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Air Force Institute of Technology

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Articles 121 - 150 of 5697

Full-Text Articles in Engineering

Reinforcement Learning For Aeromedical Evacuation In Nonstationary Combat Environments, Micah J. Kartchner Mar 2025

Reinforcement Learning For Aeromedical Evacuation In Nonstationary Combat Environments, Micah J. Kartchner

Theses and Dissertations

This research formulates the medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) dispatching problem as a sequential decision process and investigates the application of reinforcement learning under nonstationary conditions. We model the dynamic arrival rate of MEDEVAC requests using a nonstationary Hawkes process and design a Double Deep Q-Network algorithm that incorporates belief states to anticipate future requests. Through computational experimentation, we analyze the impact of belief formulation on decision quality and system performance. Results indicate that policies incorporating belief states significantly outperform myopic dispatching policies, reducing urgent casualty wait times by up to 49.68% and increasing on-time evacuations by up to 21.91%.


An Agent-Based Modeling Framework For Evaluating The Linkage Between Disaster Facility Damage And Mental Health, Emily S. Reeves Mar 2025

An Agent-Based Modeling Framework For Evaluating The Linkage Between Disaster Facility Damage And Mental Health, Emily S. Reeves

Theses and Dissertations

This research establishes a novel agent-based modeling framework to establish the linkage between disaster-induced facility damage and mental health outcomes and the evaluation of treatment methods within the civilian and USAF mental health spheres. The study models the degradation and recovery of agent mental health using simulated data and evaluates the efficacy of three distinct treatment approaches through statistical methods. The methodology integrate agent-based modeling with resilient engineering concepts to simulate mental health resilience curves based on vulnerability, exposure, and facility damage. Agents’ mental health indices were tracked through phases of degradation, stagnation, and recovery based on the three treatments …


Evaluating Atmospheric Water Generation For The Indo-Pacific: Predictive Modeling, Energy Considerations, And Regional Viability, Jose I. De La Serna Mar 2025

Evaluating Atmospheric Water Generation For The Indo-Pacific: Predictive Modeling, Energy Considerations, And Regional Viability, Jose I. De La Serna

Theses and Dissertations

Atmospheric Water Generator (AWG) technology presents a promising solution for extracting and harvesting water from ambient air through condensation methods. This innovative approach offers a viable alternative for water production in regions with limited or unreliable water sources. AWGs operate most effectively in hot and humid environments, typically at temperatures of 80°F and relative humidity levels of 80%. As of 2020, the Department of Defense (DoD) has identified the Indo-Pacific region as a strategic focus for addressing future greatpower competition. Within the framework of Agile Combat Employment, this study evaluates the feasibility and performance of AWG technology at pre-determined locations …


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 …


Development Of An Advanced 16-Channel High-Fidelity Multi-Frequency Software-Defined Rf Front-End For Advanced Satnav Signal Monitoring Applications, Melbourne T. Ketteridge Mar 2025

Development Of An Advanced 16-Channel High-Fidelity Multi-Frequency Software-Defined Rf Front-End For Advanced Satnav Signal Monitoring Applications, Melbourne T. Ketteridge

Theses and Dissertations

Multi-element antenna array technology provides significant performance advantages in satellite timing and navigation (satnav) receiver applications. It is the most effective anti-jamming method with the ability to place steep nulls in the direction of jammers. Until recently, satnav systems with 4 or more antenna elements were designated as weapons technology and restricted under ITAR regulations. This opens the door to commercial multi-element satnav receivers. Due to advancements in wireless broadband technology a receiver built entirely using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components is possible. This thesis presents an architecture for a high fidelity 16-channel RF front-end (RFFE) for research and development of …


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 …


Performing Requirements Specification And Analysis Through Open Generative Pre-Trained Transformers, Harvey J. Hurst Mar 2025

Performing Requirements Specification And Analysis Through Open Generative Pre-Trained Transformers, Harvey J. Hurst

Theses and Dissertations

Every acquisition program begins with a requirement, and for those programs to succeed, robust requirements engineering (RE) must be implemented. RE encompasses eliciting, analyzing, specifying, and validating requirements—a critical process throughout a program's lifecycle. Despite its importance, RE faces challenges such as scope creep, ambiguity, redundancy, and inadequate automation support, often exacerbated by reliance on historical data. To address these issues, this thesis leverages advancements in Generative Technology, particularly large language models (LLMs) such as Generative Pre-Trained Transformers (GPTs). This research developed two GPT-based tools: the Single Requirement Analysis Tool and the Set of Requirements Analysis Tool. These tools were …


Early-Phase Cost Estimation For Department Of Defense Construction Projects Via Artificial Neural Networks: Implications And Policy Recommendations For Artificial Intelligence Integration, Kobe T. Thompson Mar 2025

Early-Phase Cost Estimation For Department Of Defense Construction Projects Via Artificial Neural Networks: Implications And Policy Recommendations For Artificial Intelligence Integration, Kobe T. Thompson

Theses and Dissertations

The Department of Defense lost over 500 million dollars between 2016 and 2024, partially due to poor early cost estimates resulting in cost overruns. practice for cost estimation relied on parametric techniques that incorporate historical data, subject matter experts in cost estimating, and predictive software applications. The main motivation for this study was to assess the viability of artificial neural networks as a means of providing a more accurate cost estimate in the early design phases of a construction project. The dataset initially contained approximately 48,000 data points from a database of various Air Force projects, including maintenance, repair, minor …


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 …


Model-Based Approach To Support Safety Driven Design And Satisfy Mil-Std-882e Requirements With Stpa Coordination: A Case History In Suas Defense Acquisition, Daniel A. Shea Mar 2025

Model-Based Approach To Support Safety Driven Design And Satisfy Mil-Std-882e Requirements With Stpa Coordination: A Case History In Suas Defense Acquisition, Daniel A. Shea

Theses and Dissertations

Increasingly complex defense systems that are routinely overbudget and behind schedule are driving digital engineering initiatives in the defense acquisition industry. MBSE offers a solution to counter this issue but the lack of guidance on how to implement it has led to significant experimentation. One MBSE area of interest is system safety. This research demonstrates how to conduct model-based Systems Theoretic Process Analysis (STPA) to meet the unique system safety process requirements from MIL-STD882E. Based in systems theory, STPA extended for coordination enables a safety-driven design process of complex systems. This research investigated conducting STPA in the SysML-RAAML modeling language …


Proof Of Concept: Using Uas Technology To Accomplish Aerial Roof Inspections, Madison R. Fanning Mar 2025

Proof Of Concept: Using Uas Technology To Accomplish Aerial Roof Inspections, Madison R. Fanning

Theses and Dissertations

With the growing use of simulation across industries, the digital twin remains an underexplored research area, particularly in emergency management and response. Its real-time updating capability is often overlooked due to the misconception that "digital twin" is merely a complex term for simulation. This paper highlights its distinctiveness through an evasion exercise involving two independent entities in a collocated environment. Using a highly integrated virtual environment (HIVE) and internet of things (IoT) devices, we link the physical system with an analytical simulation, demonstrating the impact of lag times in high-pressure scenarios. The computational model leverages agent-based modeling (ABM) and discrete-event …


Proximal Policy Optimization Applied To The Beyond Visual Range Air Combat Maneuvering Problem, Daniel B. Joseph Mar 2025

Proximal Policy Optimization Applied To The Beyond Visual Range Air Combat Maneuvering Problem, Daniel B. Joseph

Theses and Dissertations

Artificial intelligence (AI) grows ever-more important in warfighting. Emerging technologies allow for the use of AI to control aircraft and weapons systems. This research investigates the application of reinforcement learning (RL) through the Proximal Policy Optimization (PPO) algorithm to a two-versus-two (2v2) beyond-visual-range (BVR) air combat maneuvering problem (ACMP). Implemented in the Advanced Framework for Simulation, Integration, and Modeling (AFSIM), the methodology frames the engagement as a Markov decision process, wherein an autonomous RL agent learns continuous control decisions—throttle, pitch, roll, and yaw—under a cooperative communication scheme. A multi-phase curriculum-learning approach facilitates the progressive acquisition of flight stability, weapon deployment, …


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 …


Learning To Dogfight: Proximal Policy Optimization Vs. Double Deep Q Network For 2v2 Air Combat With Directed Energy Weapons In Afsim, Caden W. Wilson Mar 2025

Learning To Dogfight: Proximal Policy Optimization Vs. Double Deep Q Network For 2v2 Air Combat With Directed Energy Weapons In Afsim, Caden W. Wilson

Theses and Dissertations

This research utilizes reinforcement learning (RL) to train two blue agents each imbued with a directed energy weapon (DEW) in a 2v2 within visual range air combat maneuvering problem. A phased solution approach is employed to repeatedly tune and train several RL algorithm implementations: Proximal Policy Optimization (PPO) and Double Deep Q Network (DDQN). Phase I of training includes reward shaping for basic flight elements such as altitude, airspeed, and target proximity. Phase II of training builds off policies developed in Phase I, but rewards emphasize winning the aerial engagement by any means necessary. DDQN significantly outperforms PPO in Phase …


Weighed And Measured: Toward An Evaluation Method For Digital Models In Source Selection, Liam N. O'Neill Mar 2025

Weighed And Measured: Toward An Evaluation Method For Digital Models In Source Selection, Liam N. O'Neill

Theses and Dissertations

Inspired by a recent model-based source selection conducted by the Advanced Range Threat System (ARTS) Program Office at Hill AFB, this research effort explored the development of new tools the DoD could use when evaluating models submitted with proposals. Specifically, the effort aimed to incorporate the Multi-Objective Decisions Analysis (MODA) framework into SysML diagrams as a solution for technical evaluations on models submitted with offeror proposals, eventually producing the Model-Based Decision Tool (MBDT). The MBDT is built from a Value Hierarchy based on key system requirements, each weighted by priority and measured by their own Single-Dimensional Value Functions (SDVFs). By …


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 …


Safety-Driven Concept Development Using System Theoretic Process Analysis Extended For Coordination In A Model Based Environment: A Case Study On Autonomous Satellite Teaming, Taylor L. Matarazzo Mar 2025

Safety-Driven Concept Development Using System Theoretic Process Analysis Extended For Coordination In A Model Based Environment: A Case Study On Autonomous Satellite Teaming, Taylor L. Matarazzo

Theses and Dissertations

Rigorous system safety analysis methods, allow programs to identify potential problems helping to minimize their impact to program schedules and budgets. In the contested, congested, and competitive space environment, coordination within and between systems is critical to mission success. System Theoretic Process Analysis extended for Coordination (STPA-coord) can prescriptively analyze these coordination interactions. STPA-coord shifts the conversation of system safety from elements ofreliability to elements of control, providing insights that holistically analyze the system. As studies suggest, decisions made early in a systems design determine 80-86% of a programs final cost, therefore integrating system safety as early into design can …


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.


Design, Simulation, And Characterization Of A Deuterated Plastic Scintillator For A Portable Neutron Spectrometer, Anders M. Kinney Ii Mar 2025

Design, Simulation, And Characterization Of A Deuterated Plastic Scintillator For A Portable Neutron Spectrometer, Anders M. Kinney Ii

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examines the design, simulation, and experimental characterization of a novel deuterated plastic scintillator for portable neutron spectroscopy applications related to homeland security and nuclear non-proliferation. Using Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) simulations and experimental tests with gamma-ray (137Cs) and neutron sources (AmBe, 252Cf), this research shows that deuterium substitution in scintillators significantly enhances pulse shape discrimination (PSD) and neutron energy spectrum unfolding capabilities. Although deuterated scintillators demonstrate reduced overall light output, their higher stopping power and increased ionization quenching lead to superior neutron event differentiation, particularly between (α, n) and spontaneous fission neutrons critical for detecting …


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 …