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Air Force Institute of Technology

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Articles 1891 - 1920 of 5700

Full-Text Articles in Engineering

Computational Electromagnetic Studies For Low-Frequency Compensation Of The Reflector Impulse-Radiating Antenna, Casey E. Fillmore Mar 2015

Computational Electromagnetic Studies For Low-Frequency Compensation Of The Reflector Impulse-Radiating Antenna, Casey E. Fillmore

Theses and Dissertations

The reflector impulse-radiating antenna (IRA) is considered to meet the requirement for a wideband, directional antenna with short temporal response and small electrical footprint. Standard reflector IRA designs are modeled and performance is simulated using full-wave computational electromagnetic (CEM) software. Characterization of the standard designs reveals the possible existence of wide, frequency-independent backlobes containing nearly 40% of the radiated power at high frequencies. These undesirable backlobes have never been hypothesized, predicted or measured, likely due in part to their alignment outside the primary measurement planes. At the lowest operating frequencies, the reflector IRA is unaffected by backlobes, but is characterized …


Precision Relative Positioning For Automated Aerial Refueling From A Stereo Imaging System, Kyle P. Werner Mar 2015

Precision Relative Positioning For Automated Aerial Refueling From A Stereo Imaging System, Kyle P. Werner

Theses and Dissertations

The United States Air Force relies upon aerial refueling to fulfill its missions. Unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) do not currently have access to this capability due to the lack of an on-board pilot to safely maintain a refueling position. This research examines stereo vision for precision relative navigation in order to accomplish the Automated Aerial Refueling (AAR) task. Previous work toward an AAR solution has involved the use of Differential Global Positioning (DGPS), Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), and monocular vision. This research aims to leverage organic systems in future aircraft to compliment these solutions. …


Non-Destructive Techniques For Classifying Aircraft Coating Degradation, Kody A. Wilson Mar 2015

Non-Destructive Techniques For Classifying Aircraft Coating Degradation, Kody A. Wilson

Theses and Dissertations

In this research non-destructive techniques were examined as possible methods of determining aircraft coating degradation. Single Value Decomposition(SVD)-Linear Discriminant Analysis(LDA) algorithms were applied to measured spectra. When applied to infrared emittance spectra only 52% classification accuracy was achieved. When applied to Raman spectroscopy a higher classification accuracy of 70.4% is attained when using the same SVD-LDA algorithm. However the best performing measurement was using infrared reflectance classification accuracies were 100%, 99.83% and 94.4% when using the Bomem FTS, DRIFTS and Telops respectively for one of the sample sets. For DRIFTS data a more accurate fingerprint region was identified 865.6 - …


A Predictive Logistic Regression Model Of World Conflict Using Open Source Data, Benjamin C. Boekestein Mar 2015

A Predictive Logistic Regression Model Of World Conflict Using Open Source Data, Benjamin C. Boekestein

Theses and Dissertations

Nations transitioning into conflict is an issue of national interest. This study considers various data for inclusion in a statistical model that predicts the future state of the world where nations will either be in a state of violent conflict or not in violent conflict based on available historical data. Logistic regression is used to construct and test various models to produce a parsimonious world model with 15 variables. Further analysis shows that nations differ significantly by geographical area. Therefore six sub-models are constructed for differing geographical areas of the world. The dominant variables for each sub-model vary, suggesting a …


A Probabilistic Assessment Of Failure For Air Force Building Systems, Stephanie L. Alley Mar 2015

A Probabilistic Assessment Of Failure For Air Force Building Systems, Stephanie L. Alley

Theses and Dissertations

Deteriorating and failing federal facilities represent a cost to leaders and organizations as they attempt to manage and maintain these assets. Currently the Air Force employs the BUILDERTM Sustainment Management System to predict the reliability of building components. At different system levels, however, the probabilities of failure are not predicted. The purpose of this research is to provide probabilistic models which predict the probability of failure at the system level of a building s infrastructure hierarchy. This research investigated the plumbing, HVAC, fire protection, and electrical systems. Probabilistic models were created for these systems by using fault trees with …


Value Focused Thinking Applications To Supervised Pattern Classification With Extensions To Hyperspectral Anomaly Detection Algorithms, David S. Scanland Mar 2015

Value Focused Thinking Applications To Supervised Pattern Classification With Extensions To Hyperspectral Anomaly Detection Algorithms, David S. Scanland

Theses and Dissertations

Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) is an emerging analytical tool with flexible applications in different target detection and classification environments, including Military Intelligence, environmental conservation, etc. Algorithms are being developed at a rapid rate, solving various related detection problems under certain assumptions. At the core of these algorithms is the concept of supervised pattern classification, which trains an algorithm to data with enough generalizability that it can be applied to multiple instances of data. It is necessary to develop a logical methodology that can weigh responses and provide an output value that can help determine an optimum algorithm. This research focuses on …


Ethical Behavior And Ajzen’S Theory Of Planned Behavior Applied To The Decision To Obtain Professional Credentials, Sarajo Paluch Mar 2015

Ethical Behavior And Ajzen’S Theory Of Planned Behavior Applied To The Decision To Obtain Professional Credentials, Sarajo Paluch

Theses and Dissertations

Currently, the requirement to obtain and maintain professional credentials within the engineering discipline varies among the five military departments within the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). However, there may be an ethical requirement to do so. The purpose of this research was to investigate ethical theory and behavior theory, and their influence on the decision to obtain and maintain professional credentials. Individual Moral Philosophy (IMP) is one approach describing ethical thought. The Ethics Position Questionnaire (EPQ) measures the two dimensions of IMP: idealism and relativism. The Theory of Planned Behavior (ToPB) is used in research to predict behavior intentions and …


Dynamic Response Analysis Of An Icosahedron Shaped Lighter Than Air Vehicle, Lucas W. Just Mar 2015

Dynamic Response Analysis Of An Icosahedron Shaped Lighter Than Air Vehicle, Lucas W. Just

Theses and Dissertations

The creation of a lighter than air vehicle using an inner vacuum instead of a lifting gas is considered. Specifically, the icosahedron shape is investigated as a design that will enable the structure to achieve positive buoyancy while resisting collapse from the atmospheric pressure applied. This research analyzes the dynamic response characteristics of the design, and examines the accuracy of the finite element model used in previous research by conducting experimental testing. The techniques incorporated in the finite element model are confirmed based on the experimental results using a modal analysis. The experimental setup designed will allow future research on …


Effect Of Prior Exposure At Elevated Temperatures On Tensile Properties And Stress-Strain Behavior Of Three Oxide/Oxide Ceramic Matrix Composites, Christopher J. Hull Mar 2015

Effect Of Prior Exposure At Elevated Temperatures On Tensile Properties And Stress-Strain Behavior Of Three Oxide/Oxide Ceramic Matrix Composites, Christopher J. Hull

Theses and Dissertations

Thermal stability of three oxide-oxide ceramic matrix composites was studied. The materials studied were NextelTM610/aluminosilicate (N610/AS), NextelTM720/aluminosilicate (N720/AS), and NextelTM720/Alumina (N720/A), commercially available oxide-oxide ceramic composites (COI Ceramics, San Diego, CA). The N610/AS composite consists of a porous aluminosilicate matrix reinforced with laminated woven alumina N610 fibers. The N720/AS and N720/A composites consist of a porous oxide matrix reinforced with laminated, woven mullite/alumina (NextelTM720) fibers. The matrix materials are aluminosilicate in N720/AS and alumina in N720/A. All three composites have no interface between the fibers and matrix, and rely on the porous …


Computer Modeling Of A Rotating Detonation Engine In A Rocket Configuration, Nihar Shah Mar 2015

Computer Modeling Of A Rotating Detonation Engine In A Rocket Configuration, Nihar Shah

Theses and Dissertations

Detonation-based combustors leverage the higher thermodynamic efficiency of the Atkinson cycle compared to the traditional deflagration-based combustion of the Brayton cycle. The rotating detonation engine (RDE) has one or more shock waves rotating around an annulus. The RDE can theoretically be 20% more thermally efficient than a traditional deflagration-based cycle. A RDE was modeled in Numerical Propulsion System Simulation (NPSS) based on a model developed in Microsoft Excel. The thermodynamic analysis of the RDE in these models is broken into four streams. Empirical models were used to find the percentage of the total flow in each stream. The pre-detonation pressure …


Single Platform Geolocation Of Radio Frequency Emitters, Eric J. Bailey Mar 2015

Single Platform Geolocation Of Radio Frequency Emitters, Eric J. Bailey

Theses and Dissertations

The focus of this research is on single platform geolocation methods where the position of a single stationary radio frequency emitter is estimated from multiple simulated angle and frequency of arrival measurements taken from a single moving receiver platform. The analysis scenario considered consists of a single 6U CubeSat in low earth orbit receiving radio frequency signals from a stationary emitter located on the surface of the Earth. A multiple element receive antenna array and the multiple signal classification algorithm are used to estimate the angles of arrival of an impinging signal. The maximum likelihood estimator is used to estimate …


Subtractive Plasma-Assisted-Etch Process For Developing High Performance Nanocrystalline Zinc-Oxide Thin-Film-Transistors, Thomas M. Donigan Mar 2015

Subtractive Plasma-Assisted-Etch Process For Developing High Performance Nanocrystalline Zinc-Oxide Thin-Film-Transistors, Thomas M. Donigan

Theses and Dissertations

Thin-Film-Transistors (TFTs) employing undoped zinc-oxide (ZnO) thin-films are currently being investigated by the Air Force for microwave switching applications. Since the on-resistance (R(on)) of the device scales with channel length (LC), ZnO TFT optimization should be focused on reducing LC, therefore minimizing the associated insertion losses. In this research, deep sub-micron scaling of ZnO TFTs was undertaken using a subtractive reactive-ion-etch (RIE) process. Under optimum processing conditions, ZnO TFTs with LC as small as 155 nm were successfully demonstrated. The active ZnO channels of the TFTs were patterned by selective SF6-RIE of a tungsten ohmic film through electron-beam defined openings …


Initial Implementation And Testing Of A Tightly-Coupled Imu/Pseudolite System, James E. C. Kawecki Mar 2015

Initial Implementation And Testing Of A Tightly-Coupled Imu/Pseudolite System, James E. C. Kawecki

Theses and Dissertations

Currently, the 746th Test Squadrons (746th TS) Central Inertial and GPS Test Facility (CIGTF) operates one of the most accurate truth reference systems, called the CIGTF Reference System (CRS). CIGTF will be replacing the CRS with a new references system called UHARS (Ultra High Accuracy Reference System). UHARS will differ from CRS by adding the ability to use a non-GPS pseudolite system, as a new measurement source. This research effort describes the design of the extended Kalman filter which is developed in AFIT's SPIDER filter framework which implements a tightly-coupled pseudolite/INS filter.


Fpga Accelerated Discrete-Surf For Real-Time Homography Estimation, Andrew C. Leighner Mar 2015

Fpga Accelerated Discrete-Surf For Real-Time Homography Estimation, Andrew C. Leighner

Theses and Dissertations

This paper describes our hardware accelerated, FPGA implementation of SURF, named Discrete SURF, to support real-time homography estimation for close range aerial navigation. The SURF algorithm provides feature matches between a model and a scene which can be used to find the transformation between the camera and the model. Previous implementations of SURF have partially employed FPGAs to accelerate the feature detection stage of upright only image comparisons. We extend the work of previous implementations by providing an FPGA implementation that allows rotation during image comparisons in order to facilitate aerial navigation. We also expand beyond feature detection as the …


Theoretical Limits Of Lunar Vision Aided Navigation With Inertial Navigation System, David W. Jones Mar 2015

Theoretical Limits Of Lunar Vision Aided Navigation With Inertial Navigation System, David W. Jones

Theses and Dissertations

The precision navigation capabilities of the Global Positioning System (GPS) are used extensively within US military operations. However, GPS is highly vulnerable to intentional and unintentional external interference. Therefore, a need exists to develop a non-GPS precision navigation method to operate in GPS degraded environments. This research effort presents the theoretical limits of a precision navigation method based on an inertial navigation system (INS) aided by angle measurements with respect to lunar surface features observed by a fixed camera. To accomplish this task, an extended Kalman filter (EKF) was implemented to estimate INS drift errors and bring in simulated lunar …


Counter Weapon Control, Brian J. Roadruck Mar 2015

Counter Weapon Control, Brian J. Roadruck

Theses and Dissertations

In this work, pursuit-evasion differential game theory is applied to the target defense scenario. The targets, attackers, and the defenders positional information is assumed to be known to the players. With positional information, a computational efficient method of strategy synthesis can be derived applying a differential game theory approach. We demonstrate that when non-optimal strategies are employed by one of the players, e.g. Line Of Sight guidance, the outcome will favor the players that employ the optimal strategy given by the solution of the pursuit-evasion differential game.


Git As An Encrypted Distributed Version Control System, Russell G. Shirey Mar 2015

Git As An Encrypted Distributed Version Control System, Russell G. Shirey

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis develops and presents a secure Git implementation, Git Virtual Vault (GV2), for users of Git to work on sensitive projects with repositories located in unsecure distributed environments, such as in cloud computing. This scenario is common within the Department of Defense, as much work is of a sensitive nature. In order to provide security to Git, additional functionality is added for confidentiality and integrity protection. This thesis examines existing Git encryption implementations and baselines their performance compared to unencrypted Git. Real-world Git repositories are examined to characterize typical Git usage and determine if the existing Git encryption implementations …


Robust Models For Operator Workload Estimation, Andrew M. Smith Mar 2015

Robust Models For Operator Workload Estimation, Andrew M. Smith

Theses and Dissertations

When human-machine system operators are overwhelmed, judicious employment of automation can be beneficial. Ideally, a system which can accurately estimate current operator workload can make better choices when to employ automation. Supervised machine learning models can be trained to estimate workload in real time from operator physiological data. Unfortunately, estimating operator workload using trained models is limited: using a model trained in one context can yield poor estimation of workload in another. This research examines the utility of three algorithms (linear regression, regression trees, and Artificial Neural Networks) in terms of cross-application workload prediction. The study is conducted for a …


Characterizing Multiple Wireless Sensor Networks For Large-Scale Radio Tomography, Tan Van Mar 2015

Characterizing Multiple Wireless Sensor Networks For Large-Scale Radio Tomography, Tan Van

Theses and Dissertations

Radio Tomographic Imaging (RTI) is an emerging Device-Free Passive Localization (DFPL) technology that uses a collection of cheap wireless transceivers to form a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN). Unlike device-based active localization, DFPL does not require a target of interest to be wearing any kind of device. The basic concept of RTI utilizes the changes in Received Signal Strength (RSS) between the links of each transceiver to create an attenuation image of the area. This image can then be used for target detection, tracking, and localization. Each transceiver in the WSN must transmit sequentially to prevent collisions. This is not a …


Non-Linear Optimization Applied To Angle-Of-Arrival Satellite-Based Geolocation With Correlated Measurements, Joshua S. Sprang Mar 2015

Non-Linear Optimization Applied To Angle-Of-Arrival Satellite-Based Geolocation With Correlated Measurements, Joshua S. Sprang

Theses and Dissertations

A common remote sensing application is producing geolocation estimates for an object of interest from multiple sensor platforms. Geolocation estimates are desired to help improve situational awareness when dealing with space objects that do not actively broadcast their location. A depiction of the error parameters are calculated in conjunction with the positional estimates. Problems occur when multiple measurements from a single sensor are used to estimate a location due to correlations in sensor error. A non-linear optimization approach is presented for determining geolocation estimates and their associated error parameters. The error parameters directly reflect the error present on the individual …


The Effect Of Anisotropic Scatter On Atmospheric Neutron Transport, Nicholas J. Mcintee Mar 2015

The Effect Of Anisotropic Scatter On Atmospheric Neutron Transport, Nicholas J. Mcintee

Theses and Dissertations

Anisotropy is present in the angular distributions of neutrons departing from a nuclear scattering event. This anisotropy cannot be defined in a closed-form solution, and it is dependent on the incident neutron energy, elastic or inelastic scatter, along with the inelastic level, and the species struck. The underlying question is, if anisotropic behavior is worth the computational cost to be included in certain simulations, and if so, what level of precision is effected by the inclusion of anisotropic scatter. A Watt spectrum of U235 fission neutrons was examined as it collided with species in a nitrogen-oxygen atmosphere. In a …


Expected Position Error For An Onboard Satellite Gps Receiver, Anthony S. Williams Mar 2015

Expected Position Error For An Onboard Satellite Gps Receiver, Anthony S. Williams

Theses and Dissertations

The Global Positioning System (GPS) constellation provides ranging information that delivers inexpensive, high precision positioning for terrestrial users. Satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) can use an onboard GPS receiver resulting in meter-level navigation solution accuracy. There are limitations to using GPS for positioning for satellites above LEO. The number of GPS satellites who's signal can be received decreases as the receivers altitude approaches that of the GPS constellation. Above the GPS constellation, the available GPS signals for ranging will originate from satellites on the opposite side of Earth. This research calculates the available GPS signals to the receiver and …


Surface Geometry And Chemistry Of Hydrothermally Synthesized Single Crystal Thorium Dioxide, Scott W. Key Mar 2015

Surface Geometry And Chemistry Of Hydrothermally Synthesized Single Crystal Thorium Dioxide, Scott W. Key

Theses and Dissertations

The surface chemistry and geometry of hydrothermally grown, single crystal ThO2 was studied using X-ray Photoemission Spectroscopy (XPS) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). The crystal was studied before and after sputter etching with Ar+, heating up to 675 K, and dehydration with dry nitrogen. The hydrothermal growth technique incorporated Cs and F into the near surface bulk. Heating to 675 K drove off the F, but did not the Cs. Sputtering with Ar+ at 75° cleaned the crystal and created a more uniform surface geometry. The Th 4f peak resolution, as measured by XPS improved by …


The Brazilian Air Force Uniform Distribution Process: Using Lean Thinking, Statistical Process Control And Theory Of Constraints To Address Improvement Opportunities, Luciano A. Dos Santos Mar 2015

The Brazilian Air Force Uniform Distribution Process: Using Lean Thinking, Statistical Process Control And Theory Of Constraints To Address Improvement Opportunities, Luciano A. Dos Santos

Theses and Dissertations

In the Brazilian Air Force, all enlisted Soldiers and Corporals (corresponding to USAF ranks from Airman Basic to Senior Airman) are entitled to receive their uniforms from their assigned, respective organizations, free of charge. An important portion of the uniform s distribution process is accomplished by the Brazilian Air Force Intendancy Central Depot (ICD). This organization carries the uniform inventory and performs the selection and distribution activities, following the guidance of the Sub-directorate of Supply. ICD process performance data for the peak distribution seasons of 2012 and 2013 was collected and analyzed. Several indications of inefficiencies became apparent, exemplified by …


Non-Rated Air Force Line Officer Attrition Rates Using Survival Analysis, Jill A. Schofield Mar 2015

Non-Rated Air Force Line Officer Attrition Rates Using Survival Analysis, Jill A. Schofield

Theses and Dissertations

The Air Force structures its workforce around rank structure and work specialty codes (Air Force Specialty Codes (AFSCs)). The challenge is to grow and manage personnel to fill a variety of skill sets at a variety of ranks over a 20-30 year planning horizon. To ensure that the missions are accomplished while adhering to congressionally-mandated force allocations, the Air Force is continually attempting to \right size its force by maintaining the correct balance of personnel in each career field. The Air Force conducts its force structure management responsibility by comparing historical attrition rates to current manpower requirements for each AFSC …


A Risk Based Approach To Node Insertion Within Social Networks, Chancellor A. J. Johnstone Mar 2015

A Risk Based Approach To Node Insertion Within Social Networks, Chancellor A. J. Johnstone

Theses and Dissertations

Social Network Analysis (SNA) is a primary tool for counter-terrorism operations, ranging from resiliency and influence to interdiction on threats stemming from illicit overt and clandestine network operations. In an ideal world, SNA would provide a perfect course of action to eliminate dangerous situations that terrorist organizations bring. Unfortunately, the covert nature of terrorist networks makes the effects of these techniques unknown and possibly detrimental. To avoid potentially harmful changes to enemy networks, tactical involvement must evolve, beginning with the intelligent use of network in filtration through the application of the node insertion problem. The framework for the node insertion …


Active Duty C-17 Aircraft Commander Fuel Efficiency Metrics And Goal Evaluation, Michael J. Schumacher Mar 2015

Active Duty C-17 Aircraft Commander Fuel Efficiency Metrics And Goal Evaluation, Michael J. Schumacher

Theses and Dissertations

As the largest consumer of fuel in the Department of Defense, the Air Force continually looks for new ways to advocate aircraft fuel efficiency. Optimal metrics and goals are essential components to encourage efficient flying. This research examined two metrics through quantitative statistical and qualitative criteria analysis, picked the most effective metric, and utilized Goal Setting Theory (GST) to couple the metric with an attainable goal aimed at making Aircraft Commander's (AC's) more fuel efficient. The first metric, M1Cargo Adjusted, uses current sortie planning factors and adjusts these for payload. The second metric, M2Regression, uses regression analysis based on flight …


Statistical Observations Of Positioning, Navigation, And Timing In A Combat Simulation, Matthew G. Thomas Mar 2015

Statistical Observations Of Positioning, Navigation, And Timing In A Combat Simulation, Matthew G. Thomas

Theses and Dissertations

The Global Positioning System (GPS) has become an important asset in the lives of civilians and defense organizations. GPS uses include positioning, navigation, timing, as well as many other daily applications. With such dependence, protection against attacks on the system is paramount to continue its effectiveness. Attacks on its signal is the easiest way for enemies to degrade and harm not only everyday functioning for civilians, but a nation's defense as well. Jamming interference and spoofing are the two most frequent attacks on GPS signals. Could these two attacks cause significant effect on military operations? We use a System Effectiveness …


The Cognition Of Multiaircraft Control (Mac): Cognitive Ability Predictors, Working Memory, Interference, And Attention Control In Radio Communication, Kelly M. Amaddio Mar 2015

The Cognition Of Multiaircraft Control (Mac): Cognitive Ability Predictors, Working Memory, Interference, And Attention Control In Radio Communication, Kelly M. Amaddio

Theses and Dissertations

As the number of U.S. Air Force missions requiring UAVs has rapidly increased without commensurate increases in manpower, systems which permit a single operator to supervise and control multiple, highly-automated aircraft are being considered. The operator of such a system may be required to monitor and respond to voice communications for multiple UAVs, each of which can have aircraft specific call signs. The need to monitor this array of call signs may impose excessive requirements on constrained operator attention, working memory, and cognitive processing. The current research investigates the cognitive load (number of aircraft call signs) an individual can handle …


Modeling, Simulation, And Analysis Of A Decoy State Enabled Quantum Key Distribution System, Ryan D. Engle Mar 2015

Modeling, Simulation, And Analysis Of A Decoy State Enabled Quantum Key Distribution System, Ryan D. Engle

Theses and Dissertations

Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is an emerging technology which uses the principles of quantum mechanics to provide unconditionally secure key distribution. QKD systems are unique in their ability to detect an eavesdropper's presence and are being marketed for applications where high levels of secrecy are required such as banking, government, and military environments. QKD systems are composed of electrical, optical, and electrooptical components. Their design requires expertise across multiple disciplines including computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, information theory, optical physics, and quantum physics. This multidisciplinary nature makes QKD an ideal candidate for study using Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) …