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Understanding The Acceptance Of Digital Tools Within An Air Force Environment Using The Utaut2 Model, Britton J. Edwards Mar 2025

Understanding The Acceptance Of Digital Tools Within An Air Force Environment Using The Utaut2 Model, Britton J. Edwards

Theses and Dissertations

This research paper explores factors influencing digital tool adoption in a military context, using a modified UTAUT2 model with the inclusion of Military Status as a moderating factor. The study examines the moderating effects of Military Status on Social Influence towards Behavioral Intention and Behavioral Intention on Use Behavior. Data was collected through a Likert-scale survey from respondents across multiple Department of the Air Force (DAF) organizations. Findings revealed Social Influence had the potential to positively influence Behavioral Intention to use digital tools, but military experience did not significantly moderate this relationship. However, past experience with the legacy tool and …


Assessing The Feasibility Of Managed Aquifer Recharge For The United States Air Force, Daniel Hendrix Mar 2025

Assessing The Feasibility Of Managed Aquifer Recharge For The United States Air Force, Daniel Hendrix

Theses and Dissertations

Water stress is becoming an increasing global issue, with 4 billion people (50% of the world’s population) experiencing water stress at least one month per year. By 2050, 60% of the world’s population and $70 trillion USD in global gross domestic product will be affected. This research analyzes 78 CONUS USAF installations to determine location-specific water stress and feasible Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) solutions. Although thousands of MAR projects have been implemented globally, active-duty USAF installations have yet to contribute to solving this growing issue. Important factors such as required subsurface conditions, physical limitations, design, cost, and regulatory constraints are …


Enhancing Reliability Of A 3d Cargo Scanning System, Gabriel F. Bartolomei Mar 2025

Enhancing Reliability Of A 3d Cargo Scanning System, Gabriel F. Bartolomei

Theses and Dissertations

Recent advancements in 3D cargo scanning and machine learning offer solutions to improve cargo processing reliability. This study enhances a 3D cargo scanning system by addressing software crashes, connectivity failures, and image accuracy issues limiting its operational effectiveness. A systematic approach identified the primary causes of system failures. System updates were implemented, followed by 30 pre- and post-update trials to evaluate reliability improvements. Statistical t-tests showed a significant reduction in failures, although processing time slightly increased. Results indicated that targeted hardware and software updates enhanced cargo scanning efficiency and dependability. Future work will focus on refining sensor calibration, optimizing network …


Air-Based Chemical Patient Decontamination Methodologies For Arctic Regions Using Methly Salicylate As A Chemical Agent Surrogate On A Litter-Bound Manikin, Marcus D. Shadd Mar 2025

Air-Based Chemical Patient Decontamination Methodologies For Arctic Regions Using Methly Salicylate As A Chemical Agent Surrogate On A Litter-Bound Manikin, Marcus D. Shadd

Theses and Dissertations

This study evaluated a mobile air shower for patient decontamination without disrobing or rinsing, an alternative for Arctic conditions where water is scarce. A manikin in extreme cold weather gear was exposed to 10 µL of methyl salicylate (MeS), a sulfur mustard surrogate, and placed in a horizontal chamber on a military litter. Airborne MeS was measured using a ppbRAE 3000 detector to assess inhalation risk for the patient and decontamination team. Three methods were tested: an air-knife system, paper towels, and no decontamination, with 10 trials each (30 total). ANOVA analysis showed significant reductions in airborne MeS with air-knife …


Calibrating Airfield Pavement Asset Management For A Changing Global Climate: A Case Study At Fairchild Air Force Base, Emily L. Worthy Mar 2025

Calibrating Airfield Pavement Asset Management For A Changing Global Climate: A Case Study At Fairchild Air Force Base, Emily L. Worthy

Theses and Dissertations

Military airfields and civilian airports serve as foundational nodes in the global transportation network, enabling travel, economic growth, and the projection of national security. This study investigates the relationship between climate variables projected through climate change and pavement degradation, with a focus on Fairchild Air Force Base (AFB). Using principal component regression (PCR), the research integrates historical pavement condition index (PCI) data with climate variables, including snowfall, precipitation, freeze-thaw cycles, solar irradiance, and wind speed to develop a predictive model of pavement performance under future climate scenarios, Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 4.5 and RCP 8.5. These models, for both Portland …


A Reinforcement Learning Approach For Maneuvering And Firing Decisions In Sead Operations, Nathaniel Garcia Mar 2025

A Reinforcement Learning Approach For Maneuvering And Firing Decisions In Sead Operations, Nathaniel Garcia

Theses and Dissertations

The integration of automated processes in defense continues to expand, enhancing the lethality of military forces. Artificial intelligence accelerates decision-making cycles, removes the constraints of human-operated hardware, and improves coordination by enabling seamless integration across multiple systems. Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) missions are critical to the United States (U.S.) military, as they neutralize hostile air defense systems, ensuring air superiority and enabling safe and effective operations for aircraft in contested environments. Therefore, it is necessary to pair emerging autonomous capabilities with an important mission set in defense. This research investigates the Autonomous Unmanned Air-to-Ground Strike (AUAGS) problem, modeling …


An Analysis Of Hardware Modification Cost: A Test Of A 1:1 Ratio Heuristic, Oluwasegun Faleye Mar 2025

An Analysis Of Hardware Modification Cost: A Test Of A 1:1 Ratio Heuristic, Oluwasegun Faleye

Theses and Dissertations

Accurate cost estimation for Department of Defense (DoD) hardware modification programs remains a critical challenge due to the complexity of Group A and Group B modifications and their associated installation costs. This study evaluates the validity of a 1:1 ratio heuristic, which suggests that Group A modification kits combined with installation costs should equate to the costs of Group B modification kits. This study analyzes cost relationships across system types and modification categories using a dataset of 255 modification programs from the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC). Statistical methods, including means tables and regression modeling, evaluate the validity …


Cloud One Migration Duration And Its Drivers, Grayson T. Hall Mar 2025

Cloud One Migration Duration And Its Drivers, Grayson T. Hall

Theses and Dissertations

As modern warfare evolves with rapid technological advancements, cloud computing plays a critical role in managing the vast amounts of data required for real-time decision making, as well as enabling seamless organizational access to mission-critical programs and information from around the globe. Recognizing its importance, the Department of Defense (DoD) identified cloud computing as essential for maintaining the military’s technological edge. However, despite cloud computing’s strategic significance, the DoD faces challenges in successfully implementing department-wide cloud computing. In contrast, the Air Force’s cloud computing environment, Cloud One, is fully operational and has already integrated over 145 systems into its platform. …


Using Mbse To Facilitate Integration And Stakeholder Support For Autonomous Aerial Refueling Flight Test, Kevin G. Keth Mar 2025

Using Mbse To Facilitate Integration And Stakeholder Support For Autonomous Aerial Refueling Flight Test, Kevin G. Keth

Theses and Dissertations

he Department of Defense has pushed to implement Digital Material Management, to include Engineering (DE) and Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) into acquisition processes, publishing various supporting documents such as the Systems Engineering Guidebook, DoDI 5000.97 Digital Engineering, and DoD Reference Architecture Description. DE and MBSE aims to establish a digital authoritative source of truth accessible to all stakeholders responsible for system architecture. However, within multidisciplinary teams, individuals often come from diverse professional backgrounds unrelated to DE and systems engineering, making it challenging to fully leverage the benefits of the digital model. This paper describes an MBSE model that adopts a …


Evaluating The Performance Of Conformal Prediction Generated Uncertainty Sets In Robust Optimization, Zion C. Johnson Mar 2025

Evaluating The Performance Of Conformal Prediction Generated Uncertainty Sets In Robust Optimization, Zion C. Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

Uncertainty is a major challenge in optimization, especially in problems where unpredictable costs impact decision-making. Robust optimization addresses this by modeling uncertainty via uncertainty sets. These sets are then used such that solutions hold under worst-case scenarios, with success depending on the accuracy of the uncertainty sets. This research examines the use of conformal prediction to construct uncertainty sets for RO, an approach that has not been widely explored. We test split and full conformal prediction in a robust optimization minimum cost flow problem, and comparing them to interval-based and normal-based ellipsoidal uncertainty sets. Experiments run across different network structures …


Developing Core Competencies For The Air Force Civil Engineer Asset Management Career Field, David A. Rochester Mar 2025

Developing Core Competencies For The Air Force Civil Engineer Asset Management Career Field, David A. Rochester

Theses and Dissertations

The United States Air Force (USAF) relies on a highly trained and capable workforce to maintain and manage its infrastructure, ensuring mission readiness and operational effectiveness. However, the increasing complexity of asset management, aging infrastructure, and evolving global threats necessitate a structured approach to developing the competencies required for Air Force Civil Engineer Asset Managers. This research aims to identify, develop, and validate core competencies specific to this career field, utilizing a structured methodology that combines an Education Working Group (EWG) with a Delphi study. The study begins with an expert-led EWG to generate an initial list of competencies based …


Radiation Assessment And Distribution In Changing Atmospheric Structures And Turbulence (Radcast), Steven B. Hernandez Mar 2025

Radiation Assessment And Distribution In Changing Atmospheric Structures And Turbulence (Radcast), Steven B. Hernandez

Theses and Dissertations

The accessibility of materials and online information has made radiological dispersal devices (RDDs) a more probable threat than conventional nuclear weapons. This study analyzed five datasets from three test periods, using a correlation analysis between optical turbulence, aerosol concentration, and environmental parameters, and geometric mean diameter (GMD) calculations. The correlation analysis failed to yield meaningful insights, prompted a transition to the GMD analysis, which produced clearer results. Findings show GMD ranged from 38–41 nm, increasing at night and during neutral events as reduced vertical motion and boundary layer contraction correlated with optical turbulence. An alternative GMD dataset, calculated by the …


Numerical Studies Of Semiclassical Light Storage Using The Coherent Atomic Transfer Function, Zachary T. Johnson Mar 2025

Numerical Studies Of Semiclassical Light Storage Using The Coherent Atomic Transfer Function, Zachary T. Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

Quantum communication through photons relies on photonic storage to preserve quantum states. However, when photons interact with matter, quantum information becomes distorted. A recently developed semi-classical analytical model predicts output light pulses from an electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) system. Using the predictions, the model known as the Coherent Atomic Transfer (CAT) Function, is capable of predicting the stored pulse or reconstructing the original pulse. Using numerical convolution and deconvolution with the CAT function as an analog of the point spread function of Fourier optics can provide insights on the effects of EIT storage on the retrieved pulse. Blind deconvolution is …


Transfer Efficiencies Of Surface-To-Surface Transport Of Micron-Sized Actinide Surrogate Particles, Austin R. Powell Mar 2025

Transfer Efficiencies Of Surface-To-Surface Transport Of Micron-Sized Actinide Surrogate Particles, Austin R. Powell

Theses and Dissertations

Particle effluent of varying sizes is released during routine activities within laboratory environments and these particles can come in contact with a wide range of surfaces. Particles of micron size or smaller can be especially pervasive and can transfer between multiple subsequent surfaces, leading to the progressive contamination of a laboratory. Understanding the transport dynamics of micron sized particles will help inform facility personnel of the possibility of contamination by these potentially hazardous materials of interest. In this research, the transfer efficiency of micron sized surrogate actinide particles (Europium-doped Gadolinium Oxysulfide (EGOS)) is measured for multiple materials, between two particle …


Characterization Of The Neutron Spectrum Produced By A Pulsed Power Generator, Daniel S. Godlasky Mar 2025

Characterization Of The Neutron Spectrum Produced By A Pulsed Power Generator, Daniel S. Godlasky

Theses and Dissertations

Neutron time-of-flight, activation foils, and spectral unfolding software were used to characterize the energy and fluence of the neutron spectrum created by the Gamble II pulsed power generator. Gamble II is a pulsed power generator that delivers a 1 MV to 2.2 MV and 800 kA electrical pulse peaking at 50 ns. This electrical release creates deuterium ions in the diode that are accelerated to a neutron converter covered with a novel lithium fluoride or deuterated polyethylene to create primarily 7Li(d,n) or D(d,n) and 12C(d,n) nuclear reactions. In October 2024, two D(d,n) shots occurred, and in November 2024, …


Measurements Of The Radioisotope Production Cross Section Of 193Ir(N,N')193mIr Between 0.5–9 Mev, Ronnie P. Rera Mar 2025

Measurements Of The Radioisotope Production Cross Section Of 193Ir(N,N')193mIr Between 0.5–9 Mev, Ronnie P. Rera

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis covers a measurements of the radioisotope production cross section of 193Ir(n,n′) 193mIr between 0.5–9 MeV is discussed. The experiment was performed at the University of Notre Dame St.ANA 5U accelerator laboratory. Experimental planning, data collection, analysis, results, and impacts are discussed.


Grassmannian Codes From Stratified Frames, William J. Brinkley Mar 2025

Grassmannian Codes From Stratified Frames, William J. Brinkley

Theses and Dissertations

An equichordal tight fusion frame (ECTFF) is a finite sequence of equi-dimensional subspaces of a Euclidean space that achieves equality in Conway, Hardin and Sloane's simplex bound. Every ECTFF is an optimal Grassmannian code with respect to the chordal distance. We introduce a method for constructing an ECTFF from any finite sequence of unit norm tight frames that happen to be stratified in a certain sense. We moreover show how to construct stratified unit norm tight frames from a difference family for a finite abelian group, as well as from a suitable combination of a resolvable balanced incomplete block design …


Reflected Laser Light As A Diagnostic Insight For Femtosecond Laser-Plasma Coupling, David S. Stiles Mar 2025

Reflected Laser Light As A Diagnostic Insight For Femtosecond Laser-Plasma Coupling, David S. Stiles

Theses and Dissertations

High-energy laser technology is critical for military, scientific, and industrial applications, but traditional mixed-radiation facilities are hindered by cost, scheduling constraints, and lack of portability. A high-repetition-rate, cost-effective alternative is needed to meet evolving application needs and timelines. This study investigates changes in reflected laser intensity to diagnose coupling efficiency and optimize energetic particle generation in ultraintense laser-target interactions. Using an ultraintense 35 femtosecond, 9 - 12 mJ laser and a deuterated water target, reflected laser light was captured via high-resolution imaging, while energetic electron and X-ray data were collected using a custom spectrometer and ion chamber, respectively. Statistical analysis …


Implications Of Magnetic Evolution On Coronal Loop Thermal Variation Prior To Solar Flares, Kara L. Kniezewski Mar 2025

Implications Of Magnetic Evolution On Coronal Loop Thermal Variation Prior To Solar Flares, Kara L. Kniezewski

Theses and Dissertations

Solar flares are intense bursts of electromagnetic radiation, which occur due to a rapid destabilization and reconnection of the magnetic field. While flares are a magnetic phenomena, very little attention has been paid to thermal conditions in the corona prior to flare onset. This study serves as a follow-on to Kniezewski et al., 2024, where the EUV emission from coronal loops was observed to vary substantially and without any coherence between channels before 53 off-limb flares. These variations suggest multiple mechanisms within the coronal magnetic field are responsible for heating fluctuations. Here, the 3D magnetic field is modeled using a …


Universal Model Based Systems Engineering Rendezvous And Proximity Operations Mission Planner, Thomas J. Kelly Mar 2025

Universal Model Based Systems Engineering Rendezvous And Proximity Operations Mission Planner, Thomas J. Kelly

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis addresses the fragmentation and inefficiencies in current Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) mission planning by developing an integrated Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) framework. The research explores the design and implementation of RPO missions using System Modeling Language (SysML) and Matlab-based physics simulation to improve mission planning processes. Key objectives include the standardization of mission requirement characterization, the development of evaluation criteria for mission plans, and the implementation of iterative design methods to refine RPO strategies. The study leverages the Hill-Clohessy-Wiltshire (HCW) equations for initial mission planning, incorporating rigid-body attitude control with properties generated from the physical description, and …


Fatigue Behavior Of Two Advanced C/Sic Composites At 1200°C In Air, Conner A. Adams Mar 2025

Fatigue Behavior Of Two Advanced C/Sic Composites At 1200°C In Air, Conner A. Adams

Theses and Dissertations

High-temperature tension-tension fatigue behavior of two advanced carbon/silicon carbide (C/SiC) ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) was investigated. Both composites were reinforced with T300 carbon fibers. Laminated carbon fiber preforms consisted of 24 plies of plain weave fabric in a 0/90 layup. The first composite, C/CVI-SiC, was processed by chemical vapor infiltration (CVI) of SiC into the fiber preform. Prior to the CVI process, the fiber preforms were coated with a duplex pyrolytic carbon and boron carbide fiber coating to create a weak fiber- matrix interphase. The second composite, C/HYPR-SiC, was also processed via CVI, but had an oxidation inhibited matrix comprising …


Adiabatic And Overall Effectiveness Superposition Theory For Upstream Phantom Cooling On A Film Cooled Leading Edge, Nathaniel J. Stout Mar 2025

Adiabatic And Overall Effectiveness Superposition Theory For Upstream Phantom Cooling On A Film Cooled Leading Edge, Nathaniel J. Stout

Theses and Dissertations

Film cooling experimentation aims to improve the cooling performance while minimizing the amount of coolant flow redirected from the compressor. The coolant flow that is used for film cooling reduces the maximum thrust any gas turbine engine can produce. Finding creative ways to improve cooling performance without increasing the amount of coolant used, like phantom cooling, is essential for the gas turbine industry to improve engine performance while increasing turbine components’ lifespan. Phantom cooling refers to any secondary cooling effect that propagates downstream from its original cooling application to cool subsequent turbine components. Phantom cooling is actively gaining more attention …


Heterogeneous Boid Swarm Performance Under Environmental And Neighbor Communication Link Variability, Jonathan C. Oxborrow Mar 2025

Heterogeneous Boid Swarm Performance Under Environmental And Neighbor Communication Link Variability, Jonathan C. Oxborrow

Theses and Dissertations

Artificial swarms are of growing interest in numerous fields and use cases. As their utilization increases drones and robots with different capabilities will be required to coordinate for task completion thus creating heterogeneous swarms. Swarm individuals generally communicate with all neighbors inside their sensor range generating a significant amount of message traffic. Previous research of a heterogeneous group in a non-physical environment has shown that restricting communication to only one neighbor of each different capability maintained performance. This work applies that finding to a heterogeneous boid swarm with the addition of varied environmental conditions. The swarm is comprised of three …


Fatigue Behavior Of An Advanced Sic/Sic Composite With An Array Of Small Cooling Holes At 1200°C, Tess K. Panchyshyn Mar 2025

Fatigue Behavior Of An Advanced Sic/Sic Composite With An Array Of Small Cooling Holes At 1200°C, Tess K. Panchyshyn

Theses and Dissertations

Tension-tension fatigue behavior of an advanced melt-infiltrated (MI) silicon carbide/silicon carbide (SiC/SiC) composite was evaluated, and basic tensile properties measured, at 1200°C in laboratory air.  The composite consists of a melt-infiltrated SiC matrix reinforced with laminated Hi-Nicalon Type-S fibers woven in a 5-harness satin weave. The Hi-Nicalon-S fiber preforms were coated with a boron nitride (BN) fiber coating by chemical vapor infiltration (CVI). The melt-infiltrated matrix was consolidated by combining CVI-SiC with SiC particulate slurry and molten silicon infiltration. The finished ceramic matrix composite (CMC) had a fiber volume fraction of 33%. Additionally, the effect of multiple small holes on …


Creating And Analyzing Space Vehicle Seit/Pm Factors, Jordan A. Bosco Mar 2025

Creating And Analyzing Space Vehicle Seit/Pm Factors, Jordan A. Bosco

Theses and Dissertations

The Department of Defense relies on accurate cost estimation to inform budget decisions. Beyond being a critical component of the Defense Acquisition System, cost estimation is a legal requirement in the budgeting process. Cost analysts, therefore, have both a fiduciary and statutory responsibility to produce realistic estimates. Among the many elements of a space system cost estimate is Space Vehicle Systems Engineering, Integration & Test, and Program Management (SEIT/PM). While existing factors aid in estimating SEIT/PM, Space Systems Command is interested in research in alternatives to the current methods and crosschecks for those methods. This study develops a set of …


The Application Of Decision Analysis Theory For Space Allocation At The Air Force Institute Of Technology, Damian N. Soriano Mar 2025

The Application Of Decision Analysis Theory For Space Allocation At The Air Force Institute Of Technology, Damian N. Soriano

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigates the application of Decision Analysis Theory to optimize space allocation at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT). Through a Multi-Objective Decision Analysis (MODA) framework, this study addresses existing methodologies for space allocation in military, academic, and office settings; the rules, limitations, and factors influencing space utilization at AFIT; and approaches to improve office and lab allocations for institutional efficiency and fairness. This research incorporates qualitative and quantitative metrics, including faculty and student data, research outputs, and historical space usage. These findings highlight significant complexities in space allocation, particularly in reconciling administrative and research requirements with structural …


Mediating And Moderating Effects Of Job Satisfaction, Organizational Commitment, Perceptions Of External Markets, And Work-Life Balance On Employee Retention, Naya J. Gillespie Mar 2025

Mediating And Moderating Effects Of Job Satisfaction, Organizational Commitment, Perceptions Of External Markets, And Work-Life Balance On Employee Retention, Naya J. Gillespie

Theses and Dissertations

Employee retention remains a critical challenge for organizations across industries, particularly in environments with high turnover rates and competitive external job markets. This thesis examines the correlations between organizational commitment, job satisfaction, work-life balance, and perceptions of external job markets to uncover their collective and individual impacts on employee retention. Using quantitative research design, data was collected through an online survey of 240 participants across various hierarchical levels. Key findings indicate that organizational commitment and job satisfaction significantly influence retention, with job satisfaction also serving as a mediator between organizational commitment and turnover intentions. Work-life balance plays a direct role …


Quantum Ghost Imaging Through An Atmospheric Turbulence Simulator, Mikaela R. Morris Mar 2025

Quantum Ghost Imaging Through An Atmospheric Turbulence Simulator, Mikaela R. Morris

Theses and Dissertations

The use of single photons and photon pairs has become a cornerstone for new developments in the sensing and imaging community for their ability to improve image resolution and signal to noise readings in low light environments and large standoff distances. Quantum imaging techniques have an ability to overcome the fundamental limits of classical imaging, like diffraction. Quantum ghost imaging, a specific type of quantum imaging, uses a bi-photon pair produced during the process of spontaneous parametric down conversion to produce an image. The pair is split using a beam splitter, the signal photon is transmitted through an aperture and …


Investigation Of Neutron Inelastic Scatter Cross Sections On 16O, Molly A. Wakeling Mar 2025

Investigation Of Neutron Inelastic Scatter Cross Sections On 16O, Molly A. Wakeling

Theses and Dissertations

Nuclear data underpin a number of applications across nuclear reactor design, medicine, astrophysics, nonproliferation, national security, and other related fields. However, data are conflicting or missing across the spectrum of isotopes and reactions, and theoretical calculations can only go so far to predict nuclear properties. A key reaction with incomplete data is neutron inelastic scatter on 16O, which reduces neutron energies and produces high-energy gamma rays that are often not taken into account in simulations of nuclear reactors, nuclear weapon detonations, nuclear fusion, and other areas. To fill these gaps, the Gamma-Energy Neutron-Energy Spectrometer for Inelastic Scattering, or GENESIS, …


Deep Reinforcement Learning For Leo Satellite Grouping, James E. Minteer Mar 2025

Deep Reinforcement Learning For Leo Satellite Grouping, James E. Minteer

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigates jamming evasion using DRL to provide an autonomous solution that repositions a geostationary satellite experiencing directed, terrestrial based jamming. Second, this thesis applies DRL to an area of research for LEO satellite constellations, user grouping, using a portion of an Air Force Research Lab reinforcement learning framework. As LEO satellites orbit the earth, they must constantly re-evaluate not only which users they are able to connect to, but on which of its multiple beams. This model succeeds in finding a balance between maximizing signal strength and minimizing overhead from switching user assignments, all while requiring fewer costly …