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Articles 3061 - 3090 of 5700
Full-Text Articles in Engineering
Comparative Study Of Aerodynamic Interference During Aft Dispense Of Munitions, Matthew G. Burkinshaw
Comparative Study Of Aerodynamic Interference During Aft Dispense Of Munitions, Matthew G. Burkinshaw
Theses and Dissertations
Based on forthcoming USAF needs, an investigation was launched to further the understanding of aft dispense of munitions in a high-speed environment. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) study was performed followed by a wind tunnel experiment. The study consisted of a strut-mounted cone simulating a parent vehicle and a sting mounted cone-cylinder store situated directly behind the cone. The CFD modeled the test objects inside a supersonic wind tunnel in which the experiments took place. The CFD study consisted of evaluating a new strut designed to reduce asymmetry in the airflow aft of the cone. The CFD study also included …
Radar Orbit Analsis Tool Using Least Squares Estimator, Sandra M. Rashash
Radar Orbit Analsis Tool Using Least Squares Estimator, Sandra M. Rashash
Theses and Dissertations
Most objects tracked in space follow a regular Keplerian orbit; unfortunately, non-Keplerian objects such as maneuvering satellites, tethered systems, and thrusting ballistic missiles are becoming more common. It is important to be able to distinguish between Keplerian and non-Keplerian objects due to the potential risk of a tethered satellite being mistaken for an object on re-entry. This research focused on creating a computer model that can detect the non-gravitational acceleration present in non-Keplerian orbits. A 3rd order Taylor series expansion was used to model the dynamics and to produce simulated radar data. Linear least squares estimation was used to estimate …
Navigation Using Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexed Signals Of Opportunity, Jamie S. Velotta
Navigation Using Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexed Signals Of Opportunity, Jamie S. Velotta
Theses and Dissertations
The global positioning system (GPS) provides high-accuracy position measurements anywhere in the world. However, a limitation of this system is that a line of sight to multiple satellites is required; therefore, it is unsuitable to use indoors or in urban canyons. Also, in the presence of radio-frequency interference or jamming, GPS may be unavailable. Alternative methods of navigation and positioning are need to either compliment GPS as a backup or for use in areas unreachable by satellites. This research analyzes a feature-based correlation approach for determining reception differences between two Orthogonal Frequency Division receivers for the purpose of TDOA calculations. …
Unreliable Retrial Queues In A Random Environment, James D. Cordeiro Jr.
Unreliable Retrial Queues In A Random Environment, James D. Cordeiro Jr.
Theses and Dissertations
This dissertation investigates stability conditions and approximate steady-state performance measures for unreliable, single-server retrial queues operating in a randomly evolving environment. In such systems, arriving customers that find the server busy or failed join a retrial queue from which they attempt to regain access to the server at random intervals. Such models are useful for the performance evaluation of communications and computer networks which are characterized by time-varying arrival, service and failure rates. To model this time-varying behavior, we study systems whose parameters are modulated by a finite Markov process. Two distinct cases are analyzed. The first considers systems with …
Common Aero Vehicle Autonomous Reentry Trajectory Optimization Satisfying Waypoint And No-Fly Zone Constraints, Timothy R. Jorris
Common Aero Vehicle Autonomous Reentry Trajectory Optimization Satisfying Waypoint And No-Fly Zone Constraints, Timothy R. Jorris
Theses and Dissertations
To support the Global Strike mission, an autonomous trajectory optimization technique is presented to minimize the flight time, satisfy terminal and intermediate constraints, and remain within the specified vehicle heating and control limitations. "Waypoints" are specified for reconnaissance or multiple payload deployments and "no-fly zones" are specified for geopolitical restrictions or threat avoidance. The Hypersonic Cruise Vehicle (HCV) is used as a simplified two-dimensional platform to compare multiple solution techniques. The solution techniques include a unique geometric approach, an analytical dynamic optimization technique, and a numerical approach. This numerical technique is a direct solution method involving pseudospectral methods and nonlinear …
Validation Of The Afit Small Scale Combustion Facility And Oh Laser-Induced Fluorescence Of An Atmospheric Laminar Premiext Ed Flame, Stephen J. Koether
Validation Of The Afit Small Scale Combustion Facility And Oh Laser-Induced Fluorescence Of An Atmospheric Laminar Premiext Ed Flame, Stephen J. Koether
Theses and Dissertations
Construction in the AFIT combustion facility is complete and the objective of this report is to explain the steps taken to make the laboratory operational. The infinite radius Ultra-Compact Combustor (UCC) sectional model has been delivered and is fully installed with all fuel, air and instrument lines. Every major system in the lab has been tested and is functioning properly. Laboratory operating procedure has been established to ensure both safety and continuity in experimental results. Finally, the lab has been certified through official safety channels and combustion experiments are underway. The unique capability of the AFIT combustion laboratory is the …
Cyclic Creep And Recovery Behavior Of Nextel™ 720/Alumina Ceramic Matrix Composite At 1200° C In Air And Steam Environments, Bridgett A. Whiting
Cyclic Creep And Recovery Behavior Of Nextel™ 720/Alumina Ceramic Matrix Composite At 1200° C In Air And Steam Environments, Bridgett A. Whiting
Theses and Dissertations
The cyclic creep and recovery behaviors of the N720/Al2O3 composite were investigated in this research. The ceramic matrix composite (CMC) contains a porous alumina matrix with laminated, woven mullite/alumina (NextelTM 720) fibers. The composite does not have an interface between the fiber and matrix. The CMC relies on the porous nature for flaw tolerance. The objective of this study the influences of monotonic creep and cyclic creep loading histories on the creep lifetime, creep strain rate, accumulated creep strain as well as on the recovery of creep strain at near zero stress. The cyclic creep and …
Conceptual Mems Devices For A Redeployable Antenna, Virginia Miller
Conceptual Mems Devices For A Redeployable Antenna, Virginia Miller
Theses and Dissertations
Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) are becoming an integral part of our lives through a wide range of applications, including MEMS accelerators for air bag deployment in vehicles, micromirrors in projection devices, and various sensors for chemical/biological applications. MEMS are a key aspect of ever-increasing significance in a myriad of commercial and military applications. Because of this importance, this thesis utilizes MEMS devices that can deploy and retract an antenna suitably sized for placement on an insect or microrobot for communication purposes. A target monopole antenna with a length of 1 mm was used as a test metric. From this requirement, several …
Rotorcraft Smoothing Via Linear Time Periodic Methods, Christopher S. Schulz
Rotorcraft Smoothing Via Linear Time Periodic Methods, Christopher S. Schulz
Theses and Dissertations
This research presents the development of an on line linear time periodic rotor vibration controller. The Cramer-Rao bound is developed for a linear time periodic system in order to identify the quality of identified system parameters, which are used in system models for controller development. The methods developed in this work allow model parameters can be verified for accuracy and likewise adjusted to improve controller accuracy.
Radio Frequency Mems Switch Contact Metal Selection, Ronald A. Coutu Jr., Paul E. Kladitis, Robert L. Crane, Kevin D. Leedy
Radio Frequency Mems Switch Contact Metal Selection, Ronald A. Coutu Jr., Paul E. Kladitis, Robert L. Crane, Kevin D. Leedy
AFIT Patents
A method for selecting metal alloys as the electric contact materials for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) metal contact switches. This method includes a review of alloy experience, consideration of equilibrium binary alloy phase diagrams, obtaining thin film material properties and, based on a suitable model, predicting contact electrical resistance performance. After determination of a candidate alloy material, MEMS switches are conceptualized, fabricated and tested to validate the alloy selection methodology. Minimum average contact resistance values of 1.17 and 1.87 ohms are achieved for micro-switches with gold (Au) and gold-platinum (Au-(6.3 at %)Pt) alloy contacts. In addition, `hot-switched` life cycle test results …
Performing Particle Image Velocimetry In A Supersonic Wind Tunnel Using Carbon Dioxide As The Seed Material, Donald W. Peltier Iii
Performing Particle Image Velocimetry In A Supersonic Wind Tunnel Using Carbon Dioxide As The Seed Material, Donald W. Peltier Iii
Theses and Dissertations
Particle image velocimetry (PIV) was performed utilizing clean seed particles generated by injecting liquid carbon dioxide (CO2) directly into an open-circuit blowdown Mach 2.9 supersonic wind tunnel. Rapid atomization and cooling of the liquid CO2 created a preponderance of nearly uniform and well dispersed microscopic dry ice particles which were illuminated using a frequency double Nd:YAG laser. Ample light was scattered from the flow tracers, which provided a strong signal to noise ratio. The particles completely sublimed into an innocuous gas downstream of the test section causing no side effects or problems with wind tunnel operation. A …
Methods And System For Equalizing Data In Multicarrier Receiver Systems, Richard K. Martin, Jaiganesh Balakrishnan, Wonzoo Chung, C. Richard Johnson
Methods And System For Equalizing Data In Multicarrier Receiver Systems, Richard K. Martin, Jaiganesh Balakrishnan, Wonzoo Chung, C. Richard Johnson
AFIT Patents
A method for equalizing data and systems utilizing the method. The method of this invention for equalizing (by shortening the channel response) data includes minimizing a function of the data and a number of equalizer characteristic parameters, where the function utilizes cyclic differences of equalized data. Updated equalizer characteristic parameters are then obtained from the minimization and an initial set of equalizer characteristic parameters. Finally, the received data is processed utilizing the equalizer defined by the minimization. The method of this invention can be implemented in an equalizer and the equalizer of this invention may be included in a system …
Structural Optimization Of A Distributed Actuation System In A Flexible In-Plane Morphing Wing, James T. Westfall
Structural Optimization Of A Distributed Actuation System In A Flexible In-Plane Morphing Wing, James T. Westfall
Theses and Dissertations
Structural weight and efficiency are hurdles for morphing aircraft being realizable on the full-scale level. The optimal distribution and orientation of actuators throughout an in-plane flexible morphing wing structure is investigated. The drive to minimize structural weight causes a wing to be more flexible and the location and orientation of the actuators become more critical as the structure becomes more flexible. NextGen's N-MAS morphing wing is used as a case study. The wing is modeled as a number of unit cells assembled in a scissor-like structure, each comprised of four linkages pinned together and an actuator. The flexible skin of …
Cfd Analysis Of A T-38 Wing Fence, Daniel A. Solfelt
Cfd Analysis Of A T-38 Wing Fence, Daniel A. Solfelt
Theses and Dissertations
A computational study of the effects of a wing fence on the T-38 Talon was performed. RANS simulations were conducted using the CFD solver AVUS to examine the flow around the T-38 and the fence at a Reynolds number of 10 million. The T-38 was modeled as a half aircraft with a symmetry plane down the center line and did not include the empennage. The engine inlet and exhaust were modeled as sink and source boundary conditions using mass flow and pressure specifications. Two fence geometries placed 26" from the wing tip were tested. The first fence, called a simple …
A Systems Engineering Approach To Analyzing Weather Input Sensitivities Of The Joint Precision Air Drop System, David L. Gemas
A Systems Engineering Approach To Analyzing Weather Input Sensitivities Of The Joint Precision Air Drop System, David L. Gemas
Theses and Dissertations
The United States Air Force is partnering with the United States Army as well as allied nations to develop a revolutionary advance in logistical support known as the Joint Precision Air Drop System (JPADS). The focus of this study is to develop a process to quantitatively analyze system sensitivities to various types of weather inputs and the corresponding effect on system accuracy. Weather balloons were used to provide representative "truth" to which forecast weather could be compared. Each data type was fed into the JPADS Mission Planner to produce navigation points which could then be compared statistically. The process was …
Real-Time Gps-Alternative Navigation Using Commodity Hardware, Jordon L. Fletcher
Real-Time Gps-Alternative Navigation Using Commodity Hardware, Jordon L. Fletcher
Theses and Dissertations
Modern navigation systems can use the Global Positioning System (GPS) to accurately determine position with precision in some cases bordering on millimeters. Unfortunately, GPS technology is susceptible to jamming, interception, and unavailability indoors or underground. There are several navigation techniques that can be used to navigate during times of GPS unavailability, but there are very few that result in GPS-level precision. One method of achieving high precision navigation without GPS is to fuse data obtained from multiple sensors. This thesis explores the fusion of imaging and inertial sensors and implements them in a real-time system that mimics human navigation. In …
Analysis Of Army Transformation And The Effects On Customer Ordering Behavior, Joseph M. Colacicco
Analysis Of Army Transformation And The Effects On Customer Ordering Behavior, Joseph M. Colacicco
Theses and Dissertations
The United States Army began a major force transformation in 2003, which required a significant shift in logistics support constructs. This thesis provides an in-process review of the effects of the current transformation efforts on supply effectiveness and attempts to determine factors that influence customer ordering behavior. Specifically, the thesis sought to answer three subproblems addressing the effect of transformation on supply effectiveness, the correlation of supply effectiveness metrics to customer ordering behavior, and other potential sources of variance in ordering behavior. The subproblems were answered through an examination of the supply document histories of two Brigades, one legacy Brigade …
Optimizing Distribution Sensor Placement For Border Patrol Interdiction Using Microsoft Excel, Adrian C. Patrascu
Optimizing Distribution Sensor Placement For Border Patrol Interdiction Using Microsoft Excel, Adrian C. Patrascu
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this research was to develop an electronic sensor placement model for border security. A model was developed using Microsoft Excel, with some add-on capabilities, to optimize the placement of electronic sensors on a border network given a pre-determined budgetary constraint. The model is capable of handling multiple sensor types, which are placed together as packages, and allows for daytime, nighttime, or 24 hour operation of each sensor type. Additionally, each sensor can be assigned a specific range and detection probability curve within the given range. The model is capable of optimizing either average coverage, or minimum coverage, …
A Small-Scale 3d Imaging Platform For Algorithm Performance Evaluation, Steven A. James
A Small-Scale 3d Imaging Platform For Algorithm Performance Evaluation, Steven A. James
Theses and Dissertations
In recent years, world events have expedited the need for the design and application of rapidly deployable airborne surveillance systems in urban environments. Fast and effective use of the surveillance images requires accurate modeling of the terrain being surveyed. The process of accurately modeling buildings, landmarks, or other items of interest on the surface of the earth, within a short lead time, has proven to be a challenging task. One approach of high importance for countering this challenge and accurately reconstructing 3D objects is through the employment of airborne 3D image acquisition platforms. While developments in this arena have significantly …
Controller Design For Accurate Antenna Pointing Onboard A Spacecraft, Victor M. Barba
Controller Design For Accurate Antenna Pointing Onboard A Spacecraft, Victor M. Barba
Theses and Dissertations
Controller design for a spacecraft mounted flexible antenna is considered. The antenna plant model has a certain degree of uncertainty. Additionally, disturbances from the host spacecraft are transmitted to the antenna and need to be attenuated. The design concept explored herein entails feedforward control to slew the antenna. Feedback control is then used to compensate for plant uncertainty and to reject the disturbance signals. A tight control loop is designed to meet performance specifications while minimizing the control gains. Simulations are conducted to show that the integration of feedforward control action and feedback compensation produces better responses than the implementation …
Performance Analysis And Comparison Of Multiple Routing Protocols In A Large-Area, High Speed Mobile Node Ad Hoc Network, Daniel K. Roberts
Performance Analysis And Comparison Of Multiple Routing Protocols In A Large-Area, High Speed Mobile Node Ad Hoc Network, Daniel K. Roberts
Theses and Dissertations
The U.S. Air Force is interested in developing a standard ad hoc framework using "heavy" aircraft to route data across large regions. The Zone Routing Protocol (ZRP) has the potential to provide seamless large-scale routing for DOD under the Joint Tactical Radio System program. The goal of this study is to determine if there is a difference between routing protocol performance when operating in a large-area MANET with high-speed mobile nodes. This study analyzes MANET performance when using reactive, proactive, and hybrid routing protocols, specifically AODV, DYMO, Fisheye, and ZRP. This analysis compares the performance of the four routing protocols …
Hyperspectral Imagery Target Detection Using Improved Anomaly Detection And Signature Matching Methods, Timothy E. Smetek
Hyperspectral Imagery Target Detection Using Improved Anomaly Detection And Signature Matching Methods, Timothy E. Smetek
Theses and Dissertations
This research extends the field of hyperspectral target detection by developing autonomous anomaly detection and signature matching methodologies that reduce false alarms relative to existing benchmark detectors, and are practical for use in an operational environment. The proposed anomaly detection methodology adapts multivariate outlier detection algorithms for use with hyperspectral datasets containing tens of thousands of non-homogeneous, high-dimensional spectral signatures. In so doing, the limitations of existing, non-robust, anomaly detectors are identified, an autonomous clustering methodology is developed to divide an image into homogeneous background materials, and competing multivariate outlier detection methods are evaluated for their ability to uncover hyperspectral …
Structural Stability Of A Joined-Wing Sensorcraft, Brandon J. Adams
Structural Stability Of A Joined-Wing Sensorcraft, Brandon J. Adams
Theses and Dissertations
This thesis employed a multi-disciplinary design approach to determine the structural stability of the Boeing Joined-Wing SensorCraft. Specifically, this thesis sought to characterize the free vibration modes, ensure a buckling safe design and determine the influence of the geometric and aeroelastic nonlinearities associated with this joined-wing design. The clamped free vibration modes were developed for a wind tunnel model and were compared to the free-free vibration modes, several differences were found. Linear static analyses were performed on numerous maneuver loads and gust conditions to determine the critical loading condition. The SensorCraft was then redesigned for the critical load case to …
Development Of Cursor-On-Target Control For Semi-Autonomous Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Joshua D. Crouse
Development Of Cursor-On-Target Control For Semi-Autonomous Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Joshua D. Crouse
Theses and Dissertations
The research presented in this thesis focuses on developing, demonstrating, and evaluating the concept of a Cursor-on-Target control system for semi-autonomous unmanned aircraft systems. The Department of Defense has mapped out a strategy in which unmanned aircraft systems will increasingly replace piloted aircraft. During most phases of flight autonomous unmanned aircraft control reduces operator workload, however, real-time information exchange often requires an operator to relay decision changes to the unmanned aircraft. The goal of this research is to develop a preliminary Cursor-on-Target control system to enable the operator to guide the unmanned aircraft with minimal workload during high task phases …
Automated Carrier Landing Of An Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle Using Dynamic Inversion, Nicholas A. Denison
Automated Carrier Landing Of An Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle Using Dynamic Inversion, Nicholas A. Denison
Theses and Dissertations
Dynamic Inversion (DI) is a powerful nonlinear control technique which has been applied to several modern flight control systems. This research utilized concepts of DI in order to develop a controller to land an Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) on an aircraft carrier. The Joint Unmanned Combat Air System (J-UCAS) Equivalent Model was used as the test aircraft. An inner-loop DI controller was developed to control the pitch, roll, and yaw rate dynamics of the aircraft, while an outer-loop DI controller was developed to provide flight path commands to the inner-loop. The controller design and simulation were conducted in the …
Effect Of Prior Aging On Fatigue Behavior Of Im7/Bmi 5250-4 Composite At 191°C, Christine G. Ladrido
Effect Of Prior Aging On Fatigue Behavior Of Im7/Bmi 5250-4 Composite At 191°C, Christine G. Ladrido
Theses and Dissertations
IM7/BMI 5250-4 with carbon fiber orientations [± 45] and [0/90] were aged in air at 191 °C for up to 1000 hours. The weight loss was analyzed during the aging process. Tension to failure tests were performed on both the unaged and aged specimens to establish a baseline for the Ultimate Tensile Strengths and Young's Modulus. Tension-tension cyclic load fatigue testing was conducted on the specimen to determine the effect of prior aging on the fatigue response of the composite. Cyclic strain accumulation was not influenced by prior aging, but it was influenced by the stress levels applied. [± 45] …
The Aerodynamic Performance Of The Houck Configuration Flow Guides, Dermot N. Killian Ii
The Aerodynamic Performance Of The Houck Configuration Flow Guides, Dermot N. Killian Ii
Theses and Dissertations
In an effort to explore efficient wing designs for UAV's, the Air Force is investigating the patented Houck Aircraft Configuration, which is a joined-wing aircraft with curved flow guides of varying camber connecting the upper and lower wingtips. Models were drawn in three-dimensions using Solidworks® with upper and lower wings drawn as identical NACA 2412 airfoil sections for all models. A variety of airfoil sections between the upper and lower wingtips were drawn and rotated to achieve a combination of cant and angle of attack variation. Subsequently, a solid part was lofted through these sections and merged with the upper …
Damage Considerations Of A Flexible Micro Air Vehicle Wing Using 3-D Laser Vibrometry, Leo L. Mendoza Jr.
Damage Considerations Of A Flexible Micro Air Vehicle Wing Using 3-D Laser Vibrometry, Leo L. Mendoza Jr.
Theses and Dissertations
In recent years there has been a major push towards a new class of unmanned aerial vehicles: micro air vehicles. A great amount of research has been done towards the aerodynamics, aeroelasticity, construction, and flight characteristics of flexible wing micro air vehicles. However, there has not been much research done regarding possible structural deficiencies of a flexible micro air vehicle wing. The focus of this research is to evaluate the effects of damage on a flexible micro air vehicle wing, particularly its natural frequencies and mode shapes, using three dimensional laser vibrometry. The flexible micro air vehicle wing studied was …
The Effects Of Environment On The Interlaminar Shear Performance Of An Oxide/Oxide Ceramic Matrix Composite At Elevated Temperature, Patrick D. Laffey
The Effects Of Environment On The Interlaminar Shear Performance Of An Oxide/Oxide Ceramic Matrix Composite At Elevated Temperature, Patrick D. Laffey
Theses and Dissertations
This research investigated the interlaminar shear performance of an oxide/oxide ceramic matrix composite consisting of Nextel™ 720 fibers in a high purity, porous alumina (Al2O3) matrix. The interlaminar shear performance was observed in both tension and compression of double notched specimens (DNS) at 1200 °C. Interlaminar shear creep behavior was examined in both laboratory air and in steam environment at 1200 °C. In air, the creep stress was -6.5 MPa. In steam creep stresses included -4.0, -5.0, and -6.5 MPa. Primary and secondary creep regimes were observed in all air creep tests and the creep test …
Development And Testing Of The Rigidizable Inflatable Get-Away-Special Experiment, Brady D. O'Neal
Development And Testing Of The Rigidizable Inflatable Get-Away-Special Experiment, Brady D. O'Neal
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this research project is to develop the Rigidizable Inflatable Get-Away-Special Experiment (RIGEX) from a computer-based model into a space-qualified prototype. Past research projects have developed RIGEX's command and control, structural analysis, and integration with the orbiter. This thesis details the organization, assembly, and test planning for the RIGEX protoflight model. Strict requirements imposed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) must be fulfilled for any payload to travel into space. Based on the requirements set forth by NASA documentation, this thesis establishes appropriate assembly procedures for the construction of a space payload. Detailed design changes are …