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Air Force Institute of Technology

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Articles 4381 - 4410 of 5699

Full-Text Articles in Engineering

Parameter Estimation Of The Mixed Generalized Gamma Distribution Using Maximum Likelihood Estimation And Minimum Distance Estimation, Dean G. Boerrigter Mar 1998

Parameter Estimation Of The Mixed Generalized Gamma Distribution Using Maximum Likelihood Estimation And Minimum Distance Estimation, Dean G. Boerrigter

Theses and Dissertations

The Generalized Gamma is an extremely flexible distribution that is useful for reliability modeling. Among its many special cases are the Weibull and Exponential distributions. A mixture of Generalized Gamma Distributions is even more useful because multiple causes of failure can he simultaneously modeled. This research studied parameter estimation of the special cases of the Mixed Generalized Gamma Distribution and built upon them until the full nine-parameter distribution was being estimated. First, special cases of a single Generalized Gamma Distribution were estimated. Next, mixtures of Exponential distributions with both known and unknown location parameters were estimated. Next, mixtures of Weibull …

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Performance Of Imaging Laser Radar In Rain And Fog, Kathleen M. Campbell Mar 1998

Performance Of Imaging Laser Radar In Rain And Fog, Kathleen M. Campbell

Theses and Dissertations

The Air Force is currently developing imaging laser radar systems (ladar) for use on precision guided munitions and other imaging systems. Scientists at Eglin Air Force Base, in conjunction with Wright Laboratories, are testing a 1.06-um wavelength ladar system and need to understand the weather effects on the ladar images. As the laser beam propagates through the atmosphere, fog droplets and raindrops can cause image degradation, and these image degradations are manifested as either dropouts or false returns. An analysis of the dropouts and false returns helped to quantify the performance of the system in adverse weather conditions. Statistical analysis …

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Solving Geometric Knapsack Problems Using Tabu Search Heuristics, Christopher A. Chocolaad Mar 1998

Solving Geometric Knapsack Problems Using Tabu Search Heuristics, Christopher A. Chocolaad

Theses and Dissertations

An instance of the geometric knapsack problem occurs in air lift loading where a set of cargo must be chosen to pack in a given fleet of aircraft. This paper demonstrates a new heuristic to solve this problem in a reasonable amount of time with a higher quality solution then previously reported in literature. We also report a new tabu search heuristic to solve geometric knapsack problems.

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Generating Bomber Routes For The Delivery Of Gravity Weapons, Gregory J. Ehlers Mar 1998

Generating Bomber Routes For The Delivery Of Gravity Weapons, Gregory J. Ehlers

Theses and Dissertations

United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) is updating the Arsenal Exchange Model (AEM) that it uses for allocating strategic weapons to targets. AEM does not model the range constraints on bomber routes. These routes are used to deliver gravity munitions. In order to include these constraints in the new method, the Weapons Allocation Model (WAM), a pool of routes that satisfy the range constraints needs to be created. The number of possible routes to consider is extremely large and it is not possible to enumerate them all. Therefore, the method to form the pool of routes needs to reduce the number …

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Channel-Mismatch Compensation In Speaker Identification Feature Selection And Adaptation With Artificial Neural Networks, Edmund A. Fitzgerald Mar 1998

Channel-Mismatch Compensation In Speaker Identification Feature Selection And Adaptation With Artificial Neural Networks, Edmund A. Fitzgerald

Theses and Dissertations

We develop and present results of an artificial neural network (ANN) based compensation technique for mismatched classifier training and testing conditions in speaker identification (SID). One ANN per feature per speaker is trained to perform a mapping of that feature from a corrupted condition to an undistorted condition. Therefore, a classifier trained under one condition may be used to classify data collected under a different condition. Speech utterances from 168 speakers, collected in a studio, and also re-recorded after transmission over telephone networks, are used for developing and testing the method. Peak formant resonant frequencies, their bandwidths, and pitch are …

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Optimum Preventive Maintenance Policies For The Amraam Missile, Scott J. Ruflin Feb 1998

Optimum Preventive Maintenance Policies For The Amraam Missile, Scott J. Ruflin

Theses and Dissertations

The overall objective of this research effort was to formulate a preventive maintenance strategy for AMRAAM missiles subject to extended captive carry flight time. A preventive maintenance policy is only applicable if the item in question is aging, or deteriorating with time. Therefore, a supporting objective of this research is to characterize the aging process of the missile system through a non-parametric analysis of its Mean Residual Life (MRL) function. Three non-parametric, censored-data MRL function estimation techniques discussed in the literature are examined via a numerical example. All three estimation techniques provide MRL functions that exhibit greatly exaggerated decreasing trends …

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A Gps Code Tracking Receiver Design For Multipath Mitigation Using Maximum Likelihood Estimation, Fred P. Baier Dec 1997

A Gps Code Tracking Receiver Design For Multipath Mitigation Using Maximum Likelihood Estimation, Fred P. Baier

Theses and Dissertations

The NAVSTAR Global Positioning System (GPS) is currently used in many applications requiring precise positioning data. Improving the precise positioning information requires the removal of errors that perturb the received signals. The errors introduced by multiple propagation channels, termed multipath, are not easily removed. These channels are caused by reflective surfaces near the receiver. As such, multipath is uncorrelated between receivers and, thus, cannot be removed through differencing techniques. This thesis investigates a GPS code tracking loop design which uses maximum likelihood (ML) estimation to determine amplitude and phase information of the multipath signal which are used to adjust code …

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Visualization And Animation Of A Missile/Target Encounter, Jeffrey T. Bush Dec 1997

Visualization And Animation Of A Missile/Target Encounter, Jeffrey T. Bush

Theses and Dissertations

Existing missile/target encounter modeling and simulation systems focus on improving probability of kill models. Little research has been done to visualize these encounters. These systems can be made more useful to the engineers by incorporating current computer graphics technology for visualizing and animating the encounter. Our research has been to develop a graphical simulation package for visualizing both endgame and full fly-out encounters. Endgame visualization includes showing the interaction of a missile, its fuze cone proximity sensors, and its target during the final fraction of a second of the missile/target encounter. Additionally, this system displays dynamic effects such as the …

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Development And Validation Of An Experimental Test Rig For Electrohydrodynamic Enhancement Of Forced Convective Heat Transfer, William T. Caldwell Dec 1997

Development And Validation Of An Experimental Test Rig For Electrohydrodynamic Enhancement Of Forced Convective Heat Transfer, William T. Caldwell

Theses and Dissertations

This report details the development of a facility for the experimental investigation of electrohydrodynamic (EHD) enhancement of forced convection heat transfer. The test facility was developed for the Thermal and Transparencies Laboratory (TATLAB), Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), for use in future research into the applicability of EHD for the miniaturization of Air Force heat exchangers. During this research, a closed l6op, medium scale electrohydrodynamic test rig was developed and brought online. The test fluid loop was integrated with a data acquisition and parameter control system. Basic loop and fluid performance testing was accomplished through the use of a 3mm …

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Microelectromechanical Scanner Using A Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser, Joseph G. Bouchard Jr. Dec 1997

Microelectromechanical Scanner Using A Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser, Joseph G. Bouchard Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

Optical scanners play a prominent role in the commercial and military industries. The scanner's size, cost and reliability are critical characteristics. In this research a microoptical scanning system was fabricated by incorporating a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) onto a surface machined microelectromechanical die. The micro optics for laser beam steering includes a 135 deg mirror, a Fresnel lens, a lateral scanning rotating mirror, and a vertical scanning fan mirror. The VCSEL was attached to the die by solder and electrical connection was provided by wire bonding. Based on far field measurements the scanner had a lateral scan angle …

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A Modeling Study For The Implementation Of In Situ Cometabolic Bioremediation Of Trichloroethylene-Contaminated Groundwater, John A. Christ Dec 1997

A Modeling Study For The Implementation Of In Situ Cometabolic Bioremediation Of Trichloroethylene-Contaminated Groundwater, John A. Christ

Theses and Dissertations

The limitations of conventional groundwater remediation technologies have led to the development of innovative technologies which may achieve national hazardous waste site remediation goals. Before an innovative technology can be implemented in the field, remedial project managers, regulators and other stakeholders require adequate modeling tools to help assess the applicability of the technology at a particular site. This modeling study investigates how an innovative technology, in situ cometabolic bioremediation, might be implemented to remediate a TCE-contaminated site, under different site conditions. A steady-state model is developed which couples an analytical expression to simulate the effect of flow between multiple pumping …

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Orbit Estimation Using Track Compression And Least Squares Differential Correction, Vincent J. Chioma Dec 1997

Orbit Estimation Using Track Compression And Least Squares Differential Correction, Vincent J. Chioma

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis develops two methods of compressing a track of radar observations of a satellite into a single state vector and associated covariance matrix, and a method of estimating orbits using results from multiple tracks. The track compression uses least squares differential correction to determine a state vector at the central observation time. The resulting state vectors and covariance matrices are then used to estimate the satellite's orbit, also using least squares differential correction. Numerical integration using two-body, J2 and an atmospheric drag model is used to represent the dynamics. This orbit estimation produces a state vector which includes …

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Velocity Profiles And Skin Friction On A Ribletted Flat Plate In Adverse Pressure Gradient, Richard D. Branam Dec 1997

Velocity Profiles And Skin Friction On A Ribletted Flat Plate In Adverse Pressure Gradient, Richard D. Branam

Theses and Dissertations

This project investigated the flow field characteristics over a flat, ribletted plate and the effects of an adverse pressure gradient on this flow field. Testing examined the development of the flow over the ribletted plate from laminar through fully turbulent flow fields. The flow field states (laminar, transitional, and turbulent) were determined using local turbulence intensity values and boundary layer profiles. Several parameters were examined to help better describe the flow characteristics, boundary layer profiles, and influence on skin friction drag. The skin friction drag coefficients were calculated using a numerical integration technique to determine an average value and scaled …

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Multiple Model Adaptive Estimation And Control Redistribution Performance On The Vista F-16 During Partial Actuator Impairments, Curtis S. Clark Dec 1997

Multiple Model Adaptive Estimation And Control Redistribution Performance On The Vista F-16 During Partial Actuator Impairments, Curtis S. Clark

Theses and Dissertations

Multiple Model Adaptive Estimation with Control Reconfiguration (MMAE/CR) capability to estimate and compensate for partial actuator failures, or "impairments" is investigated using the high-fidelity, nonlinear, six-degree-of-freedom, VISTA F-16 simulation which currently resides on the Simulation Rapid-Prototyping Facility (SRF). After developing a model for inserting partial actuator impairments into the VISTA F-16 truth model, research begins with a battery of single actuator impairment tests. This stage of research explores the capability of the existing MMAE algorithm to estimate single, partial actuator impairments, and helps to define refinements and expansions needed in the MMAE algorithm for the second phase of research: the …

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Microelectromechanical Optical Beam Steering Systems, David M. Burns Dec 1997

Microelectromechanical Optical Beam Steering Systems, David M. Burns

Theses and Dissertations

The development of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) has matured to the point where the fabrication of micron sized devices is feasible. State of the art MEMS construction processes now support the fabrication of novel optical devices that could not previously be built. This dissertation reports on the development of innovative micro optical devices such as Variable Blaze Gratings (VBGs) using state of the art MEMS construction processes. The principle application of the micro optical devices described in this dissertation is steering optical beams; however other applications such as spectral analysis are identified. Specific optical beam steering systems developed and characterized in …

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Experimental Investigation Of The Influence Of Molecular Weight On Mixing And Penetration In Supersonic Dissimilar Gaseous Injection Into A Supersonic Cross-Flow, Troy A. Giese Dec 1997

Experimental Investigation Of The Influence Of Molecular Weight On Mixing And Penetration In Supersonic Dissimilar Gaseous Injection Into A Supersonic Cross-Flow, Troy A. Giese

Theses and Dissertations

In pursuit of a more efficient and effective fuel-air mixing for a SCRAMjet combustor, this study investigated relative near field effects of molecular weight on mixing and penetration of different gaseous injection into a supersonic (M=2.9) cross flow. Helium and argon gas were chosen as injectants because of the large differences in molecular weights. Also, mixing enhancement was observed by injecting the traverse gas jet parallel to the compression face of a ramp. Color schlieren photography was used to identify the shock structures and interactions in the flow field. Measurements of mean flow properties were used to establish the jet …

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A Dispersive Scattering Center, Parametric Model For 1-D Atr, Dane F. Fuller Dec 1997

A Dispersive Scattering Center, Parametric Model For 1-D Atr, Dane F. Fuller

Theses and Dissertations

The dispersive scattering center (DSC) model characterizes high-frequency backscatter from radar targets as a finite sum of localized scattering geometries distributed in range, these geometries, along with their relative locations, can be conveniently used as features in a one-dimensional automatic target recognition (ATR) algorithm. The DSC model's type and range parameters correspond to geometry and distance features according to the geometric theory of diffraction (GTD). Since these parameters are estimated in the phase history domain of the radar signal, the range parameter does provide superresolution in the time domain. To demonstrate the viability of feature extraction based on the DSC …

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Satellite Integrated Power And Attitude Control System Design Study, Stephen A. Fischer, Dwight D. Fullingim, Brian L. James, James M. Valenti, Jorg D. Walter, Paul J. Cotter, William A. Seeliger Dec 1997

Satellite Integrated Power And Attitude Control System Design Study, Stephen A. Fischer, Dwight D. Fullingim, Brian L. James, James M. Valenti, Jorg D. Walter, Paul J. Cotter, William A. Seeliger

Theses and Dissertations

Technological advances have brought Flywheel Energy Storage (FES) systems to the point where they can be used in satellites as replacements for chemical batteries. Flywheels have characteristics that may overcome limitations inherent in batteries. These characteristics include high specific energy, minimal degradation over time, and precise knowledge of charge level. A further advantage of flywheels is that, in a combined system, they can be used to replace traditional attitude control hardware. These Integrated Power and Attitude Control Systems (IPACS) show the potential to have less mass than the systems they replace. The question this study seeks to answer is, "In …

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Secondary Data Support And Non-Homogeneities In Space-Time Adaptive Processing, Todd B. Hale Dec 1997

Secondary Data Support And Non-Homogeneities In Space-Time Adaptive Processing, Todd B. Hale

Theses and Dissertations

One of the primary problems with the application of Space-Time Adaptive Processing (STAP) techniques is secondary data support for the interference plus noise covariance matrix estimate. Reed has shown the required secondary data support to achieve performance within 3 dB of optimal SINR is approximately equal to twice the degrees of freedom (DOF) used in the algorithm. Reed proved this rule for Sample Matrix Inversion (SMI) techniques. A concern arises when applying this rule to a newer class of reduced dimension STAP algorithms that do not fall under the SMI umbrella. This thesis focuses on the Cross Spectral Metric (CSM) …

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Warning Times And Impact Predictions Of Asteroids And Comets On A Collision Course With Earth, Ahren D. Heidt Dec 1997

Warning Times And Impact Predictions Of Asteroids And Comets On A Collision Course With Earth, Ahren D. Heidt

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates the amount of data and time necessary to accurately predict Earth impacts of Earth Crossing Objects (ECOs). Trajectories are simulated by numerically integrating in an N-Body system. Given final impact parameters, the trajectory is propagated backwards to an earlier time, creating initial conditions and simulated observation data at requested intervals to which Gaussian random noise is introduced. Utilizing a Bayes Filter to estimate position and velocity from the simulated observation data, the estimate is then propagated forward in time to determine whether or not an impact can be accurately predicted. State vectors and covariance matrices are then …

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Development Of A System To Determine The Economically Optimal Combination Of Housing For An Air Force Installation, Johnathan E. Hendrix Dec 1997

Development Of A System To Determine The Economically Optimal Combination Of Housing For An Air Force Installation, Johnathan E. Hendrix

Theses and Dissertations

The United States Military is faced with the decision of how to house its military members and their families. The three options available to house these families are: 1) utilize existing on-base housing; 2) build new on-base housing; or, 3) compensate a military family monetarily to find housing off-base. This research focused on the development of a tool to all the decision maker in determining what combination of the three options is economically optimal for an individual Air Force Installation. The model developed incorporates the costs associated to the local area and conditions at the specific installation to determine the …

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Optimized Design Methodology Of Cavity-Backed Microstrip Antennas With Dielectric Overlays, Douglas J. Hermes Dec 1997

Optimized Design Methodology Of Cavity-Backed Microstrip Antennas With Dielectric Overlays, Douglas J. Hermes

Theses and Dissertations

The optimized design methodology implemented in this research employs a design methodology, namely Response Surface Methodology (RSM), that is relatively new to the electromagnetics field. The design methodology used a full factorial designed experiment, a Hybrid Finite Element Method (HFEM) analysis code, a cubic spline empirical model, an Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test, and a simplex optimization code to successfully measure, predict, analyze, and optimize average antenna gain and antenna input impedance for a cavity backed microstrip antenna with dielectric overlays. Based on HFEM results from the full factorial designed experiment, a cubic spline empirical model successfully predicted average antenna …

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A Single Chip Low Power Implementation Of An Asynchronous Fft Algorithm For Space Applications, Bruce W. Hunt Dec 1997

A Single Chip Low Power Implementation Of An Asynchronous Fft Algorithm For Space Applications, Bruce W. Hunt

Theses and Dissertations

A fully asynchronous fixed point FFT processor is introduced for low power space applications. The architecture is based on an algorithm developed by Suter and Stevens specifically for a low power implementation. The novelty of this architecture lies in its high localization of components and pipelining with no need to share a global memory. High throughput is attained using large numbers of small, local components working in parallel. A derivation of the algorithm from the discrete Fourier transform is presented followed by a discussion of circuit design parameters specifically, those relevant to space applications. The generic architecture is explained with …

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Micro-Electromechanical Switches For Micro-Satellite Power Transfer, Glen A. Kading Dec 1997

Micro-Electromechanical Switches For Micro-Satellite Power Transfer, Glen A. Kading

Theses and Dissertations

In the past few years, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) have emerged as a promising new technology with tremendous application potential. One of the possible implementations of MEMS technology is in the development of micro-satellites. It should be possible to mass-produce micro-satellites at a fraction of the cost of one conventional satellite. In order for satellites to be robust, a method of transferring power to systems must be addressed. As micro-satellites are made with conventional integrated circuit technologies at a very small scale, a means of transferring power on a similar scale will be investigated. This research addresses the issue of the …

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Mobilization Of Trace Elements In Aquifers By Biodegradation Of Hydrocarbon Contaminants, Scott L. Kearney Dec 1997

Mobilization Of Trace Elements In Aquifers By Biodegradation Of Hydrocarbon Contaminants, Scott L. Kearney

Theses and Dissertations

This study had two objectives: (1) to determine the extent of metal mobility within petroleum-contaminated aquifers, (2) to determine if biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons can explain metal mobility. The approach reviewed analytical results from 2305 groundwater sampling events, taken from 958 wells, located at 136 sites found at 53 Air Force installations. The study showed that high levels of metals are present at petroleum hydrocarbon sites where metals would not generally be expected. Of the metals with drinking water maximum contaminant levels (MCLs), mercury and silver were detected the least frequently. Barium and copper were detected at the sites, but …

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A Modeling And Simulation Approach To Characterize Network Layer Internet Survivability, Leif S. King Dec 1997

A Modeling And Simulation Approach To Characterize Network Layer Internet Survivability, Leif S. King

Theses and Dissertations

The Air Force Core Competency of Information Superiority will be achieved in an age of decreasing AF manpower and corporate expertise. Increased AF reliance on COTS solutions, coupled with nearly ubiquitous points of entry to communication networks, create unique challenges in maintaining the Information Superiority edge. The protection of the internet is part of this equation. The internet supports the daily business traffic of the Air Force. Personnel, finance, and supply data flow through its routers. Controlling an adversary's access to our information systems, either the data, or the hardware and software that control the data and transform it into …

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Self-Assembly Of Microstructures, Paul E. Kladitis Dec 1997

Self-Assembly Of Microstructures, Paul E. Kladitis

Theses and Dissertations

Four areas are investigated in this research: erecting microstructures normal to the substrate plane without direct human intervention (self-assembled), providing low resistance electrical connections to the erected microstructure, realizing circular motion normal to the substrate plane, and implementing a micro-robot. The designs in this research concentrate on erecting and providing power to a leg designed for use with the micro-robot. The leg and the attached low resistance electrical connectors were not self-assembled because the accompanying actuators were not powerful enough. However, the novel connectors provide the most practical, versatile, and lowest possible resistance connections for the MUMPs fabrication process. The …

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User Location Determination Strategy In A Low Earth Orbit Satellite Network, Jaehee Lee Dec 1997

User Location Determination Strategy In A Low Earth Orbit Satellite Network, Jaehee Lee

Theses and Dissertations

Recently, many Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite systems have been proposed for the purpose of global communication and one of those systems is planned to start the commercial service in 1998. These LEO satellite systems are providing most of current communication services (voice, fax, data, paging, and even real time video service) without any limitation on place and time. However, little is published about their detail system methodology on user tracking and managing schemes. This thesis presents two user location tracking algorithms in a LEO environment. One (Gateway Approach) is the most likely approach under present system proposals, while the …

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Optimal Orbit Insertion Strategies Using Combined High And Low Thrust Propulsion Systems, Darren W. Johnson Dec 1997

Optimal Orbit Insertion Strategies Using Combined High And Low Thrust Propulsion Systems, Darren W. Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

Low thrust electric propulsion systems are becoming sufficiently mature to consider their use as primary propulsion for orbital transfer in place of high thrust chemical systems. Instead of facing an either/or situation, it may be advantageous to use both types. This effort demonstrates a technique for finding orbital transfer strategies that use both high and low thrust propulsion systems and which result in optimal tradeoffs of the performance parameters cost of orbit insertion, total orbit transfer time, and available spacecraft mass at final orbit. These performance parameters are calculated as a function of the fraction of orbit transfer from Low …

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Creating Origen Models, Gregory D. Louden Dec 1997

Creating Origen Models, Gregory D. Louden

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to develop a methodology for creating problem dependent cross section libraries for ORIGEN (Oak Ridge Isotope Generation and Depletion Code). The Air Force Technical Applications Center (AFTAC) has a requirement to classify spent nuclear fuel. The ORIGEN codes provide generic models of commercial nuclear reactor designs that are not adequate for the detailed analysis required by AFTAC. After comparing the methods that ORIGEN2 an ORIGEN-S use to develop burnup dependent cross section libraries, the research focused on developing a methodology for creating new ORIGEN-S models. Models of the Ohio State University Research Reactor were …

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