Digital Commons Network^™

A Rigorous Uniform Diffraction Analysis Of The Electromagnetic Scattering From Impedance Edges And Junctions, Joseph C. Fortney

Theses and Dissertations

This paper investigates the scattering from impedance strips and impedance-loaded conducting strips. The impedance strips are analyzed using Senior's impedance half plane formulation. Once the primary diffraction from the impedance half plane is presented, it is used to develop multiple diffraction mechanisms on an impedance strip. The scattering from impedance-loaded strips are analyzed using Maliuzhinets' impedance wedge formulation. The primary diffraction mechanism from an impedance wedge is used to develop the multiple diffractions on an impedance double wedge. The multiple diffractions on both types of strips are developed using the Extended Spectral Ray Method. Sample calculations are made for impedance …

Determination Of Bistatic Radar Clutter Power From Topographic Data, Clyde R. Heddings

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to develop a procedure for estimating the average bistatic radar clutter power from a topographic map using rough surface scattering theory. First, the terrain in the radar target area was divided into sub regions having homogeneous characteristics. A joint Gaussian distribution for the surface heights was fitted from the information contained in the topographic map contour lines for each homogeneous area. From these distributions, the normalized radar cross section for each terrain area was determined. The clutter power for each range cell was then determined via a modified radar range equation. The procedure was …

Wave Propagation In A Randomly Inhomogeneous Medium - A Study Of The Problem, Kyle Hunter

Theses and Dissertations

The problem of calculating the scintillation index of an atmospherically propagating spherical wave is examined. The fourth statistical moment of the complex field is obtained by using Feynman (path) integral techniques applied to the stochastic parabolic equation. The general trajectory of each Feynman integral is approximated by a truncated Fourier-sine series and the infinite-fold integration of the Feynman integral is reduced to a three-fold Riemann integral which is shown to match results derived under different assumptions. This thesis is highly tutorial.

Comparison Of Afitpac Versus Nos And A Packet Radio Network Design, Thomas A. Iannelli

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis encompasses two themes: (1) A comparison of the Network Operating System (NOS) software package, developed by Phil Karn and others, and AFITPAC, written by Marsh and Geier at the Air Force Institute of Technology. The comparison is based on the Air Force Logistics Command's requirements for the development of a Packet Radio Network program. The results of the comparison are a recommendation that use of the NOS package be pursued because it can meet all twelve of the requirements and compiles with five of the Military Standard Protocols. (2) The design of a personal computer Packet Radio Network …

Image Analysis Using Gabor Transforms: Correlated With Human Saccadic Movement Data To Identify The Human Visual Search Strategy, Ralph J. St John

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigated whether a relationship exists between the Gabor Correlation Coefficient (GCC) magnitudes of fixation points for a set of images viewed by six subjects and the human visual search strategy. A couple of different relationships were investigated. First, the data were analyzed to determine if the GCC magnitudes of human fixation points predicted the time ordered sequence of human fixation points during the performance of a visual search. Second, the data were analyzed to determine if there was a significant difference between the GCC magnitudes of the human fixation points and the GCC magnitudes of a random set …

Electromagnetic Scattering From Dielectric Pyramidal Tips, Albert D. Tyson Iv

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigated the electromagnetic scattering from conducting, lossless dielectric, and lossy dielectric (absorber) pyramids. The backscatter from pyramids was measured and a time gate was applied to isolate the scattering from the tips. The measured results were compared to predictions from an approximate Uniform Theory of Diffraction (UTD) solution for scattering by a dielectric corner. The accuracy of the corner diffraction solution was found to be dependent on the polarization of the incident electric field. The accuracy of the UTD solution was also dependent on the aspect angle to the pyramid: the UTD solution gave a nominally correct answer …

Real Imagery As A Three Dimensional Display, Juan C. Echeverry

Theses and Dissertations

This research effort implemented two 3-D display designs to assess their performance and effect on an observer's depth perception. Both 3-D displays produced real images for the observer to view. The first display setup combined a lens relay with a two concave mirror projector. The second display setup combined the two concave mirror projector with a diffuser. The lens relay/ two concave mirror projector combination was successful in imaging a source from the CRT to a point in space above the two mirror system. The problem was that the observer could not assess the image location by just looking at …

Reducing Requirements Errors Through The Use Of Computer-Aided Software Engineering (Case) Tools And During Requirements Analysis, Marvin B. Key Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated whether using CASE tools in the requirements analysis phase of software development reduced the software coding errors attributable to requirement analysis. A survey of the population gathered data as to the current practices and efforts in the use of CASE tools. The data was gathered in two groups: a control group and a sample group. The data was analyzed by group and in various combinations to obtain a greater understanding into population trends and tendencies. The results of the research indicate that the Air Force does not use CASE tools to any great extent. Also, error and …

Grand Forks Housing Study, John Leland Sauter

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Patterns Of Undermining: American And British Novels Set In Coal-Mining Locales., Julie Ann Maristuen-Rodakowski

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation focuses on twenty novels--ten by men and ten by women--set in coal-mining locales circa 1840 to 1940. It analyzes power relationships and structures of oppression that emerge through the fictional techniques of setting, character, and theme, positing that a paradigm shift is visible in some texts. Hegemonic power relationships and the accompanying oppression of the "less important" entity in male/female, management/labor configurations are evident in many of the novels, but some texts treat the power relationships differently. In these texts, the role of the women and the role of the laborers shift from that of a marginalized Other …

Industrial Wastewater Management Practices In Air Force Logistics Command, Patrick J. Smith

Theses and Dissertations

The selection of a model plant was based upon criteria established by a review of current literature. The criteria were permit compliance, plant performance, and the adoption of pollution prevention as a corporate environmental philosophy. In this study, private sector firms were examined to identify the best industrial wastewater management practices using a Total Quality Management (TQM) tool called benchmarking. The data gathering process consisted a survey of water pollution control organizations, and a survey of benchmark candidates. The purpose of surveying water pollution control organizations was to objectively identify possible benchmark candidates. A questionnaire was then used to gather …

Data Communications Possibilities For The Deployable Remote Consolidated Aerial Port Subsystem, John T. Rausch

Theses and Dissertations

This research's purpose was to determine the optimal candidate system for data communications with deployable Remote CAPS. The process also established justification for the selection. A formalized methodology based on Benjamin Ostrofsky's Design, Planning, and Development Methodology was used for the process. After a needs analysis of the problem, which is a lack of a mobile data communications system for MAC air transportation units, a feasibility study was completed which formulated the candidate systems to solve the problem. Finally, a preliminary activities phase evaluated each candidate system according to end user based criteria. The candidate system selected was the Very …

A Contract Management Guide For Air Force Environmental Restoration, Grant S. Bowers

Theses and Dissertations

This study was conducted to examine the extent to which written guidance was available to Air Force contracting officers involved in environmental restoration projects. The study examines literature from sources inside and outside the Air Force, classifies it by source, and extracts guidance from the subject matter. The study indicates that written guidance exists, but is fragmented. As a result, contracting officers lack concise guidance on the special considerations in contracting for environmental restoration. Guidance from the literature is summarized and presented in a stand-along guide appended to the report. The guide is targeted toward new and mid-level contracting officers …

A Hypertext Version Of The Certified Professional Contracts Manager Candidate's Workbook, Dean P. Mclain

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to develop and test a hypertext version of the Certified Professional Contracts Manager Candidate's Workbook and Supplements. A literature review was conducted on two distinct subject areas. The first area includes a review of the findings of six commissions on professionalism of acquisition personnel, initiatives of the Office of Personnel Management, the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act, and the National Contract Management Association. The discussion of professionalism in contracting establishes the relevance of products like the hypertext workbook completed as a result of this research. The second area is a review of the history …

An Expert System Job Aid For Users Of The Automated Scheduling Module, Kevin A. Gore

Theses and Dissertations

This research developed an Expert System for novice aircraft maintenance schedulers (AFSC: 392XX) with little experience using the Automated Scheduling Module (ASM). First, an in-depth literature review was completed. Next, personal interviews were conducted with an ASM expert and other 392XX personnel. Prototypes using VP-Expert and KnowledgePro shells were created. The knowledgePro shell was selected to create the ASM Job Aid, combining the knowledge of the expert and AFM 66-279. The program was verified, validated, and favorably reviewed by 392XX personnel. Recommendations include: The Air Force Logistics Management Center (AFLMC) examine the ASM Job AId and develop a Performance Support …

An Evaluation Of Logistics Support For F-16 Aircraft Owned By Foreign Countries, Paul J. Lyons

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis was to examine the logistics support provided by the United States Air Force (USAF) for F-16 aircraft owned by foreign countries. The research drew from historical trends and personal experiences to examine the ability of the U.S. to provide logistics support for F-16 aircraft owned by U.S. allies. The study found that timely, efficient support of FMS customers possessing F-16 aircraft does not appear to be a principal concern of the USAF logistics system. Complexity of processes, untimely responses, and failure to consider customer needs are common failings on the part of the USAF.

A Study Of The Air Force's Exception Management Process: Its Effect On Customer Service And Order Processing, David W. Jones

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was two-fold; the first goal was to determine what the SBSS order processing is, and secondly to determine the effect the current method of ECC management has on the SBSS order processing cycle and the level of customer service rendered by base supply. The research revealed that exception management is a crucial component of a successful order processing function. Further, it was established that the level of customer satisfaction experienced is greatly dependent upon good order processing. Research further indicated flaws in the current method of ECC management and recommended further actions to correct the …

Evaluation Of Corrective Action Team (Cat) Leader Training In Aeronautical Systems Division, Kirk J. Streitmater

Theses and Dissertations

This study evaluated corrective action team (CAT) leader training, a team dynamics and group problem solving course provided by an Air Force product division. A pre/post knowledge test, using developed behavioral objectives, was administered to 61 participants as part of an internal evaluation while 373 past participants were provided a questionnaire for a field evaluation. Results from the internal evaluation indicated that students learned the majority of training material presented in the course. Self-efficacy increased in most cases showing an improved self-perception regarding the ability to perform training related tasks. Predictors for a pre-test score model were identified, but overall …

Military Standardized Transportation And Movement Procedures Detailed Manifest Data Storage Requirements, Philip L. Isbell

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to develop a set of useful solutions to the problem of storing and processing data generated by transportation data processing systems within the Department of Defense. The amount of data within the Global Transportation Network (GTN) will significantly increase due to the expansion of the Joint Operational Planning and Execution System (JOPES). Intransit visibility of troops and equipment during contingencies is the driving factor behind the increased level of data required by JOPES. The methodology used conducted a needs analysis of the problem, which was defined as an insufficient amount of storage capacity for …

A Review Of Selected Usaf Life Cycle Costing Models, Mark G. Twomey

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the history of the development of life cycle costing (LCC) in the DOD and USAF, and reviewed 11 'mainstream' LCC models currently being used by the Air Force including the LSC, LCCH, ZCORE, CASA, PRICE H, PRICE HL, PRICE M, PRICE S, MLCC, Dyna-METRIC, and LCOM models. A literature search revealed that the last comprehensive reviews of LCC modeling in the USAF were conducted in the 1970s by the Joint AFSC/AFLC Commanders' Working Group on LCC and Rand. LCC's initial development, in the 1960s, was prompted by rapid increases in operating and support (O and S) costs …

An Investigation Of Certain U.S. Government 'Lessons Learned' Processes And Their Application To Usaf Research, Development, And Acquisition Project Managers, Mark W. Mcnabb

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the types of processes used by certain U.S. government agencies to provide 'lessons learned' that could be used by USAF research, development and acquisition project managers. Areas of interest include the types of agencies that could provide 'lessons learned;' the sources, methods, and techniques these agencies use to process (acquire, maintain, and disseminate) management information such as lessons learned; and the measurement criteria the agencies use to evaluate the effectiveness of these processes. A general literature search helped to identify eleven candidate agencies; eight were chosen for full investigation. A survey of each sample agency was conducted. …

The Drama Of Alienation: An Interpersonal Examination Of Edward Albee's The Zoo Story And Sam Shepard's Buried Child, Lisa Arnold

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined alienation from an interpersonal communication perspective in order to find a connection between aspects of alienation and interpersonal communication.

Alienation occurs at two levels according to scholars in sociology and psychology. At the social level, one's culture influences behavior in interpersonal relations. At the psychological level, one's perception of self worth influences interpersonal relations. This study used Srole's five aspects of alienation (isolation, estrangement, powerlessness, unpredictability, and meaninglessness) to analyze interpersonal relationships between those alienated on both levels.

Two plays were chosen to exemplify how alienated people need close interpersonal communication. The Zoo Story, by Edward Albee …

Technical Needs Assessment Of North Dakota Manufacturers, Michael Nefs

Theses and Dissertations

The problem of this study was to identify, document, and prioritize technical assistance needs of North Dakota manufacturers. The primary objective was to determine the technical assistance needs of North Dakota manufacturers as they relate to: a) education; b) consulting; c) research and development. A secondary objective was to prioritize the ten most pertinent technical areas of need as determined by the North Dakota manufacturers.

This study used a descriptive survey research method. The researcher devised a survey instrument and was validated by a panel of experts. The instrument included fifty-three technical areas, most of which are emerging technologies. The …

An Analysis Of The Media Coverage Of The Internment Of The American Japanese During The Second World War, Vincent Fernando Arraya

Theses and Dissertations

In World War II, many Americans felt fortunate and proud to live in a democratic society based on the constitutionally guaranteed rights of all individuals. At the same time, the U.S. government was completely disregarding the civil rights of 110,000 American residents, including 70,000 U.S. citizens. They were forced to evacuate their homes and were placed in internment camps surrounded by armed guards and barbed wire. The only criterion for the actions against them was their Japanese ancestry and the military necessity was the reason given for the actions, but marital law was never declared.

A Study Of The Relative Importance Of Various Factors Which Motivate Public School Districts To Enter Into Restructuring Consortia, Gary Jackson

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Collisional Dynamics Of The B3Π(O+) State Of Bromine Of Monofluoride, David W. Melton

Theses and Dissertations

When Bromine is combined with flourine atoms and discharged oxygen in a flow tube is produced in a highly non thermal distribution peaking at v'=3. The emission was linearly dependent on the concentration. The observed dependence of the BrF(B) emission on Bromine and atomic oxygen is inconsistent with a steady state prediction of a sequential excitation mechanism, where BrF(X) is excited by successive collisions with singlet oxygen. The experimental data are consistent with a three body mechanism involving Br and F atoms. Electronic quenching of BrF(B) by a number of collision partners (Br₂, CO₂, O_{2 …}

An Investigation Of The Adequacy Of Air Force Regulations Guiding The Development And Procurement Of Software User Manuals, Amy M. Baines

Theses and Dissertations

As the Air Force increases its emphasis on controlling the cost and quality of software development, it's important to ensure that the documentation to support that software is also quality controlled. This research evaluated the adequacy of current regulations by comparing the process for developing Air Force software manuals with the process for developing similar types of user manuals, both within and outside of the Air Force. A comparison to the regulations guiding the development of Air Force Technical Orders revealed that the requirements for software manuals are unclear, dispersed through numerous regulations, and at times contradictory from one regulation …

A Descriptive Study Of The Role Of The Elementary Teaching Principal In North Dakota, Rebecca Susam Goehring

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Assessing And Articulating School Vision: A New School Philosophy For Leeds, North Dakota, Margaret Jane Brown

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Effect Of Tempering Temperature And Time On The Hardness Of A 4130 Alloy Steel, Chad V. Rhen

Theses and Dissertations

The problem of this study was to investigate the effect of tempering temperature and tempering time on the hardness of a 4130 alloy steel. The objectives of this study were to determine: (a) the effect of tempering temperature on hardness, (b) the effect of tempering time on hardness, and (c) the interaction between tempering temperature and tempering time.

This study used an experimental research design method. The factorial design was the two-factor, fixed-effects model. Tempering temperature and tempering time were the predictors and hardness was the criterion. Time intervals of 15, 30, 60, 120, and 180 minutes were used. Temperature …