the way we manage our supply chain is key to reducing operating costs and subsequently providing better support to the warfighter. One method of improving supply chain management is to streamline the way suppliers are evaluated. This study compared the efforts of private industry with government program offices in terms of supplier evaluation techniques. The expert panel from private companies was identified because of their association with the aerospace industry. Government employees were identified because of their recent contract pre-award and post-award experience. Input was received through the use of open-ended interview …

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An Analysis Of The Air Force Working Capital Fund's Performance And The Pricing Strategy Of The Materiel Support Division, Lisa M. Stanley Mar 2003

An Analysis Of The Air Force Working Capital Fund's Performance And The Pricing Strategy Of The Materiel Support Division, Lisa M. Stanley

Theses and Dissertations

The Air Force Working Capital Fund (AFWCF), a revolving fund established to create a more business-like environment between the Air Force and its customers, is comprised of several divisions providing depot level repairs, supplies and inventory, information technology solutions and transportation services to military customers, Since its establishment, the AFWCF has been the source of much criticism due to its inability to meet its primary goal of operating on a break-even basis. Ideally, the Fund will generate enough revenue from the sale of goods or services to cover its expenses and break-even. Instead, there is either a surplus that must …

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A Three-Dimensional Heads-Up Primary Navigation Reference Display For Paratroopers Performing High Altitude High Open Jumps, Brian A. Balazs Mar 2003

A Three-Dimensional Heads-Up Primary Navigation Reference Display For Paratroopers Performing High Altitude High Open Jumps, Brian A. Balazs

Theses and Dissertations

The Department of Defense (DoD) relies on the para-dropping of resources to meet different objectives in order to accomplish missions during peace-time, war-time, or military operations other than war. The resources dropped to the ground via parachute range from supplies and equipment to the most valued asset, people. Tactics have been developed to increase the safety of troops parachuting into areas of conflict. These tactics include high-altitude high-opening (HAHO) jumping and night jumping. HAHO jumping allows paratroopers to travel large distances in the air away from the path of the delivering aircraft. While night jumping, done with the aid of …

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Integrating Cost As An Independent Variable Analysis With Evolutionary Acquisition - A Multiattribute Design Evaluation Approach, Marc T. Lewis Mar 2003

Integrating Cost As An Independent Variable Analysis With Evolutionary Acquisition - A Multiattribute Design Evaluation Approach, Marc T. Lewis

Theses and Dissertations

Guidance from the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics (USD(AT&L)) requires 100 percent of defense programs to incorporate cost as an independent variable (CAIV) and evolutionary acquisition (EA) plans within their management baselines. Historically, these two concepts have been implemented independent of one another. In reality, CAIV and EA are tightly coupled, Integration of these two initiatives enables warfighters and developers to better allocate constrained resources, respond to fluctuations in program funding, and plan for future development activities. This research creates a decision tool to assist the DoD acquisition community in satisfying the intent of the USD(AT&L) …

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Optimizing An In Situ Bioremediation Technology To Manage Perchlorate-Contaminated Groundwater, Mark R. Knarr Mar 2003

Optimizing An In Situ Bioremediation Technology To Manage Perchlorate-Contaminated Groundwater, Mark R. Knarr

Theses and Dissertations

Combining horizontal flow treatment wells (HFTWs) with in situ biodegradation is an innovative approach with the potential to remediate perchlorate-contaminated groundwater. A technology model was recently developed that combines the groundwater flow induced by HFTWs with in situ biodegration processes that result from using the HFTWs to mix electron donor into perchlorate-contaminated groundwater. A field demonstration of this approach is planned to begin this year. In order to apply the technology in the field, project managers need to understand how contaminated site conditions and technology design parameters impact technology performance. One way to gain this understanding is to use the …

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Outsourcing Information Technology And The Insider Threat, Valerie L. Caruso Mar 2003

Outsourcing Information Technology And The Insider Threat, Valerie L. Caruso

Theses and Dissertations

As one of our nation's top critical infrastructures, telecommunications is an essential element of many aspects of our lives upon which we, as a society, are becoming increasingly dependent. Computers, digital telephone switches, and interconnected information technology (IT) systems impact finances, travel, infrastructure management, and missions of national defense. This research examined whether the trend in increased outsourcing of information technology systems is a significant contributing factor to a reportedly increasing amount of insider attacks. In light of changing social, global economic, and technological conditions, the paradigm in which risk analysis, management practices, and operational and personnel security practices are …

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An Analysis Of The Efficacy Of The Logistics Composite Model In Estimating Maintenance Manpower Productive Capacity, Kirk B. Pettingill Mar 2003

An Analysis Of The Efficacy Of The Logistics Composite Model In Estimating Maintenance Manpower Productive Capacity, Kirk B. Pettingill

Theses and Dissertations

The Logistics Composite Model (LCOM) is the tool of choice for many MAJCOM's (ACC, USAFE, AFMC) in determining maintenance manpower requirements. The LCOM is a simulation program capable of modeling the manpower, equipment, supplies, and facilities required to conduct aircraft maintenance activities, Manpower studies conducted with the LCOM result in manpower estimates that end up in Unit Manning Documents (UMD) as "LCOM earned," authorized positions. This research effort focuses on whether the LCOM can also be used to determine maintenance manpower's current capacity. Three different flying units at Cannon AFB, NM were modeled to determine if the LCOM, when programmed …

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Deterministic Intracellular Modeling, Jacqueline B. Young Mar 2003

Deterministic Intracellular Modeling, Jacqueline B. Young

Theses and Dissertations

The United States Air Force is interested in the potential side effects at the cellular level from exposure to mission-essential chemicals. Presently, Air Force toxicology studies are conducted to help shed light in identifying potential hazards to workers. However, it takes a considerable amount of money, resources, and time to obtain and analyze experimental results from toxicology studies. The necessity for innovative methods that enable researchers to more effectively generate and analyze data is apparent.

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Experimental And Computational Failure Analysis Of Graphite/Bismaleimide Laminated Composite And Carbon Foam In Sandwich Construction, Troy C. Welker Mar 2003

Experimental And Computational Failure Analysis Of Graphite/Bismaleimide Laminated Composite And Carbon Foam In Sandwich Construction, Troy C. Welker

Theses and Dissertations

Sandwich beams consisting of a carbon foam core and graphite/bismaleimide face sheets were constructed and tested. Nine specimens were fabricated using three distinct cross-ply symmetric face sheet layups with a constant core thickness. Four-point bend testing controlled by a constant rate of midspan vertical displacement was used to load the specimens to failure. Displacements and strains from the experiment were compared to analytical sandwich beam theory and displacements and failure loads were compared to a layerwise finite element solution. A phenomenological failure criterion was developed that compares favorably with experimental failure data. The finite element solution gives failure within an …

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Modeling Catalytic Destruction Of Subsurface Contaminants In Recirculating Wells, Kerry J. Cadena Mar 2003

Modeling Catalytic Destruction Of Subsurface Contaminants In Recirculating Wells, Kerry J. Cadena

Theses and Dissertations

Groundwater and soil contamination is a significant problem throughout the nation, with approximately 300,000 to 400,000 sites affected (National Research Council, 1994). Examples of groundwater contaminants of special interest to DoD and AF installations include fuel hydrocarbons, chlorinated hydrocarbons, and nitroaromatic compounds. Traditional remediation technologies, which include pump-and-treat, permeable reactive barriers, and natural attenuation, have numerous drawbacks associated with them. These drawbacks have prompted researchers to look for innovative contamination clean-up methods. The technology investigated in this thesis, reticulating horizontal flow treatment wells (HFTWs) with in-well palladium (Pd) catalyst reactors, offers the potential for destruction of groundwater contaminants commonly found …

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A System Dynamics Approach For Information Technology Implementation And Sustainment, Nathan W. Fonnesbeck Mar 2003

A System Dynamics Approach For Information Technology Implementation And Sustainment, Nathan W. Fonnesbeck

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this research is to bring a new, dynamic modeling perspective to organizational information technology (IT) implementation systems (using the Air Force GeoBase initiative as a real-world example) without compromising principles from the research literature. Undesired behavior patterns, from historically poor IT implementation performance, versus desired behavior patterns are incorporated into the model structure. Using a system dynamics approach, multiple simulation runs under various initial conditions and organizational contexts are performed and compared over a short-term versus a long-term period of time. Based on these simulation ruins, various mixes of management interventions, under varying conditions, are recommended to …

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Understanding The Dynamic System Of Terrorist - Government Interaction, John A. Hanrahan Mar 2003

Understanding The Dynamic System Of Terrorist - Government Interaction, John A. Hanrahan

Theses and Dissertations

The nature of action and reaction that forms the basis for terrorist - government interactions creates a dynamic system. Understanding how this dynamic system behaves in response to key government activities can help the government better control the overall behavior of the system. The system dynamics methodology is one tool that can help the government solve specific behavioral problems within the overall system. This research shows the ability of system dynamics to help develop government policy towards terrorism that can directly affect a terrorist's behavior. It supports a government policy of offensive action instead of defensive reaction. It also identifies …

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A Life Cycle Assessment And Economic Analysis Of Wind Turbines Using Monte Carlo Simulation, Edward J. Liberman Mar 2003

A Life Cycle Assessment And Economic Analysis Of Wind Turbines Using Monte Carlo Simulation, Edward J. Liberman

Theses and Dissertations

The United States depends heavily on nonrenewable fossil fuels to generate electricity. Using renewable energy sources, such as wind, could reduce air emissions and fossil fuel dependency. Previous studies have examined the life cycle costs and environmental impacts of using wind to generate electricity, but results have varied due to inconsistent modeling assumptions. This research uses Monte Carlo simulation to conduct an economic payback analysis and life cycle assessment of 11 modern, utility-scale wind turbines. Hourly meteorological data was used to evaluate 239 U.S. locations. For each location, the wind turbine with the shortest median payback period was assumed to …

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Remote Sensing Systems Optimization For Geobase Enhancement, Steve J. Paylor Mar 2003

Remote Sensing Systems Optimization For Geobase Enhancement, Steve J. Paylor

Theses and Dissertations

The U.S. Air Force is in the process of implementing GeoBase, a geographic information system (GIS), throughout its worldwide installations, Air Force GIS needs can be augmented by imagery from aerial and satellite platforms. Imagery has greatly improved over the past several years and provides high resolution coverage of features on earth. Various imagery types will significantly increase GeoBase usefulness in a range of mission requirements, Potential Air Force uses of imagery include identifying heat loss, environmental monitoring, command decision-making, and emergency response, The research develops a decision tool to determine the appropriate imagery for a given Air Force Application, …

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Palladium-Catalyzed Destruction Of Nitro Aromatic-Contaminated Groundwater, Dennis Landon Phillips Mar 2003

Palladium-Catalyzed Destruction Of Nitro Aromatic-Contaminated Groundwater, Dennis Landon Phillips

Theses and Dissertations

Of the over 17,000 DoD sites that potentially require remediation, sites containing soil and groundwater contaminated by energetic compounds are prevalent (Larson et al., 2001). Production of energetics such as 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), hexahydro-1,3,5 - trinitro- 1,3,5 -triazine (RDX), and octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro- 1,3,5,7-tetrasocine (HMX) for use in munitions has created a DoD-wide problem due to improper disposal techniques (Price et al., 2001), Nitro aromatic compounds (NACs) similar to those used in explosives can also be found in insecticides, herbicides, pharmaceuticals, dyes, plastics, and many other commonly used products. The natural breakdown of these contaminants creates byproducts such as amines, which are known …

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Implementation And Validation Of A Real-Time Wireless Non-Invasive Physiological Monitoring In A High-G Environment, H. Aydin Akcivi Mar 2003

Implementation And Validation Of A Real-Time Wireless Non-Invasive Physiological Monitoring In A High-G Environment, H. Aydin Akcivi

Theses and Dissertations

The overall purpose of this research is to develop a system capable of real-time personal positioning and physiological monitoring. The system will be composed of a shirt having non-invasive physiological sensors, Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, wireless data transceiver, and real-time PC-based control station. The specific purpose of this research phase was to determine the performance capabilities of a modified LifeShirt™ alone (without GPS) in a high gravitational force environment with the data being sent wirelessly in real-time. The LifeShirt™ was modified with a real time wireless transmission system.

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Using The Gps To Improve Trajectory Position And Velocity Determination During Real-Time Ejection Seat Design, Test And Evaluation, Christina G. Schutte Mar 2003

Using The Gps To Improve Trajectory Position And Velocity Determination During Real-Time Ejection Seat Design, Test And Evaluation, Christina G. Schutte

Theses and Dissertations

Test and evaluation of the United States Air Force’s latest aircraft escape system technology requires accurate position and velocity profiles during each test to determine the relative positions between the aircraft, ejection seat, manikin and the ground. Current rocket sled testing relies on expensive ground based multiple camera systems to determine the position and velocity profiles. While these systems are satisfactory at determining seat and manikin trajectories for sled testing, their accuracy decreases when they are used for in-flight testing, especially at high altitudes. This research presents the design and test results from a new GPS-based system capable of monitoring …

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Development Of A Simplified Sustainable Facilities Guide, David F. Hargy Mar 2003

Development Of A Simplified Sustainable Facilities Guide, David F. Hargy

Theses and Dissertations

The Air Force has adopted the United States Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED™) Green Building Rating System as the preferred self-assessment metric for sustainable development. LEED™ is designed for new construction and major renovations, and, within the Air Force, is most applicable for Military Construction (MILCON) projects. The Air Force Center for Environmental Excellence developed the Air Force Sustainable Facilities Guide to provide guidance and strategies to meet LEED™ requirements. The Air Force has not adopted a sustainable development guide or rating system that is most applicable for construction projects that are relatively low (compared …

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Simulation Of Autonomic Logistics System (Als) Sortie Generation, Paul D. Faas Mar 2003

Simulation Of Autonomic Logistics System (Als) Sortie Generation, Paul D. Faas

Theses and Dissertations

The Air Force needs tools for analysis and evaluation of new logistic operational concepts. The purpose of this research was to conflict a discrete event simulation model of the aircraft sortie generation process to permit what-if analyses of these concepts. The current Air Force logistics operations system is reactive in nature meaning that after the aircraft detects a part failure, the maintenance person must perform fault isolation procedures and then steps are taken to repair or replace the faulty item. The Autonomic Logistics System (ALS) concept changes the reactive process into a proactive one with the employment of technologies such …

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