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Articles 1 - 30 of 30
Full-Text Articles in Engineering
Evaluating Process Improvement Courses Of Action Through Modeling And Simulation, Joseph R. Owens
Evaluating Process Improvement Courses Of Action Through Modeling And Simulation, Joseph R. Owens
Theses and Dissertations
Quantifying an expected improvement when considering moderate-complexity changes to a process is time consuming and has potential to overlook stochastic effects. By modeling a process as a Numerical Design Structure Matrix (NDSM), simulating the proposed changes, and evaluating performance, quantification can be rapidly accomplished to understand stochastic effects. This thesis explores a method to evaluate complex process changes within Six Sigma DMAIC process improvement to identify the most desirable outcome amongst several improvement options. A tool to perform the modeling and evaluation is developed. This process evaluation tool is verified for functionality, then is demonstrated against generic processes, a case …
Effect Of Fused Filament Fabrication Process Parameters On The Mechanical Properties Of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers, Abdulrahman S. Alwabel
Effect Of Fused Filament Fabrication Process Parameters On The Mechanical Properties Of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers, Abdulrahman S. Alwabel
Theses and Dissertations
Carbon fiber reinforced polymer manufactured using additive manufacturing process is relatively a new process. The ability to predict the mechanical properties of these parts with high confidence will spread the use of these high-strength materials in more applications. The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of the build time between successive layers, arrangement of fiber and nylon layers, fiber start location, and the use of support material on the mechanical properties CFRP produced by additive manufacturing process using the MarkForged (MarkOne) 3D printer. A design of experiment (DOE) we preformed to develop a mathematical model describing the …
Forecasting Us Army Enlistment Contract Production In Complex Geographical Marketing Areas, Joshua L. Mcdonald, Edward D. White, Raymond R. Hill, Christian Pardo
Forecasting Us Army Enlistment Contract Production In Complex Geographical Marketing Areas, Joshua L. Mcdonald, Edward D. White, Raymond R. Hill, Christian Pardo
Faculty Publications
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate an improved method for forecasting the US Army recruiting. Design/methodology/approach: Time series methods, regression modeling, principle components and marketing research are included in this paper. Findings: This paper found the unique ability of multiple statistical methods applied to a forecasting context to consider the effects of inputs that are controlled to some degree by a decision maker. Research limitations/implications: This work will successfully inform the US Army recruiting leadership on how this improved methodology will improve their recruitment process.
Practical implications: Improved US Army analytical technique for forecasting recruiting goals.
Improving Resource Management In The Afghan Air Force, Jonathan D. Ritschel, Tamiko L. Ritschel
Improving Resource Management In The Afghan Air Force, Jonathan D. Ritschel, Tamiko L. Ritschel
Faculty Publications
The nascent Afghan Air Force (AAF) is rapidly changing with new platforms programmed and existing platforms expanding. As US and coalition forces draw down, the transition of financial responsibility from American to Afghan processes is on the horizon.
A Portfolio Decision Analysis Study For Improving Consequence Of Facility Failure Indices, Michael J. Blaess
A Portfolio Decision Analysis Study For Improving Consequence Of Facility Failure Indices, Michael J. Blaess
Theses and Dissertations
The United States Air Force partially integrated the Mission Dependency Index (MDI) into its portfolio project selection model by assigning an MDI value to a facility type or real property category code (CATCODE) in lieu of assigning a unique MDI value to each facility through a structured interview process. This took an initial step to improve the Air Forces asset management practices; however, it failed to accurately capture the consequence of facility failure in some cases. Although a process to adjudicate the MDI value of individual facilities was created, it is still unknown how much the surveyed MDI value deviates …
A Scenario-Based Parametric Analysis Of Stable Marriage Approaches To The Army Officer Assignment Problem, Matthew D. Ferguson
A Scenario-Based Parametric Analysis Of Stable Marriage Approaches To The Army Officer Assignment Problem, Matthew D. Ferguson
Theses and Dissertations
This paper compares linear programming and stable marriage approaches to the assignment problem under conditions of uncertainty. Robust solutions should exhibit reduced variability in the presence of one or more additional constraints. Several variations of each approach are compared with respect to solution quality, as measured by the overall social welfare among Officers and Assignments, and robustness as measured by the number of changes after a number of randomized perturbations. We examine the contrasts between these methods in the context of assigning Army Officers among a set of identified assignments. Additional constraints are modeled after realistic scenarios faced by Army …
Reliability And Cost Impacts For Attritable Systems, Bryan R. Bentz
Reliability And Cost Impacts For Attritable Systems, Bryan R. Bentz
Theses and Dissertations
Attritable systems trade system attributes like reliability and reparability to achieve lower acquisition cost and decrease cost risk. Ultimately, it is hoped that by trading these attributes the amount of systems able to be acquired will be increased. However, the effect of trading these attributes on system-level reliability and cost risk is difficult to express complicated reparable systems like an air vehicle. Failure-time and cost data from a baseline limited-life air vehicle is analyzed for this reliability and reparability trade study. The appropriateness of various reliability and cost estimation techniques are examined for these data. This research employs the cumulative …
Real-Time Heuristic Algorithms For The Static Weapon-Target Assignment Problem, Alexander G. Kline
Real-Time Heuristic Algorithms For The Static Weapon-Target Assignment Problem, Alexander G. Kline
Theses and Dissertations
The problem of targeting and engaging individual missiles (targets) with an arsenal of interceptors (weapons) is known as the weapon target assignment problem. As many solution techniques are based upon a transformation of the objective function, their final solutions rarely produce optimal solutions. We propose a nonlinear branch and bound algorithm to provide the first optimization approach to the untransformed problem found in the literature. Further, we propose a new heuristic based upon the branch and bound algorithm which dominates other heuristics explored in optimality gap. We also propose a heuristic based upon the optimal solution to the quiz problem …
Analyzing The Critical Supply Chain For Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Megan L. Muniz
Analyzing The Critical Supply Chain For Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Megan L. Muniz
Theses and Dissertations
Unmanned aerial systems (UAS) play a vital role in present day operations due their asset capability and ability to reduce risk to pilots’ lives. A complex supply chain network capable of producing and integrating all raw materials, components, sub- systems, and systems supports the successful acquisition of a UAS. Such a complex network is supported by vital supply chain decisions. Two important decisions regarding supply chain design include supplier selection and optimal flow of material and product Whether a decision maker wishes to design or interdict a supply chain, the methodology developed in this thesis provides a suite of tailorable …
An Investigation Into The Indicators Of A Successful Total Force Association, Greg E. Hoyt
An Investigation Into The Indicators Of A Successful Total Force Association, Greg E. Hoyt
Theses and Dissertations
The Air Force, since adopting and subsequently developing the Total Force concept in the early 1970s, has not thoroughly outlined clear objectives by which the progress toward and realization of this strategic vision should be defined and measured. Without clear definition, direction, and method of evaluation, the ability to credibly claim any subsequent successes or failures in the pursuit of this vision become vulnerable to challenge. Indeed, the mere claim that a single, clear vision exists may be challenged. The Total Force concepts degree of success has, on multiple occasions through its history, been critiqued with the most recent instance …
On Proportionate And Truthful International Alliance Contributions: An Analysis Of Incentive Compatible Cost Sharing Mechanisms To Burden Sharing, William N. Caballero
On Proportionate And Truthful International Alliance Contributions: An Analysis Of Incentive Compatible Cost Sharing Mechanisms To Burden Sharing, William N. Caballero
Theses and Dissertations
Burden sharing within an international alliance is a contentious topic, especially in the current geopolitical environment, that in practice is generally imposed by a central authority's perception of its members' abilities to contribute. Instead, we propose a cost sharing mechanism such that burden shares are allocated to nations based on their honest declarations of the alliance's worth. Specifically, we develop a set of multiobjective nonlinear optimization problem formulations that respectively impose Bayesian Incentive Compatible (BIC), Strategyproof (SP), and Group Strategyproof (GSP) mechanisms based on probabilistic inspection efforts and deception penalties that are budget balanced and in the core. Any feasible …
Application Of Enlisted Force Retention Levels And Career Field Stability, Jamie T. Zimmermann
Application Of Enlisted Force Retention Levels And Career Field Stability, Jamie T. Zimmermann
Theses and Dissertations
The Air Force’s success is influenced by the manpower it has. The end-strength is Congressionally mandated. Predicting personnel retention is critical to the operations of the military. Over 10 years ago, the Air Force produced enlisted career field sustainment lines based on manning. If a career field was over manned the authorizations were decreased, likewise if a career field was under manned the authorizations were increased. The constant fluctuation of manning caused bathtubs to be created and requirements to go unfilled. Currently, the Air Force produces enlisted career field sustainment lines based on the 5-year historical retention rates. This method …
An Approximate Dynamic Programming Approach For Comparing Firing Solutions In A Networked Air Defense Environment, Daniel S. Summers
An Approximate Dynamic Programming Approach For Comparing Firing Solutions In A Networked Air Defense Environment, Daniel S. Summers
Theses and Dissertations
The United States Army currently employs a shoot-shoot-look firing policy for air defense. As the Army moves to a networked defense-in-depth strategy, this policy will not provide optimal results for managing interceptor inventories in a conflict to minimize the damage to defended assets. The objective for air and missile defense is to identify the firing policy for interceptor allocation that minimizes expected total cost of damage to defended assets. This dynamic weapon target assignment problem is formulated first as a Markov decision process (MDP) and then approximate dynamic programming (ADP) is used to solve problem instances based on a representative …
A System Dynamics Model Investigating The Efficacy Of Non-Kinetic Policy Strategies On The Diffusion Of Democratic Ideologies In China, Maria S. Phillips
A System Dynamics Model Investigating The Efficacy Of Non-Kinetic Policy Strategies On The Diffusion Of Democratic Ideologies In China, Maria S. Phillips
Theses and Dissertations
Shaping the next century of global politics and power, United States-China relations comprise one of the most significant bilateral relationships in the world. A new era of unrestricted warfare is one example of how aggression from China could be very costly for the United States. The growth of democratic ideals within China decreases the risk of detrimental impacts according to democratic peace theory. This thesis explores a multifaceted system of relationships that regulate the diffusion of democratic ideology within China, as defined by a proxy-measure characterized as human rights by Freedom House. Relative deprivation theory coupled with an adapted Bass …
2018 Military Retirement Options: An Expected Net Present Value Decision Analysis Model, Bret N. Witham
2018 Military Retirement Options: An Expected Net Present Value Decision Analysis Model, Bret N. Witham
Theses and Dissertations
The 2016 NDAA authorized changes to the military retirement system transitioning from the legacy High-3 defined benefit annuity to the new Blended Retirement System (BRS). In exchange for a reduced defined benefit annuity, the BRS incorporates automatic and matching contributions to the member’s Thrift Savings Plan and a continuation payment offered at 12 years of service. In 2018,service members with less than 12 years of service will make an irrevocable decision between the two retirement systems. This research effort addresses the problem by developing a decision analysis model incorporating up to 27 different input variables. Service members can use the …
Identifying Partnership Opportunities At Air Force Installations: A Geographic Information Systems Approach, Corey R. Degroot
Identifying Partnership Opportunities At Air Force Installations: A Geographic Information Systems Approach, Corey R. Degroot
Theses and Dissertations
The excess capacity found in the Department of Defense real property portfolio creates challenges for leaders to provide resilient installations. Combining this fact with current funding trends makes decisions on how to properly maintain infrastructure even more challenging. The Air Force Partnership Initiative provides tools for installations to leverage community capabilities and resources to achieve savings and improve quality on Air Force installations and can reduce the real property footprint. This research proposes a method for assessing the viability of a partnership between Air Force installations and their nearby communities.
This research effort created a tool capable of investigating off-base …
Refugees In Urban Environments: Social, Economic, And Infrastructure Impacts, Garrett L. Jameson
Refugees In Urban Environments: Social, Economic, And Infrastructure Impacts, Garrett L. Jameson
Theses and Dissertations
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has estimated that in 2015 there were 21.3 million refugees worldwide; it is estimated that 1.8 million of these persons were newly displaced during 2015. As refugees leave their country to seek the protection of another nation's government, they generally flow into urban areas. The impact of this flow on cities and on the refugees, themselves, is not fully understood. This study is focused on the impact of government policy decisions on the social, legal, and economic integration of refugees within an urban environment. Investigation into this topic resulted in the development of …
Simulation Modeling And Analysis Of Deployed F-16 Operations And Logistics Support, Gregory D. Potts Ii
Simulation Modeling And Analysis Of Deployed F-16 Operations And Logistics Support, Gregory D. Potts Ii
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this thesis is to reinforce and build upon past efforts identifying and demonstrating the need to better represent logistic capabilities and constraints within the realm of wargaming, war planning, and other analyses requiring the modeling of Air Force combat operations. We develop a framework for the porting of relevant logistic information and requirements from a reliable data source (LCOM- ATK) into a discrete event simulation environment (SIMIO), providing a simulation model for enhanced and robust analyses. The simulation we create explicitly reflects (for a selected subset of Work Unit Codes) the maintenance manpower, resources, and parts required …
A Framework For Analyzing And Discussing Level Of Human Control Abstraction, Clifford D. Johnson
A Framework For Analyzing And Discussing Level Of Human Control Abstraction, Clifford D. Johnson
Theses and Dissertations
It is often useful to understand the impact of an artificial teammate upon human workload in human-machine teams. Levels of Autonomy (LoA) differentiate systems based on control authority. Unfortunately, human workload is not necessarily correlated with LoA. An alternate classification framework, designated the Level of Human Control Abstraction (LHCA), is proposed. LHCA differentiates system states based on the control and monitoring tasks performed and the level of decisions made by humans. The framework defines five levels, designed to differentiate between system states based upon anticipated levels of human attention. This presentation will summarize the framework and demonstrate its application.
Learning Curves: An Alternative Analysis, Sharif F. Harris
Learning Curves: An Alternative Analysis, Sharif F. Harris
Theses and Dissertations
Learning curves are used to describe and estimate the cost performance of a serial production process. There are numerous different models and methods, however, it is not definitively known which is preferred. The research objective is to performance compare the more common learning curve models. The research goal is improved understanding of the systemic cost drivers of a production process, their relationship to cost, and present modeling methods. The research method is qualitative analysis combined with statistical regression modeling. The research identified that preference for one function or another depended upon the shape of the data and how well a …
Alternate Stimuli For The Elicitation Of Event-Related Potentials, Bryan V. Jackson
Alternate Stimuli For The Elicitation Of Event-Related Potentials, Bryan V. Jackson
Theses and Dissertations
Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) are systems that leverage user-brain activity to identify and perform specific functions. In applications requiring overt visual attention, focusing on visual stimuli with known temporal variation can elicit measurable changes in brain activity. However, elements of BCI applications can be intrusive. This research was designed to determine if Event-Related Potentials (ERPs), to include Steady-State Visually-Evoked Potentials (SSVEPs), could be elicited and interpreted from less obtrusive stimuli. Specifically, this research explores the use of variable frequency and long-wavelength (infrared) stimuli for SSVEP interpretation to explore the application of less obtrusive stimuli for application in BCIs. It was determined …
Multi-Plc Exercise Environments For Training Ics First Responders, Joseph K. Daoud
Multi-Plc Exercise Environments For Training Ics First Responders, Joseph K. Daoud
Theses and Dissertations
When systems are targeted by cyber attacks, cyber first responders must be able to react effectively, especially when dealing with critical infrastructure. Training for cyber first responders is lacking and most existing exercise platforms are expensive, inaccessible or ineffective. This paper presents a mobile training platform which incorporates a variety of programmable logic controllers into a single system which facilitates the development of the unique skills required of cyber first responders operating in the realm of industrial control systems. The platform is modeled after a jail in the northeastern United States and was developed to maximize realism. Example training scenarios …
Feasibility And Environmental Implications Of Using Waste Motor Oil As Alternative Supplemental Fuel In Contingency Prime Power Generation, Zachary S. Bierhaus
Feasibility And Environmental Implications Of Using Waste Motor Oil As Alternative Supplemental Fuel In Contingency Prime Power Generation, Zachary S. Bierhaus
Theses and Dissertations
In an era of strict hazardous material restrictions and intense energy savings projects, DoD has an opportunity for a waste-to-energy initiative by looking to vintage diesel engine technology for inspiration. The idea comes in the form of recycled Waste Motor Oil (WMO) which can be used as a fuel in compression-ignition engines. When mixed at a low blend ratio, WMO can supplement diesel fuels to extend the range of fuel stores for electrical power generating equipment at contingency military bases while simultaneously decreasing the burden on fuel supply chain management and the hazardous waste disposal stream. This research looked at …
Survival Analysis Of Us Air Force Officer Retention Rate, Courtney N. Franzen
Survival Analysis Of Us Air Force Officer Retention Rate, Courtney N. Franzen
Theses and Dissertations
Personnel retention is a matter of great interest in the private and public sectors. In the public sector--specifically the US Air Force--maintaining appropriate retention levels of rated officers is paramount as these officers are the backbone of the Air Force’s mission. As part of the effort to ensure proper retention rates for rated officers, retention models are created by the Air Force Personnel division that assist in predicting future retention patterns and accession needs. The techniques for creating these models, known as the "sustainment line," involve utilizing average retention percentages obtained from historical data. In this study, more statistical-based methods …
Using Markov Decision Processes With Heterogeneous Queueing Systems To Examine Military Medevac Dispatching Policies, Phillip R. Jenkins
Using Markov Decision Processes With Heterogeneous Queueing Systems To Examine Military Medevac Dispatching Policies, Phillip R. Jenkins
Theses and Dissertations
major focus of the Military Health System is to provide efficient and timely medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) to battlefield casualties. Medical planners are responsible for developing dispatching policies that dictate how aerial military MEDEVAC units are utilized during major combat operations. The objective of this research is to determine how to optimally dispatch MEDEVAC units in response to 9-line MEDEVAC requests to maximize MEDEVAC system performance. A discounted, infinite horizon Markov decision process (MDP) model is developed to examine the MEDEVAC dispatching problem. The MDP model allows the dispatching authority to accept, reject, or queue incoming requests based on the request's …
Enhancing The Thermal Performance Of Temporary Fabric Shelters For The Advanced Energy Efficient Shelter System, Justin E. Eshleman
Enhancing The Thermal Performance Of Temporary Fabric Shelters For The Advanced Energy Efficient Shelter System, Justin E. Eshleman
Theses and Dissertations
Investment in the commercial space industry has grown significantly over the past decade. This investment has led to a tremendous leap in capability for small satellite systems and a greater demand for small launch vehicles. At the same time, space system affordability is a point of emphasis within the Department of Defense (DoD) which raises the question: Can the DoD lower space access costs through the exploitation of the growing small satellite and small launch marketplace? We perform a financial analysis of newly developed small launch vehicles delivering a small satellite constellation to low earth orbit (LEO) to perform wideband …
Analysis Of Human And Agent Characteristics On Human-Agent Team Performance And Trust, Anthony J. Hillesheim
Analysis Of Human And Agent Characteristics On Human-Agent Team Performance And Trust, Anthony J. Hillesheim
Theses and Dissertations
The human-agent team represents a new construct in how the United States Department of Defense is orchestrating mission planning and mission accomplishment. In order for mission planning and accomplishment to be successful, several requirements must be met: a firm understanding of human trust in automated agents, how human and automated agent characteristics influence human-agent team performance, and how humans behave. This thesis applies a combination of modeling techniques and human experimentation to understand the concepts aforementioned. The modeling techniques used include static modeling in SysML activity diagrams and dynamic modeling of both human and agent behavior in IMPRINT. Additionally, this …
Predicting Solar Performance In A Contingency Environment To Meet Net-Zero Facility Power, Anthony D. Williams
Predicting Solar Performance In A Contingency Environment To Meet Net-Zero Facility Power, Anthony D. Williams
Theses and Dissertations
The U.S. government is involved in contingency operations all over the world and these operations require operational support and sustainment in these locations; this includes the reliable delivery of power to base infrastructure. The traditional means of delivering this support requirement in austere environments has been the use of diesel-power generation that has an extensive logistical and economic tail. The research sought out contingency solar applications that may be implemented and operated to offset the facility demand loads in the location to achieve net-zero power. This research explores the technical feasibility of a deployable photovoltaic microgrid to deliver power to …
Resource Evaluation Of Quantum Linear Systems Algorithm For Application To Electromagnetic Scattering Problems, Casey J.R. Riggs
Resource Evaluation Of Quantum Linear Systems Algorithm For Application To Electromagnetic Scattering Problems, Casey J.R. Riggs
Theses and Dissertations
Current limitations in quantum computing technology does not allow for very large applications of quantum algorithms, and it is the nature of quantum algorithms not only to be able to solve problems of interest much more quickly than classical means but also to do so with less resources which makes them so promising! One such problem of interest is the application of the Quantum Linear Systems Algorithm, along with a few other subroutines, to the calculation of an electromagnetic scattering cross-section via finite element methods. This work composes a resource analysis of the algorithm as well as required subroutines and …
Common Support Equipment And Its Impact On Aircraft Availability, Jason M. Leighton
Common Support Equipment And Its Impact On Aircraft Availability, Jason M. Leighton
Theses and Dissertations
The ability of military aircraft maintenance personnel to prepare aircraft for flight depends not only on the technical ability and availability of replacement parts, but also on access to serviceable support equipment. While the general relationship between support equipment failures and aircraft availability is understood, the struggle to quantify that relationship makes targeted support equipment replacement or quantity authorization increases difficult. Tight budgets and aging equipment further complicate the task of keeping serviceable support equipment assets in the hands of maintainers. We identify key pieces of support equipment which may affect aircraft availability and other metrics and investigate the associated …