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Articles 1 - 30 of 62
Full-Text Articles in Engineering
Wavefront Curvature Sensing From Image Projections, Jonathan C. Buffington
Wavefront Curvature Sensing From Image Projections, Jonathan C. Buffington
Theses and Dissertations
This research outlines the development and simulation of a signal processing approach to real time wavefront curvature sensing in adaptive optics. The signal processing approach combines vectorized Charge Coupled Device (CCD) read out with a wavefront modal estimation technique. The wavefront sensing algorithm analyzes vector projections of image intensity data to provide an estimate of the wavefront phase as a combination of several low order Zernike polynomial modes. This wavefront sensor design expands on an existing idea for vector based tilt sensing by providing the ability to compensate for additional modes. Under the proposed wavefront sensing approach, the physical wavefront …
Reconstructing Spectral Scenes Using Statistical Estimation To Enhance Space Situational Awareness, Travis F. Blake
Reconstructing Spectral Scenes Using Statistical Estimation To Enhance Space Situational Awareness, Travis F. Blake
Theses and Dissertations
A new sensor, the Advanced Electro-Optical System (AEOS) Spectral Imaging Sensor (ASIS) has been developed at the Maui Space Surveillance Complex (MSSC). ASIS is capable of collecting resolved imagery of space objects in 10's-100's of spectral bands while using an adaptive optics system. However, the stringent requirements of collecting ground-based images requires a sensor that induces spectral blurring. Post-processing algorithms to remove this blurring are required to fully exploit these spectral images. This research focuses on developing the reconstruction algorithms, based on proven estimation theories, required to spectrally deblur the images collected from ASIS. Additionally, the research will expand the …
Robust Estimation Of Mahalanobis Distance In Hyperspectral Images, Eduardo C. Meidunas
Robust Estimation Of Mahalanobis Distance In Hyperspectral Images, Eduardo C. Meidunas
Theses and Dissertations
This dissertation develops new estimation methods that fit Johnson distributions and generalized Pareto distributions to hyperspectral Mahalanobis distances. The Johnson distribution fit is optimized using a new method which monitors the second derivative behavior of exceedance probability to mitigate potential outlier effects. This univariate distribution is then used to derive an elliptically contoured multivariate density model for the pixel data. The generalized Pareto distribution models are optimized by a new two-pass method that estimates the tail-index parameter. This method minimizes the mean squared fitting error by correcting parameter values using data distance information from an initial pass. A unique method …
Lightweight In-Plane Actuated Deformable Mirrors For Space Telescopes, Michael J. Shepherd
Lightweight In-Plane Actuated Deformable Mirrors For Space Telescopes, Michael J. Shepherd
Theses and Dissertations
This research focused on lightweight, in-plane actuated, deformable mirrors, with the ultimate goal of developing a 20- meter light gathering aperture for space telescopes. The 0.127 meter diameter deformable mirror small scale testbed was modelled infinite elements using MSC.Nastran software and then used as a basis for a quasi-static controller. Experimental tracking of Zernike tip, tilt, and defocus modes was accomplished. The analytical solutions to plate-membrane and beam-string ordinary differential equations were developed. A simplified approach to modelling the axisymmetric cases was also presented. A novel static control strategy, the Modal Transformation Method, was developed to form Zernike surfaces within …
Dual Fine Tracking Control Of A Satellite Laser Communication Uplink, Louis A. Noble
Dual Fine Tracking Control Of A Satellite Laser Communication Uplink, Louis A. Noble
Theses and Dissertations
A dual fine tracking control system (FTCS) is developed for a single aperture optical communication receiver to compensate for high frequency disturbances affecting tracking of two incident laser communication beams. The optical communication receiver resides within a payload module aboard a geosynchronous satellite, while each laser communication transmitter is housed within a module aboard a high altitude unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). In addition to platform specific disturbances, the impact of atmospheric optical disturbances affecting tracking error are investigated. The system dynamics and FTCS are modeled and evaluated in MATLAB and SIMULINK. An optimal controller is developed to mitigate these disturbances …
A General Framework For Analyzing, Characterizing, And Implementing Spectrally Modulated, Spectrally Encoded Signals, Marcus L. Roberts
A General Framework For Analyzing, Characterizing, And Implementing Spectrally Modulated, Spectrally Encoded Signals, Marcus L. Roberts
Theses and Dissertations
Fourth generation (4G) communications will support many capabilities while providing universal, high speed access. One potential enabler for these capabilities is software defined radio (SDR). When controlled by cognitive radio (CR) principles, the required waveform diversity is achieved via a synergistic union called CR-based SDR. Research is rapidly progressing in SDR hardware and software venues, but current CR-based SDR research lacks the theoretical foundation and analytic framework to permit efficient implementation. This limitation is addressed here by introducing a general framework for analyzing, characterizing, and implementing spectrally modulated, spectrally encoded (SMSE) signals within CR-based SDR architectures. Given orthogonal frequency division …
Fusion Of Imaging And Inertial Sensors For Navigation, Michael J. Veth
Fusion Of Imaging And Inertial Sensors For Navigation, Michael J. Veth
Theses and Dissertations
The motivation of this research is to address the limitations of satellite-based navigation by fusing imaging and inertial systems. The research begins by rigorously describing the imaging and navigation problem and developing practical models of the sensors, then presenting a transformation technique to detect features within an image. Given a set of features, a statistical feature projection technique is developed which utilizes inertial measurements to predict vectors in the feature space between images. This coupling of the imaging and inertial sensors at a deep level is then used to aid the statistical feature matching function. The feature matches and inertial …
Navigation Using Signals Of Opportunity In The Am Transmission Band, Jonathan A. Mcellroy
Navigation Using Signals Of Opportunity In The Am Transmission Band, Jonathan A. Mcellroy
Theses and Dissertations
Maintaining a precision navigation solution both in a GPS hostile jamming environment and also in a GPS non-compatible terrain area is of great importance. To that end, this thesis evaluates the ability to navigate using signals from the AM band of the electromagnetic spectrum (520 to 1710 kHz). Navigation position estimates are done using multi-lateration techniques similar to GPS. However, pseudoranges are created using Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA) distances between a reference receiver and a mobile receiver, allowing the mobile receiver to obtain absolute position estimates over time. Four methods were developed for estimating the cross-correlation peak within a …
Fast Scene Based Nonuniformity Correction With Minimal Temporal Latency, Christopher A. Rice
Fast Scene Based Nonuniformity Correction With Minimal Temporal Latency, Christopher A. Rice
Theses and Dissertations
The focus of this research was to derive a new algorithm for correction of gain nonuniformities in LIDAR focal plane arrays using as few frames as possible. Because of the current low production rate of LIDAR focal plane arrays there is a natural tendency for extreme nonuniformities to exist on a pixel by pixel basis as the manufacturing technique has not yet been perfected. Generally, nonuniformity correction techniques require a large number of frames and/or have obscure requirements on the translational shifts in the input image frames. This thesis presents a solution for finding multiplicative nonuniformities that exist in a …
Laser Covariance Vibrometry For Unsymmetrical Mode Detection, Michael C. Kobold
Laser Covariance Vibrometry For Unsymmetrical Mode Detection, Michael C. Kobold
Theses and Dissertations
Simulated cross - spectral covariance (CSC) from optical return from simulated surface vibration indicates CW phase modulation may be an appropriate phenomenology for adequate classification of vehicles by structural mode. The nonlinear structural to optical relationship is close to unity, avoiding nulls and high values; optical return contains sufficient spectral ID information necessary for data clustering. The FE model has contact between the homogeneous rolled armor and vehicle hull, a simple multi - layer skin model typical of most vehicles. Most of the high frequency energy moved to lower frequencies. This nonlinearity segments contact vibration modes into two classes: symmetrical …
Blind Deconvolution Of Anisoplanatic Images Collected By A Partially Coherent Imaging System, Adam Macdonald
Blind Deconvolution Of Anisoplanatic Images Collected By A Partially Coherent Imaging System, Adam Macdonald
Theses and Dissertations
Coherent imaging systems offer unique benefits to system operators in terms of resolving power, range gating, selective illumination and utility for applications where passively illuminated targets have limited emissivity or reflectivity. This research proposes a novel blind deconvolution algorithm that is based on a maximum a posteriori Bayesian estimator constructed upon a physically based statistical model for the intensity of the partially coherent light at the imaging detector. The estimator is initially constructed using a shift-invariant system model, and is later extended to the case of a shift-variant optical system by the addition of a transfer function term that quantifies …
Managing Bandwidth And Traffic Via Bundling And Filtration In Large-Scale Distributed Simulations, Roberto C. Sánchez
Managing Bandwidth And Traffic Via Bundling And Filtration In Large-Scale Distributed Simulations, Roberto C. Sánchez
Theses and Dissertations
Research has shown that bandwidth can be a limiting factor in the performance of distributed simulations. The Air Force's Distributed Mission Operations Center (DMOC) periodically hosts one of the largest distributed simulation events in the world. The engineers at the DMOC have dealt with the difficult problem of limited bandwidth by implementing application level filters that process all DIS PDUs between the various networks connected to the exercise. This thesis examines their implemented filter and proposes: adaptive range-based filtering and bundling together of PDUs. The goals are to reduce the number of PDUs passed by the adaptive filter and to …
Fast Video Stabilization Algorithms, Mohammed A. Alharbi
Fast Video Stabilization Algorithms, Mohammed A. Alharbi
Theses and Dissertations
A fast and robust electronic video stabilization algorithm is presented in this thesis. It is based on a two-dimensional feature-based motion estimation technique. The method tracks a small set of features and estimates the movement of the camera between consecutive frames. It is used to characterize the motions accurately including camera rotations between two imaging instants. An affine motion model is utilized to determine the parameters of translation and rotation between images. The determined affine transformation is then exploited to compensate for the abrupt temporal discontinuities of input image sequences. Also, a frequency domain approach is developed to estimate translations …
Active Fpga Security Through Decoy Circuits, Bradley D. Christiansen
Active Fpga Security Through Decoy Circuits, Bradley D. Christiansen
Theses and Dissertations
Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) based on Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) are vulnerable to tampering attacks such as readback and cloning attacks. Such attacks enable the reverse engineering of the design programmed into an FPGA. To counter such attacks, measures that protect the design with low performance penalties should be employed. This research proposes a method which employs the addition of active decoy circuits to protect SRAM FPGAs from reverse engineering. The effects of the protection method on security, execution time, power consumption, and FPGA resource usage are quantified. The method significantly increases the security of the design with …
Evaluation Of The Effects Of Predicted Associativity On The Reliability And Performance Of Mobile Ad Hoc Networks, Esteban Francisco Sanchez
Evaluation Of The Effects Of Predicted Associativity On The Reliability And Performance Of Mobile Ad Hoc Networks, Esteban Francisco Sanchez
Theses and Dissertations
Routing in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANETs) presents unique challenges not encountered in conventional networks. Predicted Associativity Routing (PAR) is a protocol designed to address reliability in MANETs. Using associativity information, PAR calculates the expected lifetime of neighboring links. Nodes use this expected lifetime, and their neighbor's connectivity to determine a residual lifetime. The routes are selected from those with the longest residual lifetimes. In this way, PAR attempts to improve the reliability of discovered routes. PAR is compared to AODV using a variety of reliability and performance metrics. Despite its focus on reliability, PAR does not provide more reliable …
Performance-Metric Driven Atmospheric Compensation For Robust Free-Space Laser Communication, Peter N. Crabtree
Performance-Metric Driven Atmospheric Compensation For Robust Free-Space Laser Communication, Peter N. Crabtree
Theses and Dissertations
The effect of turbulence on laser propagation is a significant challenge to current electro-optical systems. While atmospheric compensation techniques in space object imaging and high-energy laser weapons have been thoroughly investigated, optimizing these techniques for Laser Communication (LaserCom) has not been examined to the same degree. Average Strehl ratio is the typical design metric for current atmospheric compensation systems. However, fade probability is the relevant metric for LaserCom. This difference motivated the investigation into metric-driven atmospheric compensation. Metric-based tracking techniques for fade mitigation is the first major focus of this research. In a moderate range air-to-air scenario, focal plane spot …
Uncertainty Estimation For Target Detection System Discrimination And Confidence Performance Metrics, David R. Parker
Uncertainty Estimation For Target Detection System Discrimination And Confidence Performance Metrics, David R. Parker
Theses and Dissertations
This research uses a Bayesian framework to develop probability densities for target detection system performance metrics. The metrics include the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the confidence error generation (CEG) curve. The ROC curve is a discrimination metric that quantifies how well a detection system separates targets and non-targets, and the CEG curve indicates how well the detection system estimates its own confidence. The degree of uncertainty in these metrics is a concern that previous research has not adequately addressed. This research formulates probability densities of the metrics and characterizes their uncertainty using confidence bands. Additional statistics are obtained …
Adaptive Illumination Patterns For Radar Applications, Phillip M. Corbell
Adaptive Illumination Patterns For Radar Applications, Phillip M. Corbell
Theses and Dissertations
The fundamental goal of Fully Adaptive Radar (FAR) involves full exploitation of the joint, synergistic adaptivity of the radar's transmitter and receiver. Little work has been done to exploit the joint space time Degrees-of-Freedom (DOF) available via an Active Electronically Steered Array (AESA) during the radar's transmit illumination cycle. This research introduces Adaptive Illumination Patterns (AIP) as a means for exploiting this previously untapped transmit DOF. This research investigates ways to mitigate clutter interference effects by adapting the illumination pattern on transmit. Two types of illumination pattern adaptivity were explored, termed Space Time Illumination Patterns (STIP) and Scene Adaptive Illumination …
Assessing The Potential For Improved Scramjet Performance Through Application Of Electromagnetic Flow Control, Martin F. Lindsey
Assessing The Potential For Improved Scramjet Performance Through Application Of Electromagnetic Flow Control, Martin F. Lindsey
Theses and Dissertations
Hypersonic flight using scramjet propulsion bridges the gap between turbojets and rockets. Recent efforts focus on magnetogasdynamic (MGD) flow control to mitigate the problems of high thermomechanical loads and low efficiencies associated with scramjets. This research is the first flight-scale, three-dimensional computational analysis of a realistic scramjet to assess how MGD flow control improves scramjet performance. Developing a quasi-one dimensional design tool culminated in the first open source scramjet geometry. This geometry was tested with the Air Force Research Laboratory's electromagnetic computational code. To increase fidelity, an algorithm was developed to incorporate thermochemistry, resulting in the only open-source model of …
Radiometric Analysis Of Daytime Satellite Detection, Katherine B. Lilevjen
Radiometric Analysis Of Daytime Satellite Detection, Katherine B. Lilevjen
Theses and Dissertations
A radiometric model for daylight satellite detection is developed and used to evaluate the effects of various parameters on signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Detection of reflected sunlight from a low-earth orbit, diffuse, planar satellite by a single-pixel infrared photovoltaic detector is considered. Noise considered includes photon noise from the background and signal, as well as thermal noise. Parameters considered include atmospheric conditions, optical parameters, and detector parameters. The Phillips Laboratory Expert-assisted User System, an atmospheric modeling tool that employs the MODTRAN and FASCODE transmission codes, is used to model wavelength-dependent atmospheric transmission and background radiance. The SNR is found to increase …
A Decision Model For Choosing Among Photovoltaic Technologies To Generate Electricity At Grid-Connected Air Force Facilities: A Value-Focused Approach, Mostyn O. Kellner
A Decision Model For Choosing Among Photovoltaic Technologies To Generate Electricity At Grid-Connected Air Force Facilities: A Value-Focused Approach, Mostyn O. Kellner
Theses and Dissertations
The United States is currently consuming fossil fuels faster than natural processes can replace them. Our nation's leaders recognize that a diverse energy portfolio including renewable energy is the key to maintaining our economy, security, and the environment. The federal government is by far the greatest energy consumer; thus, our nation's leaders have directed federal agencies to strive to increase the use of renewable energy at federal facilities. Solar electricity technologies, in the form of photovoltaics, have great potential in the renewable energy mix. Although a major strategy should be integrating photovoltaics into the design of new facilities, an important …
Analysis Of Photoconductive Properties In Ge2Sb2Te5 (Gst) Chalcogenide Films For Applications In Novel Electronics, John R. V. Chezem
Analysis Of Photoconductive Properties In Ge2Sb2Te5 (Gst) Chalcogenide Films For Applications In Novel Electronics, John R. V. Chezem
Theses and Dissertations
This thesis investigated the thermal phase-change properties in Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST) chalcogenide-based films and determined the feasibility of coupling the GST with photosensitive DNA material for novel optical device applications. Modeling and testing of GST were researched with the approach that GST would react as a resistive mechanism through thermal manipulation. A test structure was fabricated with a 2-micronmeter MEMS fabrication process. GST material was deposited (by RF sputtering) on the surface of the test structures. The GST was analyzed primarily in the amorphous to crystalline transition states due to more distinct changes in the resistance …
Evaluation And Analysis Of Node Localization Power Cost In Ad-Hoc Wireless Sensor Networks With Mobility, Brian A. Sessler
Evaluation And Analysis Of Node Localization Power Cost In Ad-Hoc Wireless Sensor Networks With Mobility, Brian A. Sessler
Theses and Dissertations
One of the key concerns with location-aware Ad-hoc Wireless Sensor Networks (AWSNs) is how sensor nodes determine their position. The inherent power limitations of an AWSN along with the requirement for long network lifetimes makes achieving fast and power-efficient localization vital. This research examines the cost (in terms of power) of network irregularities on communications and localization in an AWSN. The number of data bits transmitted and received are significantly affected by varying levels of mobility, node degree, and network shape. The concurrent localization approach, used by the APS-Euclidean algorithm, has significantly more accurate position estimates with a higher percentage …
Polar Phase Screens: A Comparison With Other Methods Of Random Phase Screen Generation, Rebecca J. Eckert
Polar Phase Screens: A Comparison With Other Methods Of Random Phase Screen Generation, Rebecca J. Eckert
Theses and Dissertations
This research provides the first organized comparison of random phase screen generation methods, including logarithmic polar Fourier series, using structure functions. Random phase screens are essential elements of simulating light propagation through turbulent media. In order to be effective, they must accurately reflect theory and be practical to implement. This research explains and evaluates three methods of generating random phase screens: using a Fourier series upon a polar frequency grid with logarithmic spacing; using the fast Fourier transform, with its Cartesian frequency grid; and using Zernike polynomials. It provides a comparison of the Polar Fourier Series technique with the two …
A Platform For Antenna Optimization With Numerical Electromagnetics Code Incorporated With Genetic Algorithms, Timothy L. Pitzer
A Platform For Antenna Optimization With Numerical Electromagnetics Code Incorporated With Genetic Algorithms, Timothy L. Pitzer
Theses and Dissertations
This thesis investigation presents a unique incorporation of the Method of Moments (MoM) with a Genetic Algorithm (GA). A GA is used in accord with the Numerical Electromagnetics Code, Version 4 (NEC4) to create and optimize typical wire antenna designs, including single elements and arrays. Design parameters for the antenna are defined and encoded into a chromosome composed of a series of numbers. The cost function associated with the specific antenna of interest is what quantifies improvement and, eventually, optimization. This cost function is created and used by the GA to evaluate the performance of a population of antenna designs. …
Combining Quality Of Service And Topology Control In Directional Hybrid Wireless Networks, Michael C. Erwin
Combining Quality Of Service And Topology Control In Directional Hybrid Wireless Networks, Michael C. Erwin
Theses and Dissertations
Recent advancements in information and communications technology are changing the information environment in both quantitative and qualitative measures. The developments in directional wireless capabilities necessitate the ability to model these new capabilities, especially in dynamic environments typical of military combat operations. This thesis establishes a foundation for the definition and consideration of the unique network characteristics and requirements introduced by this novel instance of the Network Design Problem (NDP). Developed are a Mixed-Integer Linear Program (MILP) formulation and two heuristic strategies for solving the NDP. A third solution strategy using the MILP formulation with a degree-constrained Minimum Spanning Tree starting …
Exploiting Semi-Directional Transceivers For Localization In Communication Systems, Andrew S. Crockford
Exploiting Semi-Directional Transceivers For Localization In Communication Systems, Andrew S. Crockford
Theses and Dissertations
Localization is the process of determining relative, as well as absolute, positions of communicating devices. Traditionally, the process is conducted using range or directional estimates. In contrast, this research uses weak information to form relatively tight bounds on possible locations of communicating devices. Under certain conditions, achieved location estimation results are strong. However, these results are highly sensitive to the operating conditions of the proposed networks. More significant results were obtained from specialized cases and that the application yields somewhat limited information for a general randomized network topology. Feasible localization results were found to be attainable but not necessarily practical …
Air Gap Error Compensation For Coaxial Transmission Line Method Of Electromagnetic Material Characterization, Ronald G. Fehlen
Air Gap Error Compensation For Coaxial Transmission Line Method Of Electromagnetic Material Characterization, Ronald G. Fehlen
Theses and Dissertations
This research analyzes material characterization measurements from 50 Mhz to 3.05 GHz where an axially symmetric air gap exists between the sample material and the inner or outer conductor. Higher order fields are excited by the air gap and are accounted for through modal analysis methods. A root search minimizes the difference between the calculated scattering parameters from the modal method and the experimentally measured scattering parameters. The root is the permittivity and permeability of the material. This method is tested with a non-magnetic material and a heavily loaded magnetic material. An error analysis based on dimension measurement uncertainty is …
Space-Time Adaptive Processing For Side-Looking Arrays With Platform Maneuver, John T. Buckreis
Space-Time Adaptive Processing For Side-Looking Arrays With Platform Maneuver, John T. Buckreis
Theses and Dissertations
This research effort develops a space-time adaptive processing (STAP) radar data model for the side-looking (SL) array with platform maneuver. A primary assumption of most STAP models is the absence of platform maneuver during the coherent processing interval (CPI). This research abandons the platform stationarity assumption, allowing platform pitch, roll, and yaw during the CPI. The model developed characterizes platform maneuver effects on the clutter spectrum, examines Matched Filter (MF) output Signal-to-Interference-plus-Noise-Ratio (SINR), and investigates maneuver impact on sample support homogeneity. The introduction of pitch marginally impacts MF SINR due to the lack of achieved azimuth resolution in this research, …
A Study Of Near Field Data Transformed To The Far Field For A Canonical Pec Scatterer, E. Matthew Cady
A Study Of Near Field Data Transformed To The Far Field For A Canonical Pec Scatterer, E. Matthew Cady
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this research was to analyze the error associated with the Image Based Near Field to Far Field Transformation (IB NFFFT) for a canonical perfectly electrically conductive (PEC) scatterer. This research compares two groups of data: far field RCS predicted by the IB NFFFT and far field RCS predicted by X-Patch. The IB NFFFT requires a complete set of calibrated monostatic near field scattering data of the object. A detailed description is given of the configuration of the measurement facilities and procedures that were required to obtain the calibrated near field scattering data, as well as the process …