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Air Force Institute of Technology

2020

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Articles 1 - 30 of 48

Full-Text Articles in Engineering

Comparing Greedy Constructive Heuristic Subtour Elimination Methods For The Traveling Salesman Problem, Petar Jackovich, Bruce A. Cox, Raymond R. Hill Dec 2020

Comparing Greedy Constructive Heuristic Subtour Elimination Methods For The Traveling Salesman Problem, Petar Jackovich, Bruce A. Cox, Raymond R. Hill

Faculty Publications

Purpose — This paper aims to define the class of fragment constructive heuristics used to compute feasible solutions for the traveling salesman problem (TSP) into edge-greedy and vertex-greedy subclasses. As these subclasses of heuristics can create subtours, two known methodologies for subtour elimination on symmetric instances are reviewed and are expanded to cover asymmetric problem instances. This paper introduces a third novel subtour elimination methodology, the greedy tracker (GT), and compares it to both known methodologies. Design/methodology/approach — Computational results for all three subtour elimination methodologies are generated across 17 symmetric instances ranging in size from 29 vertices to 5,934 …


Modified C-17 Taxi Procedures: A Fuel Cost Savings Exploration, Michael Wells, Michael Krester, Benjamin Hazen, Jeffrey Weir Dec 2020

Modified C-17 Taxi Procedures: A Fuel Cost Savings Exploration, Michael Wells, Michael Krester, Benjamin Hazen, Jeffrey Weir

Faculty Publications

Purpose — This study aims to explore the viability of using C-17 reduced-engine taxi procedures from a cost savings and capability perspective. Design/methodology/approach — This study model expected engine fuel flow based on the number of operational engines, aircraft gross weight (GW) and average aircraft groundspeed. Using this model, the research executes a cost savings simulation estimating the expected annual savings produced by the proposed taxi methodology. Operational and safety risks are also considered. Findings — The results indicate that significant fuel and costs savings are available via the employment of reduced-engine taxi procedures. On an annual basis, the mobility …


A Computational Investigation Of The Interstitial Oxidation Thermodynamics Of A Mo-Nb-Ta-W High Entropy Alloy Beyond The Dilute Regime, Adib J. Samin Dec 2020

A Computational Investigation Of The Interstitial Oxidation Thermodynamics Of A Mo-Nb-Ta-W High Entropy Alloy Beyond The Dilute Regime, Adib J. Samin

Faculty Publications

High entropy alloys (HEAs) are promising candidates for high-temperature structural material applications. Oxidation is a major factor that must be accounted for when designing such materials and it is thus important to study the oxidation behavior of HEAs to enable the optimum design of next generation materials. In this study, the thermodynamic behavior of interstitial oxygen in a Mo-Nb-Ta-W high entropy alloy was explored beyond the dilute limit. This was accomplished by sampling configurations of the HEA and HEA-oxygen systems from an isothermal–isobaric ensemble using a series of first-principle-based Monte Carlo simulations. It was found that the interstitial oxygen had …


3-D Fabry–Pérot Cavities Sculpted On Fiber Tips Using A Multiphoton Polymerization Process, Jonathan W. Smith, Jeremiah C. Williams, Joseph S. Suelzer, Nicholas G. Usechak, Hengky Chandrahalim Dec 2020

3-D Fabry–Pérot Cavities Sculpted On Fiber Tips Using A Multiphoton Polymerization Process, Jonathan W. Smith, Jeremiah C. Williams, Joseph S. Suelzer, Nicholas G. Usechak, Hengky Chandrahalim

Faculty Publications

This paper presents 3-D Fabry–Pérot (FP) cavities fabricated directly onto cleaved ends of low-loss optical fibers by a two-photon polymerization (2PP) process. This fabrication technique is quick, simple, and inexpensive compared to planar microfabrication processes, which enables rapid prototyping and the ability to adapt to new requirements. These devices also utilize true 3-D design freedom, facilitating the realization of microscale optical elements with challenging geometries. Three different device types were fabricated and evaluated: an unreleased single-cavity device, a released dual-cavity device, and a released hemispherical mirror dual-cavity device. Each iteration improved the quality of the FP cavity's reflection spectrum. The …


Hexakis Icosahedron Frame-Skin Vacuum Lighter Than Air Vehicle, Brian Cranston, Anthony N. Palazotto Nov 2020

Hexakis Icosahedron Frame-Skin Vacuum Lighter Than Air Vehicle, Brian Cranston, Anthony N. Palazotto

AFIT Patents

A vacuum lighter than air vehicle (VLTAV) includes a rigid frame of rods connected together to form a hexakis icosahedron. A membrane skin covers the rigid frame and defines therewith a vessel configured to hold an internal vacuum that allows the vessel to float in the air. The plurality of rods and membrane skin have weights and dimensions that result in a neutral and/or positive buoyancy for the vessel while preventing geometric instability.


Temporally Multiplexed Ladar Polarimeter, Christian Keyser, Richard Kenneth Martin Oct 2020

Temporally Multiplexed Ladar Polarimeter, Christian Keyser, Richard Kenneth Martin

AFIT Patents

In a polarimeter, a polarization modulator changes a polarization phase of an output optical pulse with a modulation function that varies in time over the duration of the optical pulse. A static polarization state analyzer, which includes a one or more static polarization component analyzers and detectors, receives the modulated optical pulse after interaction with a target medium and provides time varying intensities of the polarization components of the received pulse. A signal processing module determines a polarization property of the target medium, such as a Mueller matrix, dependent upon time varied intensities over the duration of the received optical …


Cost Estimating Using A New Learning Curve Theory For Non-Constant Production Rates, Dakotah Hogan, John J. Elshaw, Clay M. Koschnick, Jonathan D. Ritschel, Adedeji B. Badiru, Shawn M. Valentine Oct 2020

Cost Estimating Using A New Learning Curve Theory For Non-Constant Production Rates, Dakotah Hogan, John J. Elshaw, Clay M. Koschnick, Jonathan D. Ritschel, Adedeji B. Badiru, Shawn M. Valentine

Faculty Publications

Traditional learning curve theory assumes a constant learning rate regardless of the number of units produced. However, a collection of theoretical and empirical evidence indicates that learning rates decrease as more units are produced in some cases. These diminishing learning rates cause traditional learning curves to underestimate required resources, potentially resulting in cost overruns. A diminishing learning rate model, namely Boone’s learning curve, was recently developed to model this phenomenon. This research confirms that Boone’s learning curve systematically reduced error in modeling observed learning curves using production data from 169 Department of Defense end-items. However, high amounts of variability in …


End-To-End Direct Digital Synthesis Simulation And Mathematical Model To Minimize Quantization Effects Of Digital Signal Generation, Pranav R. Patel, Richard K. Martin Oct 2020

End-To-End Direct Digital Synthesis Simulation And Mathematical Model To Minimize Quantization Effects Of Digital Signal Generation, Pranav R. Patel, Richard K. Martin

Faculty Publications

Direct digital synthesis (DDS) architectures are becoming more prevalent as modern digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and programmable logic devices evolve to support higher bandwidths. The DDS architecture provides the benefit of digital control but at a cost of generating spurious content in the spectrum. The generated spurious content may cause intermodulation distortion preventing proper demodulation of the received signal. The distortion may also interfere with the neighboring frequency bands. This article presents the various DDS architectures and explores the DDS architecture which provides the most digital reconfigurability with the lowest spurious content. End-to-end analytical equations, numerical and mathematical models are developed …


United States Department Of Defense (Dod) Real Property Repair, Alterations, Maintenance, And Construction Project Contract Data: 2009–2020, Tyler Stout, Adam Teston, Brent T. Langhals, Justin D. Delorit, Carlton Hendrix, Steven J. Schuldt Oct 2020

United States Department Of Defense (Dod) Real Property Repair, Alterations, Maintenance, And Construction Project Contract Data: 2009–2020, Tyler Stout, Adam Teston, Brent T. Langhals, Justin D. Delorit, Carlton Hendrix, Steven J. Schuldt

Faculty Publications

Nearly one-half of all construction projects exceed planned costs and schedule, globally [1]. Owners and construction managers can analyze historical project performance data to inform cost and schedule overrun risk-reduction strategies. Though, the majority of open-source project datasets are limited by the number of projects, data dimensionality, and location. A significant global customer of the construction industry, the Department of Defense (DoD) maintains a vast database of historical project data that can be used to determine the sources and magnitude of construction schedule and cost overruns for many continental and international locations. The selection of data provided by the authors …


Cost Analysis Of Optimized Islanded Energy Systems In A Dispersed Air Base Conflict, Jay F. Pearson, Torrey J. Wagner, Justin D. Delorit Sep 2020

Cost Analysis Of Optimized Islanded Energy Systems In A Dispersed Air Base Conflict, Jay F. Pearson, Torrey J. Wagner, Justin D. Delorit

Faculty Publications

The United States Air Force has implemented a dispersed air base strategy to enhance mission effectiveness for near-peer conflicts. Asset dispersal places many smaller bases across a wide geographic area, which increases resupply requirements and logistical complexity. Hybrid energy systems reduce resupply requirements through sustainable, off-grid energy production. This paper presents a novel hybrid energy renewable delivery system (HERDS) model capable of (1) selecting the optimal hybrid energy system design that meets demand at the lowest net present cost and (2) optimizing the delivery of the selected system using existing Air Force cargo aircraft. The novelty of the model’s capabilities …


Nonlinear Optical Measurements Of Cdsip2 At Near And Mid-Infrared Wavelengths, Manuel R. Ferdinandus, Jamie J. Gengler, Kent L. Averett, Kevin T. Zawilski, Peter G. Schunemann, Carl M. Liebig Sep 2020

Nonlinear Optical Measurements Of Cdsip2 At Near And Mid-Infrared Wavelengths, Manuel R. Ferdinandus, Jamie J. Gengler, Kent L. Averett, Kevin T. Zawilski, Peter G. Schunemann, Carl M. Liebig

Faculty Publications

We measure the birefringence of the nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of cadmium silicon phosphide via the Z-scan technique at near and mid-infrared wavelengths. We discuss the implications of the NLO properties on optical parametric amplifier performance. We find that the nonlinear absorption does reduce the conversion efficiency, while the nonlinear refraction has a negligible effect.


Strategic Decision Facilitation: Supporting Critical Assumptions Of The Human In Empirical Modeling Of Pairwise Value Comparisons, Joseph P. Kristbaum, Frank W. Ciarallo Sep 2020

Strategic Decision Facilitation: Supporting Critical Assumptions Of The Human In Empirical Modeling Of Pairwise Value Comparisons, Joseph P. Kristbaum, Frank W. Ciarallo

Faculty Publications

Modeling human decision-making is difficult. Decision-makers are typically primed with unique biases that widen the confidence interval of judgment. Therefore, it is important that the human process in the system being modeled is designed to alleviate damaging biases and assumptions in an effort to increase process consistency between decision-makers. In this experiment, it is hypothesized that coupling specific decision-facilitation methods with a specific scale range will affect the consistency between decision-makers. This article presents a multiphase experiment that examines a varying presentation mode as well as scale range to determine how value is determined in subsequent pairwise comparisons of alternatives …


Wideband Satcom Model: Evaluation Of Numerical Accuracy And Efficiency, Andrew J. Knisely, Andrew Terzuoli Aug 2020

Wideband Satcom Model: Evaluation Of Numerical Accuracy And Efficiency, Andrew J. Knisely, Andrew Terzuoli

Faculty Publications

The spectral method is typically applied as a simple and efficient method to solve the parabolic wave equation in phase screen scintillation models. The critical factors that can greatly affect the spectral method accuracy is the uniformity and smoothness of the input function. This paper observes these effects on the accuracy of the finite difference and the spectral methods applied to a wideband SATCOM signal propagation model simulated in the ultra-high frequency (UHF) band. The finite difference method uses local pointwise approximations to calculate a derivative. The spectral method uses global trigonometric interpolants that achieve remarkable accuracy for continuously differentiable …


Cyberspace Odyssey: A Competitive Team-Oriented Serious Game In Computer Networking, Kendra Graham [I], James Anderson [I], Conrad Rife [I], Bryce Heitmeyer [I], Pranav R. Patel [*], Scott L. Nykl, Alan C. Lin, Laurence D. Merkle Jul 2020

Cyberspace Odyssey: A Competitive Team-Oriented Serious Game In Computer Networking, Kendra Graham [I], James Anderson [I], Conrad Rife [I], Bryce Heitmeyer [I], Pranav R. Patel [*], Scott L. Nykl, Alan C. Lin, Laurence D. Merkle

Faculty Publications

Cyber Space Odyssey (CSO) is a novel serious game supporting computer networking education by engaging students in a race to successfully perform various cybersecurity tasks in order to collect clues and solve a puzzle in virtual near-Earth 3D space. Each team interacts with the game server through a dedicated client presenting a multimodal interface, using a game controller for navigation and various desktop computer networking tools of the trade for cybersecurity tasks on the game's physical network. Specifically, teams connect to wireless access points, use packet monitors to intercept network traffic, decrypt and reverse engineer that traffic, craft well-formed and …


Applications Of Portable Libs For Actinide Analysis, Ashwin P. Rao, John D. Auxier Ii, Dung Vu, Michael B. Shattan Jul 2020

Applications Of Portable Libs For Actinide Analysis, Ashwin P. Rao, John D. Auxier Ii, Dung Vu, Michael B. Shattan

Faculty Publications

A portable LIBS device was used for rapid elemental impurity analysis of plutonium alloys. This device demonstrates the potential for fast, accurate in-situ chemical analysis and could significantly reduce the fabrication time of plutonium alloys.


Effects Of Temperature And Antioxidants On The Oxidation Of Biodiesel Derived From Waste Vegetable Oil, Randy L. Maglinao, Torrey J. Wagner, Keegan Duff Jun 2020

Effects Of Temperature And Antioxidants On The Oxidation Of Biodiesel Derived From Waste Vegetable Oil, Randy L. Maglinao, Torrey J. Wagner, Keegan Duff

Faculty Publications

Biodiesel offers several environmental benefits and improvements to some fuel performance properties, but its poor oxidative stability has been a major concern. Currently, the accepted practice to improve biodiesel oxidative stability is the addition of antioxidants; numerous antioxidants have been studied but their effectiveness in inhibiting biodiesel oxidation is difficult to predict due to variation with resonance stability, solubility, reactivity, and volatility. To improve prediction efforts, this study explored the Rapid Small-Scale Oxidation Test (RSSOT) as a means to investigate how biodiesel oxidation is affected by antioxidant concentration and temperature, and compared its results with the oxidative stability index test. …


Solar Photovoltaic Considerations For Operational And Warfighter Support Capabilities, Dylan Martin-Abood [*], Douglas Dudis, Torrey J. Wagner Jun 2020

Solar Photovoltaic Considerations For Operational And Warfighter Support Capabilities, Dylan Martin-Abood [*], Douglas Dudis, Torrey J. Wagner

Faculty Publications

This work highlights the fundamental mechanisms and historical perspective for military PV technology applications and addresses the operational considerations for effectively deploying PV technology. PV materials, structures and architectures have matured into competitive and readily available energy technologies based on their levelized cost of energy (LCOE). However, enhancing warfighting capabilities requires attention to systems considerations beyond cost per watt or LCOE. While PV is impractical for fighters and bombers as it can meet less than 1% of their power requirements, there are numerous areas that could benefit from the application of PV technology. For example, installing PV arrays on all …


Autoassociative-Heteroassociative Neural Network, Claudia V. Kropas-Hughes, Steven K. Rogers, Mark E. Oxley, Matthew Kabrisky Jun 2020

Autoassociative-Heteroassociative Neural Network, Claudia V. Kropas-Hughes, Steven K. Rogers, Mark E. Oxley, Matthew Kabrisky

AFIT Patents

An efficient neural network computing technique capable of synthesizing two sets of output signal data from a single input signal data set. The method and device of the invention involves a unique integration of autoassociative and heteroassociative neural network mappings, the autoassociative neural network mapping enabling a quality metric for assessing the generalization or prediction accuracy of the heteroassociative neural network mapping.


Statistical Photo-Calibration Of Photo-Detectors For Radiometry Without Calibrated Light Sources Comprising An Arithmetic Unit To Determine A Gain And A Bias From Mean Values And Variance Values, Adrian M. Catarius, Nicholas Yielding, Stephen C. Cain, Michael D. Seal Jun 2020

Statistical Photo-Calibration Of Photo-Detectors For Radiometry Without Calibrated Light Sources Comprising An Arithmetic Unit To Determine A Gain And A Bias From Mean Values And Variance Values, Adrian M. Catarius, Nicholas Yielding, Stephen C. Cain, Michael D. Seal

AFIT Patents

Calibration of a radiometry system uses a readout circuit of a photo-detector to provide first and second measurements collected over first and second integration times, respectively, where the first and second measurements are related to a photonic input to the photo-detector by a gain and a bias. First mean and variance values are computed for a plurality of first measurements. Second mean and variance values are computed for a plurality of second measurements. The gain and bias are determined from the first and second mean values and the first and second variance values without the use of a calibrated source. …


Nondestructive Electromagnetic Characterization Of Uniaxial Sheet Media Using A Two-Flanged Rectangular Waveguide Probe, Neil G. Rogers, Michael J. Havrilla, Milo W. Hyde Iv, Alexander G. Knisely Jun 2020

Nondestructive Electromagnetic Characterization Of Uniaxial Sheet Media Using A Two-Flanged Rectangular Waveguide Probe, Neil G. Rogers, Michael J. Havrilla, Milo W. Hyde Iv, Alexander G. Knisely

Faculty Publications

Excerpt: Recent advancements in fabrication capabilities have renewed interest in the electromagnetic characterization of complex media, as many metamaterials are anisotropic and/or inhomogeneous. Additionally, for composite materials, anisotropy can be introduced by load, strain, misalignment, or damage through the manufacturing process [1], [2]. Methods for obtaining the constitutive parameters for isotropic materials are well understood and widely employed [3]–[8]. Therefore, it is crucial to develop a practical method for the electromagnetic characterization of anisotropic materials.


Securing Photovoltaic (Pv) System Deployments With Data Diodes, Robert D. Larkin, Torrey J. Wagner, Barry E. Mullins Jun 2020

Securing Photovoltaic (Pv) System Deployments With Data Diodes, Robert D. Larkin, Torrey J. Wagner, Barry E. Mullins

Faculty Publications

A survey of a typical photovoltaic (PV) system with and without the cybersecurity protections of a data diode is explored. This survey includes a brief overview of Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and their relationship to the Internet of Things (IoT), Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), and Industry 4.0 terminology. The cybersecurity features of eight data diodes are compared, and the cyber attack surface, attack scenarios, and mitigations of a typical PV system are discussed. After assessing cybersecurity, the economic considerations to purchase a data diode are considered. At 13.19 cents/kWh, the sale of 227,445 kWh is needed to fund one …


A Multi-Criteria Logistics Analysis Of Photovoltaic Modules For Remote Applications, Nathan Thomsen [*], Dimitri Papazoglou, Torrey J. Wagner, Andrew J. Hoisington, Steven J. Schuldt Jun 2020

A Multi-Criteria Logistics Analysis Of Photovoltaic Modules For Remote Applications, Nathan Thomsen [*], Dimitri Papazoglou, Torrey J. Wagner, Andrew J. Hoisington, Steven J. Schuldt

Faculty Publications

Reliable electrical power grids are frequently unavailable or inaccessible in remote locations, including developing nation communities, humanitarian relief camps, isolated construction sites, and military contingency bases. This often requires sites to rely on costly generators and continuous fuel supply. Renewable energy systems (RES) in the form of photovoltaic (PV) arrays and energy storage present a rapidly improving alternative to power these remote locations. Previous RES literature and PV optimization models focused on economics, reliability, and environmental concerns, neglecting the importance of logistics factors in remote installations. This paper proposes additional optimization variables applicable to remote PV systems and compares PV …


Detection Of Hydroxyl Radicals Using Cerium Oxide/Graphene Oxide Composite On Prussian Blue, Surachet Duanghathaipornsuk, Sushil R. Kanel, Emily F. Haushalter, Jessica Ruetz, Dong-Shik Kim Jun 2020

Detection Of Hydroxyl Radicals Using Cerium Oxide/Graphene Oxide Composite On Prussian Blue, Surachet Duanghathaipornsuk, Sushil R. Kanel, Emily F. Haushalter, Jessica Ruetz, Dong-Shik Kim

Faculty Publications

A composite sensor consisting of two separate inorganic layers of Prussian blue (PB) and a composite of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeNPs) and graphene oxide (GO), is tested with •OH radicals. The signals from the interaction between the composite layers and •OH radicals are characterized using cyclic voltammetry (CV). The degradation of PB in the presence of H2O2 and •OH radicals is observed and its impact on the sensor efficiency is investigated. The results show that the composite sensor differentiates between the solutions with and without •OH radicals by the increase of electrochemical redox current in the presence …


Wind Tunnel Wake Generator, Carl Pickl, James L. Rutledge, Marc D. Polanka, Brian Crabtree, Christopher Harkless May 2020

Wind Tunnel Wake Generator, Carl Pickl, James L. Rutledge, Marc D. Polanka, Brian Crabtree, Christopher Harkless

AFIT Patents

A wake generator for placement in a wind tunnel between a wind source and a test object includes a first frame member having a first track formed thereon, where the first track has a shape including a first side that is substantially rounded and a second side that is substantially flat. The wake generator may include a mounting plate disposed within a perimeter of the first track, where the mounting plate is rotatable relative to the first frame member about a first axis. The wake generator may also include a plurality of bars slidably engaged to the mounting plate and …


A Physics-Based Machine Learning Study Of The Behavior Of Interstitial Helium In Single Crystal W–Mo Binary Alloys, Adib J. Samin May 2020

A Physics-Based Machine Learning Study Of The Behavior Of Interstitial Helium In Single Crystal W–Mo Binary Alloys, Adib J. Samin

Faculty Publications

In this work, the behavior of dilute interstitial helium in W–Mo binary alloys was explored through the application of a first principles-informed neural network (NN) in order to study the early stages of helium-induced damage and inform the design of next generation materials for fusion reactors. The neural network (NN) was trained using a database of 120 density functional theory (DFT) calculations on the alloy. The DFT database of computed solution energies showed a linear dependence on the composition of the first nearest neighbor metallic shell. This NN was then employed in a kinetic Monte Carlo simulation, which took into …


Machine Learning Modeling Of Horizontal Photovoltaics Using Weather And Location Data, Christil Pasion, Torrey J. Wagner, Clay Koschnick, Steven J. Schuldt, Jada B. Williams, Kevin Hallinan May 2020

Machine Learning Modeling Of Horizontal Photovoltaics Using Weather And Location Data, Christil Pasion, Torrey J. Wagner, Clay Koschnick, Steven J. Schuldt, Jada B. Williams, Kevin Hallinan

Faculty Publications

Solar energy is a key renewable energy source; however, its intermittent nature and potential for use in distributed systems make power prediction an important aspect of grid integration. This research analyzed a variety of machine learning techniques to predict power output for horizontal solar panels using 14 months of data collected from 12 northern-hemisphere locations. We performed our data collection and analysis in the absence of irradiation data—an approach not commonly found in prior literature. Using latitude, month, hour, ambient temperature, pressure, humidity, wind speed, and cloud ceiling as independent variables, a distributed random forest regression algorithm modeled the combined …


Learning Set Representations For Lwir In-Scene Atmospheric Compensation, Nicholas M. Westing [*], Kevin C. Gross, Brett J. Borghetti, Jacob A. Martin, Joseph Meola Apr 2020

Learning Set Representations For Lwir In-Scene Atmospheric Compensation, Nicholas M. Westing [*], Kevin C. Gross, Brett J. Borghetti, Jacob A. Martin, Joseph Meola

Faculty Publications

Atmospheric compensation of long-wave infrared (LWIR) hyperspectral imagery is investigated in this article using set representations learned by a neural network. This approach relies on synthetic at-sensor radiance data derived from collected radiosondes and a diverse database of measured emissivity spectra sampled at a range of surface temperatures. The network loss function relies on LWIR radiative transfer equations to update model parameters. Atmospheric predictions are made on a set of diverse pixels extracted from the scene, without knowledge of blackbody pixels or pixel temperatures. The network architecture utilizes permutation-invariant layers to predict a set representation, similar to the work performed …


The Viability And Simplicity Of 3d-Printed Construction: A Military Case Study, Jeneé A. Jagoda, Brandy Diggs-Mcgee, Megan Kreiger, Steven J. Schuldt Apr 2020

The Viability And Simplicity Of 3d-Printed Construction: A Military Case Study, Jeneé A. Jagoda, Brandy Diggs-Mcgee, Megan Kreiger, Steven J. Schuldt

Faculty Publications

In November 2019, U.S. Marines, Air Force, and Army Corps of Engineers personnel demonstrated the viability and simplicity of three-dimensionally (3D)-printed construction in a controlled environment at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center—Construction Engineering Research Laboratory in Champaign, Illinois. The tri-service exercise spanned three days and culminated in the construction of three 1 m × 1 m × 1 m (3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft) concrete dragon’s teeth (square pyramid military fortifications used to defend against tanks and armored vehicles) and several custom-designed objects. The structural components were printed using a custom-built, gantry-style printer called …


Single-Pulse, Kerr-Effect Mueller Matrix Lidar Polarimeter, Keyser, Christian K., Richard K. Martin, Helena Lopez-Aviles, Khanh Nguyen, Arielle M. Adams, Demetrios Christodoulides Apr 2020

Single-Pulse, Kerr-Effect Mueller Matrix Lidar Polarimeter, Keyser, Christian K., Richard K. Martin, Helena Lopez-Aviles, Khanh Nguyen, Arielle M. Adams, Demetrios Christodoulides

Faculty Publications

We present a novel light detection and ranging (LiDAR) polarimeter that enables measurement of 12 of 16 sample Mueller matrix elements in a single, 10 ns pulse. The new polarization state generator (PSG) leverages Kerr phase modulation in a birefringent optical fiber, creating a probe pulse characterized by temporally varying polarization. Theoretical expressions for the Polarization State Generator (PSG) Stokes vector are derived for birefringent walk-off and no walk-off and incorporated into a time-dependent polarimeter signal model employing multiple polarization state analyzers (PSA). Polarimeter modeling compares the Kerr effect and electro-optic phase modulator–based PSG using a single Polarization State Analyzer …


An Argument Against Satellite Resiliency: Simplicity In The Face Of Modern Satellite Design, Dax Linville [*], Robert A. Bettinger Apr 2020

An Argument Against Satellite Resiliency: Simplicity In The Face Of Modern Satellite Design, Dax Linville [*], Robert A. Bettinger

Faculty Publications

The US Air Force and the wider US government rely heavily on space-based capabilities in various orbital regimes to project national security and sovereignty. However, these capabilities are enabled by the design, launch, and operation of satellites produced with a design methodology that favors large, monolithic, and technologically exquisite space systems. Despite the ability for these satellites to provide enduring and resilient capabilities, they suffer from a woefully long acquisition process that debilitates any prospect of rapid satellite reconstitution in the event of a space war.