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Air Force Institute of Technology

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Articles 5281 - 5310 of 5698

Full-Text Articles in Engineering

Comparative Evaluation Of A Monocular Head Mounted Display Device Versus A Flat Screen Display Device In Presenting Aircraft Maintenance Technical Data, Jeffrey A. Friend, Randy S. Grinstead Sep 1992

Comparative Evaluation Of A Monocular Head Mounted Display Device Versus A Flat Screen Display Device In Presenting Aircraft Maintenance Technical Data, Jeffrey A. Friend, Randy S. Grinstead

Theses and Dissertations

As military developers provide increasingly complex weapon system, it becomes more difficult for maintenance technicians to perform their jobs. One aspect of the technicians' world is the need to access technical information in the performance of their duties. This study investigated two electronic display systems to evaluate which enhanced technician performance more. A Head Mounted Display (HMD) device and a portable hand-held flat-screen computer were evaluated in the performance of two flightline maintenance activities. Although both display systems were fully portable and self contained, only the HMD system allowed continuous access to technical information during task performance. In most cases, …


An Analysis Of The Air Force Enlisted Performance Feedback System, Dee J. Jackson, Mark A. Ward Sep 1992

An Analysis Of The Air Force Enlisted Performance Feedback System, Dee J. Jackson, Mark A. Ward

Theses and Dissertations

This research evaluated the effectiveness of the enlisted evaluation performance feedback system. The Air Force created the feedback system because many airmen, especially those in lower ranks, did not know or did not understand their duties. Therefore, for the purpose of this study, effectiveness was defined as the degree to which the Air Force model mimicked the ideal feedback model as formulated by the researcher's analysis of the literature. The researchers found evidence that the new Air Force feedback system is an improvement over the old design. Under the old system, the only regulated means of providing feedback was a …


An Investigation Of The Influence Of Advanced Aircraft Diagnostics On The Technological Sophistication Of Maintenance Personnel, Chris R. Collins, Clete W. Knaub Sep 1992

An Investigation Of The Influence Of Advanced Aircraft Diagnostics On The Technological Sophistication Of Maintenance Personnel, Chris R. Collins, Clete W. Knaub

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to determine what effect automated diagnostic systems will have on the maintenance worker's technological capabilities. Four investigative questions guided the project: 1. What effect has automation of skilled jobs had on workers in the civilian community?; 2. What technological and psychological traits have led to success in past military conflicts?; 3. What types of technological and psychological traits will technicians have who are heavily dependent on diagnostic systems? (For example, to what degree will maintenance technicians be able to improvise when deployed to a combat area?); and, 4. What lessons can Air Force maintenance …


Demonstrating The Effects Of Shop Flow Process Variability On The Air Force Depot Level Reparable Item Pipeline, Marvin A. Arostegui Jr., Jon A. Larvick Sep 1992

Demonstrating The Effects Of Shop Flow Process Variability On The Air Force Depot Level Reparable Item Pipeline, Marvin A. Arostegui Jr., Jon A. Larvick

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the effects of reducing the mean processing time and variability in the Shop Flow Segment of the Depot Level Reparable Item pipeline. The measure of interest was the average number of units in the pipeline of a particular type of item (referred to as the average pipeline contents). A literature review revealed that process variability in the pipeline has an impact on its effective operation and cost. A simulation model was developed to determine if reducing mean processing time and/or variability in the Shop Flow Segment would result in a reduction in the average pipeline contents. The …


A Methodology For Model Comparison Using The Theater Simulation Of Airbase Resources And All Mobile Tactical Air Force Models, Heston R. Hicks, Lawrence L. Long Sep 1992

A Methodology For Model Comparison Using The Theater Simulation Of Airbase Resources And All Mobile Tactical Air Force Models, Heston R. Hicks, Lawrence L. Long

Theses and Dissertations

This research compares the Theater Simulation of Airbase Resources (TSAR) model to the sortie generation (SORGEN) module of the AH Mobile Tactical Air Force (AMTAF) model, qualitatively and quantitatively, while concurrently developing and proving a model co methodology. The qualitative analysis compares the models' background and documentation, features and databases, and useability. The quantitative analysis statistically compares the models' estimates of sorties generated. For the quantitative study, eight variables are chosen and assigned high and low values for use in a 2' 1/4 fractional factorial experimental design. Equivalent input databases are developed from a TSAR F-15C database and pilot trials …


Cultural Resources Management In The United States Air Force: Development Of A Planning Primer, Steven R. Becker, Russell R. Hula Sep 1992

Cultural Resources Management In The United States Air Force: Development Of A Planning Primer, Steven R. Becker, Russell R. Hula

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to produce a USAF base-level primer for use as a guide to requirements, standards, and procedures concerning the preservation of cultural resources. Cultural resources include buildings, sites, districts, structures, and objects that have significant scientific, historic, or cultural value. The research had two major objectives: (1) Identify existing sources of cultural resource information through a review of legal requirements, regulations, USAF policy documents, and other sources such as data bases. (2) Produce a 'cultural resources management primer' after identifying the appropriate characteristics of a primer. This product could then be used by novice personnel …


A Model-Based Methodology For Evaluating The Unit-Level Air Combat Mission Planning (Acmp) Process, Thomas L. Gaylord, George L. Sowell Sep 1992

A Model-Based Methodology For Evaluating The Unit-Level Air Combat Mission Planning (Acmp) Process, Thomas L. Gaylord, George L. Sowell

Theses and Dissertations

This study modeled the USAF unit-level Air Combat Mission Planning (ACMP) process and developed a methodology for evaluating the effectiveness of changes to the process. The study also reports relevant mission planning lessons learned from Desert Storm and demonstrates application of the developed evaluation methodology. An exploratory multidisciplinary literature review builds a research foundation for the evaluation methodology. Foundation areas reviewed include unit-level operations, command and control, planning, decision theory, decision aiding, and model-based problem solving. The conceptual model of the planning process defines sixteen functions starting from receipt of tasking and concluding with execution departure. For each of the …


Cost/Schedule Control Systems Criteria: A Reference Guide To C/Scsc Information, Erik G. Cummings, Kirk A. Schneider Sep 1992

Cost/Schedule Control Systems Criteria: A Reference Guide To C/Scsc Information, Erik G. Cummings, Kirk A. Schneider

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis effort provides a valuable tool for contract performance measurement (CPM) analysts to use both while attending formalized Cost/Schedule Control Systems Criteria (C/SCSC) training, and while on the job. Research indicated a large amount of written material existed on contract performance measurement and the more specific topic of C/SCSC, yet this information was hidden in a wide array of unindexed professional journals, master's thesis, and texts. Further, while many professions have a reference guide of annotated bibliographies, CPM had none. Through an extensive literature review using several search and retrieval methods, the authors were able to amass a bibliography …


Desert Express: Framework For Institutionalization Of Express Airlift Procedures, Terry D. Basham, Jason G. Evgenides Sep 1992

Desert Express: Framework For Institutionalization Of Express Airlift Procedures, Terry D. Basham, Jason G. Evgenides

Theses and Dissertations

This study was sponsored by the Military Airlift Command to examine the Desert Express airlift channel used during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. The goal was to determine what changes or improvements should be made prior to formalizing Desert Express procedures into Department of Defense doctrine. The research method used was a Literature Review supported by an application of the Delphi Technique. The Literature Review reviewed past military express operations and current regulatory procedures to raise key issues. These issues were then presented to 19 airlift experts in two-separate rounds of written questionnaires. The research revealed that Desert Express was the …


Comparison Of Four-Cursor Buttons Vs Joystick To Access Computerized Technical Information From An Integrated Maintenance Information System, Gerald E. Streff, Robert H. Gundel Sep 1992

Comparison Of Four-Cursor Buttons Vs Joystick To Access Computerized Technical Information From An Integrated Maintenance Information System, Gerald E. Streff, Robert H. Gundel

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis was to evaluate the use of four-cursor buttons versus a joystick device to present technical order information on a portable maintenance aid computer for aircraft technicians in a maintenance environment. Studies to date have verified the superiority of computer-presented technical orders when compared to current paper-based systems; this research investigated the effectiveness of these computer-based systems when technicians used a joystick or four-cursor button to display desired technical information. A comparison was made as to technician performance using a portable maintenance aid at the 4950th Test Wing, WPAFB OH. A total of thirty-two maintenance technicians …


Range Scheduling Automation For The Air Force Satellite Control Network: A Case Study In Computer System Development, Donald J. Aitken, Steven C. Bishop Sep 1992

Range Scheduling Automation For The Air Force Satellite Control Network: A Case Study In Computer System Development, Donald J. Aitken, Steven C. Bishop

Theses and Dissertations

This study explored the factors influencing divergent outcomes of two computer system development efforts which were undertaken to fulfill the same requirement for computer automation of a manual resource scheduling process. The first project employed the traditional waterfall approach to system development, but resulted in user rejection and cancellation after considerable resources and effort had been expended. The second project employed prototyping and both the process and the product were well received by the users and ultimately produced an operational system. Analysis yielded eight contributory factors to the failure of the first effort. Three of these were related to the …


A Methodology For Project Selection Using Economic Analysis And The Analytic Hierarchy Process, Jeffrey L. Battin, Thomas J. Bender Sep 1992

A Methodology For Project Selection Using Economic Analysis And The Analytic Hierarchy Process, Jeffrey L. Battin, Thomas J. Bender

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the applicability of a multiple criterion decision making method, known as the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) , to economic analysis decisions involving project selection. Through a survey of the literature and current practices, it was determined that qualitative criteria were not adequately represented in a typical economic analysis of projects. Several MCDM methods were examined and the AHP was found to be the most promising technique to rate projects on a ratio scale. Two types of project selection problems, those involving nonmutually exclusive alternatives and those involving mutually exclusive alternatives, were examined. It was determined that the …


The Theory Of Constraints Applied To Project Scheduling: The Critical Chain Concept Defined, Andrew D. Ingram, Paul E. Scherer Sep 1992

The Theory Of Constraints Applied To Project Scheduling: The Critical Chain Concept Defined, Andrew D. Ingram, Paul E. Scherer

Theses and Dissertations

This research applies the Theory of Constraints' principles to a project management environment. The Constraint Theory developed by Dr. Eliyahu M. Goldratt has been successfully applied in many manufacturing settings. Researchers are now beginning to apply Theory of Constraints' principles and techniques outside the manufacturing environment. Specific objectives of this research effort include: to develop and demonstrate a resource constrained project scheduling algorithm based on the Theory of Constraints' principles and techniques: to perform a detailed comparison of the manufacturing and project scheduling environments designed to support algorithm development; and to lay the foundation for additional research in this area …


An Assessment Of Afit Sys200, 'Acquisition Planning And Analysis', As A Broadening Course Under Apdp, Daryl J. Hauck, Charles A. Manship Sep 1992

An Assessment Of Afit Sys200, 'Acquisition Planning And Analysis', As A Broadening Course Under Apdp, Daryl J. Hauck, Charles A. Manship

Theses and Dissertations

This study assessed AFIT's SYS200 course, 'Acquisition Planning and Analysis,' to determine whether it serves adequately as a broadening course under the Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP). APDP certification requires persons in eight acquisition functional disciplines (Acquisition Logistics, Systems R and D/ Engineering, Program Management, etc.) to complete SYS200. Three complementary measures (assessing knowledge, self- efficacy, and a supervisor assessment) were used to determine whether SYS200 conveyed its curriculum effectively to members of all functional disciplines. The results showed that SYS200 attendance produced substantial increases in acquisition-related knowledge, self-efficacy, and supervisor assessments for all functional disciplines. In all three measures, …


Review Of Factors Impacting Warranty Cost-Benefit Analysis For The Sensor Fuzed Weapon System, Donna E. Kehrt Sep 1992

Review Of Factors Impacting Warranty Cost-Benefit Analysis For The Sensor Fuzed Weapon System, Donna E. Kehrt

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research effort was to identify factor that affect the warranty cost-benefit analysis for the Sensor Fuzed Weapon (SFW) system since an essential performance requirement (EPR) warranty waiver was under consideration. Defense funding has become scarce, and the limited dollars must be spent wisely. A cost-benefit analysis should provide a relevant projection of cost-effectiveness based on the best available data. The SFW and other dormant weapon systems present difficulties in determining cost- effectiveness because the systems most probably will be non-operating, non- reusable, and non-restorable. Three recommendations were made, relevant to dormant weapon systems, that pertained to …


An Evaluation Of Schedule Metrics Used Within Aeronautical Systems Center, Robert J. Hayes, Lawrence M. Miller Sep 1992

An Evaluation Of Schedule Metrics Used Within Aeronautical Systems Center, Robert J. Hayes, Lawrence M. Miller

Theses and Dissertations

This study focused on a selected group of schedule metrics in use at Aeronautical Systems Center (ASC) acquisition program offices. Over 300 metrics were collected from the System Program Offices (SPOs). The metrics data were sorted into the categories of cost, schedule, and performance. In order to narrow the scope of the project, the team decided to focus on schedule metrics. Seven of the most common schedule metrics were selected for evaluation by a group of five experienced acquisition professionals. The group was asked to input the likely behaviors driven by the metrics being addressed by the study. Next, they …


An Investigation Of Integrated Weapon System Management Implementation Issues, Scott A. Dalrymple, Lester F. Pietraszuk Sep 1992

An Investigation Of Integrated Weapon System Management Implementation Issues, Scott A. Dalrymple, Lester F. Pietraszuk

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigated Integrated Weapon System Management implementation issues. Five functional areas were examined: Contracting, Engineering, Financial management, Program Management, and Test Management. Data was collected through interviews. The most significant lessons learned were to establish a direct chain of command and to use TQM principles. Program business practices were changed by increasing Product Center/ALC interaction and implementing a single joint CCB. Program personnel obtained useful guidance from other IWSM programs and from the information products distributed by HQ AFMC. Communication improvements included increased teleconference capability and establishment of a Local Area Network. Cultural differences between centers, insufficient initial guidance, …


Risk Identification In Major Weapon Systems Acquisition In The Republic Of China Air Force, Te-Lung Tsai Sep 1992

Risk Identification In Major Weapon Systems Acquisition In The Republic Of China Air Force, Te-Lung Tsai

Theses and Dissertations

This research examined the magnitudes of the performance, supportability, life-cycle cost, schedule, and management risk factors in current Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF) weapon systems acquisition programs and analyzed the risk drivers with respect to those risk factors. Mid-to-high level managers in the ROCAF and Chung-Sun Institute of Science and Technology (CSIST) were surveyed to determine the extent to which various risk factors were contributing to program risk. A total of fifty-four (54) managers responded to the survey. The results indicate: high risks to performance, supportability, life cycle cost, and schedule, and moderate risk to management. Risk-drivers that contributed …


Estimating The Operating And Support Cost Difference Between Royal Australian Air Force C-130e And C-130h Hercules Aircraft, Terrence J. Sidey Sep 1992

Estimating The Operating And Support Cost Difference Between Royal Australian Air Force C-130e And C-130h Hercules Aircraft, Terrence J. Sidey

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigated the operating and support cost (O & S cost) of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) C-130E and C-130H aircraft. The purpose was twofold: to provide information about the relative O & S cost of the RAAF's old and "new" C-130 aircraft; and to increase knowledge and understanding of aircraft O & S costing within the RAAF. Preliminary research indicated that RAAF O & S costing was rudimentary and that suitable O & S data would be difficult to obtain. Accordingly, an analogous O & S cost system -- the U.S. Air Force (USAF) SABLE cost model and …


The Development Of A Performance Measurement Concept For The Royal Australian Air Force, David R. Mcdonald Sep 1992

The Development Of A Performance Measurement Concept For The Royal Australian Air Force, David R. Mcdonald

Theses and Dissertations

he Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) needed to develop performance measurements (PMs) to support its Program Management and Budgeting (PMB) System. This research assessed the use of the concepts of the Theory of Constraints (TOC) to develop those PMs. The literature indicated that: traditional accounting PMs were not always suitable in an environment of continuous improvement; Activity Based Costing did not provide the required measures; and non-financial PMs were supplanting the older measures. Further, governments faced unique problems in developing PMs, particularly in defining the outcomes to be measured. Using the Critical Theory and Action Research methodologies, and a case …


An Analysis Of Strategic Planning To Support The United States Special Operations Forces' C3 Interoperability, George M. Pierce Ii Sep 1992

An Analysis Of Strategic Planning To Support The United States Special Operations Forces' C3 Interoperability, George M. Pierce Ii

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to analyze the strategic plans of USSOCOM to determine its role in resolving the C3 interoperability issues. A model using strategic controls and Theory of Constraints was used as a standard to evaluate USSOCOM's management plans. A literature search revealed that hardware and new technology were the primary concerns of previous studies. However, the literature did not address whether the lack of a formal strategy contributed to the C3 interoperability problems. Therefore, the determination was to adopt a fresh approach to the C3 interoperability issues and analyze the strategic process. The data analysis of …


Risk Reduction As A Criterion For Measuring Progress Of The Installation Restoration Program, Scott Edwards Jr. Sep 1992

Risk Reduction As A Criterion For Measuring Progress Of The Installation Restoration Program, Scott Edwards Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

To properly manage the Installation Restoration Program (IRP) in the future, the Air Force (AF) needs a method to assess progress based on improvements in environmental conditions. An integral part of evaluating progress toward protecting human health and the environment is the assessment of risk reduction as a result of cleanup actions. The AF currently uses the Defense Priority Model (DPM) to assist in setting priorities for funding remedial actions at IRP sites. The DPM provides a numerical score for IRP sites representing the relative potential risk based on the environmental conditions at a site before remedial actions are taken. …


The Detection And Correlation Modeling Of Rayleigh Distributed Radar Signals, Alan L. Buterbaugh Sep 1992

The Detection And Correlation Modeling Of Rayleigh Distributed Radar Signals, Alan L. Buterbaugh

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis provides a method for determining the detection of partially correlated Rayleigh distributed radar returns by a pulsed search radar. The receiver consists of a quadrature demodulator receiver, followed by a square law envelope detector and a linear post-detection integrator. In addition, a technique for determining the pulse-to-pulse correlation of a complex target is given using inverse Fourier transforms of the target scattering centers. An AIM-9 missile is used to illustrate how the partially correlated detection techniques and the pulse-to-pulse correlation predictions can be used to determine the probability of detection. The Detection and Correlation Modeling of Rayleigh Distributed …


Design Of An Artificial Neural Network Based Tactile Sensor For The Utah/Mit Dexterous Hand, Jeffery D. Nering Sep 1992

Design Of An Artificial Neural Network Based Tactile Sensor For The Utah/Mit Dexterous Hand, Jeffery D. Nering

Theses and Dissertations

The Neural Tactile Sensor (NTS) is a high resolution, easily manufactured tactile sensor consisting of electrodes, a thin resistive 'skin', and pattern recognition circuitry that is capable of resolving dynamic and static contact location, force, and slip throughout the continuum of the sensor's active region. The sensor operates by means of a resistive 'skin' harboring the electric field generated when a current is injected into it, and a plurality of electrodes for taking measurements of said electric field. When current flows through the resistive medium from the location of tactile contact, an electric field within the resistive medium is established, …


Speech Recognition Using Visible And Infrared Detectors, Patrick T. Marshall Sep 1992

Speech Recognition Using Visible And Infrared Detectors, Patrick T. Marshall

Theses and Dissertations

A system has been developed that tracks lip motion using infrared (IR) or visible detectors. The purpose of this study was to determine if the additional information obtained from the IR or visible detectors can be used to increase the recognition rate of audio Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) systems. To accomplish this goal, several hardware analog prototypes had to be designed, built and tested. Different detectors (IR and visible) and modes of operation (active and passive) were tried before a reliable and useful signal was found. An analog-to-digital (A/D) board was then designed and built that digitized both the microphone …


Output Frequency Changes In A Commercial Rubidium Clock Resulting From Magnetic Field And Microwave Power Variations, Edward B. Sarosy Sep 1992

Output Frequency Changes In A Commercial Rubidium Clock Resulting From Magnetic Field And Microwave Power Variations, Edward B. Sarosy

Theses and Dissertations

This report shows the relationship between output frequency shifts and the absorption cell magnetic field during microwave power fluctuations on a commercial rubidium frequency clock. Changes in the clock output frequency relative to the 10 MHz reference were monitored as changes in the absorption cell magnetic field (0.01 to 1.0 Gauss) and changes in the cell's interrogation microwave power were varied from the nominal specification (PO) at four discrete values (+1.3. -1.1, -2.2, -4.OdB). The maximum normalized output frequency shift of 1.4x10-10 occurred at--4dB. The maximum normalized frequency change for the +1.3 and -1.1 dB data is about 3 …


Co-Channel Speaker Separation, Thomas S. Andrews Sep 1992

Co-Channel Speaker Separation, Thomas S. Andrews

Theses and Dissertations

In the co-channel speaker separation problem, the goal is to recover two separate speech signals from a monaural channel which contains the sum of the two speech signals. A new methodology is developed that if given that a segment of co-channel speech is separated into a stronger and weaker segment, the correct assignment of these separated segments to the appropriate talker can be made using a Linear Predictive Coding (LPC) based minimum-prediction residual computation. The uniqueness of the developed technique is that no a priori information is required of the co-channel speech signal. The information needed to appropriately assign these …


A Methodology For The Characterization And Management Of Nonpoint Source Water Pollution, David M. Praner, Gordon M. Sprewell Sep 1992

A Methodology For The Characterization And Management Of Nonpoint Source Water Pollution, David M. Praner, Gordon M. Sprewell

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was development of a methodology for characterization and management of Nonpoint Source (NPS) water pollution. Section 319 of the 1987 Water Quality Act requires states to develop management programs for reduction of NPS pollution via Best Management Practices (BMPs). Air Force installations are expected to abide by federal, state, and local environmental regulations. Currently, the Air Force does not have a methodology to identify and quantify NPS pollution, or a succinct catalog of BMPs. Air Force installation managers need a package to assist them in meeting legislative and regulatory requirements associated with NPS pollution. Ten …


Prioritizing Pollution Prevention Projects Using The Displaced Ideal Model For The Allocation Of Limited Funds, Scott W. Mcpherson, Debra J. Watts Sep 1992

Prioritizing Pollution Prevention Projects Using The Displaced Ideal Model For The Allocation Of Limited Funds, Scott W. Mcpherson, Debra J. Watts

Theses and Dissertations

This research developed a model to prioritize pollution prevention projects for the distribution of limited financial resources. This model was designed for use at the major command (MAJCOM) level. Each MAJCOM is allowed to select the attributes believed to be most appropriate for evaluating pollution prevention projects. The system also allows the flexibility for MAJCOMs to weight the attributes in accordance with requirements. The model uses "fuzzy logic" and the Displaced Ideal Model (DIM) to prioritize projects that currently do not have an imminent compliance deadline, but are important due to potential noncompliance with future regulations. These projects also are …


An Analysis Of The Potential Use Of Red Horse Capabilities And Training Activities To Perform Or Accelerate Air Force Environmental Cleanups, E. Alexander Stokes Iii, Randy A. Carpenter Sep 1992

An Analysis Of The Potential Use Of Red Horse Capabilities And Training Activities To Perform Or Accelerate Air Force Environmental Cleanups, E. Alexander Stokes Iii, Randy A. Carpenter

Theses and Dissertations

There are more than 4,000 Air Force (AF) sites requiring restoration due to hazardous waste contamination. The AF goal is to completely restore all sites by 2000. One method of achieving this ambitious goal is to use in-house capabilities. This study examined the potential use of RED HORSE capabilities and training activities to assist with cleanup of contaminated sites. RED HORSE capabilities and training requirements were compared to the primary cleanup needs of the AF. One finding of this study suggests cleanup of sites contaminated by volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) is the primary need of the AF. The findings also …