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Articles 1 - 30 of 48
Full-Text Articles in Engineering
Development Of An Operations Research Software Package For Army Divisions., Blane C. Wilson
Development Of An Operations Research Software Package For Army Divisions., Blane C. Wilson
Theses and Dissertations
There exists great potential for applying operations research techniques to solve specific problems in the areas of operations, installation support, and training at the Army division level. Because of the operational tempo of today's active-duty and reserve component units, command must focus on accomplishing the daily missions. Also, due their limited knowledge of the field, planners may not be aware of how operations research can be used to enhance planning and operations. Time, training funds, resources, safety, personnel, and equipment are all critical factors in this process. Operations research techniques could be used to improve division-level operations by saving time, …
Feature Saliency In Artificial Neural Networks With Application To Modeling Workload, Kelly A. Greene
Feature Saliency In Artificial Neural Networks With Application To Modeling Workload, Kelly A. Greene
Theses and Dissertations
This dissertation research extends the current knowledge of feature saliency in artificial neural networks (ANN). Feature saliency measures allow for the user to rank order the features based upon the saliency, or relative importance, of the features. Selecting a parsimonious set of salient input features is crucial to the success of any ANN model. In this research, several methodologies were developed using the Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) Feature Screening Method and its associated SNR Saliency Measure for selecting a parsimonious set of salient features to classify pilot workload in addition to air traffic controller workload. Candidate features were derived …
How To Develop An Interactive Electronic Technical Manual: An Industry Perspective, Ali N. Karabulut, Hilmi Oz
How To Develop An Interactive Electronic Technical Manual: An Industry Perspective, Ali N. Karabulut, Hilmi Oz
Theses and Dissertations
Improvements in technology, especially in computer science, in the last two decades have made it possible, and preferable to develop digital technical manuals. A digital manual, which is called an Interactive Electronic Technical Manual (IETM), is a package of information required for the diagnosis and maintenance of a weapon systems, optimally arranged and formatted for interactive screen presentation to the end-user. Being the largest organization in the U.S., the Department of Defense has pioneered in the development of IETM concept as well as in the establishment of its standards. There have been many researches done about different IETM applications and …
An Integer Program Decomposition Approach To Combat Planning, John C. Van Hove
An Integer Program Decomposition Approach To Combat Planning, John C. Van Hove
Theses and Dissertations
Over the last two decades, our military forces have been working to incorporate the latest computer technology into the combat planning process. The earliest efforts use word processors, spreadsheets, and databases to organize planning data and to display high level summaries for commanders. Later efforts perform feasibility checks as missions are planned to insure that the necessary resources are available and that the assets requested are capable of meeting the assigned scheduling requirements. Some of the most recent computer planning tools have included the capability to automatically plan individual missions or groups of missions. These automated efforts have been heuristic …
Data Storage Devices For Air Force Space Command: A Comparative Analysis, Darryl E. Mosley
Data Storage Devices For Air Force Space Command: A Comparative Analysis, Darryl E. Mosley
Theses and Dissertations
Two of Air Force Space Command's primary missions are ballistic missile warning and global navigation, accomplished by commanding and controlling Defense Support Program and Global Positioning System satellites respectively. The computerized ground control system, called the satellite command and control system (CCS) used to perform command and control of the satellites currently uses antiquated peripheral storage devices. These storage devices are critical components, but are often prone to failure, possibly resulting in adverse mission impact. The Air Force must choose an alternative storage device for use in conjunction with CCS in order to accommodate planned operations tempo increases. This thesis …
Feasibility Study On The Use Of The Internet For Traffic Of Unclassified Data, Alexandre L. Guerra, Luiz Gustavo F. P. Silva
Feasibility Study On The Use Of The Internet For Traffic Of Unclassified Data, Alexandre L. Guerra, Luiz Gustavo F. P. Silva
Theses and Dissertations
This research compares two possible networking methods for connecting all Brazilian Air Force Materiel Command units responsible for support and operation of Brazilian Air Force's weapons systems. The network includes the use of dedicated X.25 links, and the use of a virtual Private Network using the Internet (TCP/IP) as the medium of transmission. The Brazilian Air Force Materiel Command, responsible to support operating units over a very large sparse territory, lacks an efficient media of computer communications, which makes it difficult to control the supply chain channels of materiel present in each unit, depots, and warehouses. We studied the network …
Analysis Of Usaf Medium And Heavylift Space Launch Mission Reliability Requirements, Arthur R. Dawkins
Analysis Of Usaf Medium And Heavylift Space Launch Mission Reliability Requirements, Arthur R. Dawkins
Theses and Dissertations
The launch services that the USAF procures to carry DOD payloads into orbit are characterized by high risks and high costs. If a launch vehicle experiences a catastrophic failure, the cost of the entire launch vehicle, the launch processing, and the payload are completely lost (often in excess of 1,5 billion dollars.) Despite this enormous risk for the payload customer, and indeed the launch provider, launch success rates around the world are not much above 90 percent. The current USAF medium and heavylift launch systems are often based on technology that is 20 years old and older. Furthermore, little historical …
Development And Realization Of A Single-Mode Optical Fiber Ferrule Mold Insert With Twelve Channels, Hsiharng William Yang
Development And Realization Of A Single-Mode Optical Fiber Ferrule Mold Insert With Twelve Channels, Hsiharng William Yang
Doctoral Dissertations
A manufacturing process for an optical fiber ferrule mold insert with twelve channels has been established. This research project presents mask design, mask fabrication, deep X-ray lithography exposure, resist developing, nickel electroforming, as well as surface finishing to attain the final result. Deep X-ray mask fabrication methods are explored, including mechanically machined masks, micro-EDM masks, and E-beam written masks. The exposures to pattern resists and electroforming to fabricate nickel molds up to 500 $\mu$m thickness are reported in this study. Nickel structures for the optical fiber ferrule insert with twelve channels made by electroforming are the final products. A practical …
Meta-Ethnographic Development Of A Dialogue Methodology Applied To Organization Discourse, Shelley P. Gallup
Meta-Ethnographic Development Of A Dialogue Methodology Applied To Organization Discourse, Shelley P. Gallup
Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations
A gap exists between theoretical stances that acknowledge the importance of dialogue as a dynamic within socially constructed structures, and "steersmanship" of those constructs--e.g., directing, intervening or transforming organizations. A "mechanism" which links theory with practice is missing, leaving practitioners with an acknowledgment of dialogue's central position, but without tools to enact this centrality in practice or research. This research constructs a conceptual model of dialogue, derived from the literature. Using this model as a base, the research seeks to generate a dialogue methodology bridging theory and practice with respect to organizational dialogue. The model, methodology, and research results are …
Consortia As Technology Innovation Management Vehicles: Toward A Framework For Success In Venture Based Public-Private Partnerships, Ralph B. Saunders Ii
Consortia As Technology Innovation Management Vehicles: Toward A Framework For Success In Venture Based Public-Private Partnerships, Ralph B. Saunders Ii
Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations
The purpose of this research was to explore the approach by federal/state agencies, university, and private sector consortia to develop and manage commercialization of innovation technologies. The evaluation, support, and management of technologically based consortia has traditionally been held in the private sector. There is a somewhat mature literature guiding innovation management (Utterback 1996; Rosenberg et al. 1994; Quinn 1997, 1992) in the private sector. However, there is an increasing emergence of consortia consisting of universities, industrial/private sector entities, and government agencies joining in collaborative efforts to launch technology based initiatives. These consortia are non-traditional and the applicability of traditional …
Aggregate Production Planning In A Stochastic Environment, Ashraf Samy Naguib
Aggregate Production Planning In A Stochastic Environment, Ashraf Samy Naguib
Archived Theses and Dissertations
No abstract provided.
Psychophysically Derived Work Frequencies For Manual Pouring Operations In The Foundry, Sadat Karim
Psychophysically Derived Work Frequencies For Manual Pouring Operations In The Foundry, Sadat Karim
Masters Theses
This paper presents a study on a combination lift and carrying task and was designed to simulate a metal pouring operation commonly found in foundries. Two laboratory experiments were conducted. The first experiment was designed to study the effects of two different mold heights (0.6096 m. and 0.4572 m.) and two carrying distances (1.2192 m. and 4.572 m.) on physiological response variables and on subjects' rating of perceived exertion while performing a simulated pouring operation at a documented foundry frequency. The second experiment was designed to determine maximum acceptable task frequencies (MAF) for males performing a simulated pouring operation at …
A Simulation Model Analysis Of An Mrp System Under Nervousness In Assembly Shops, Bahig Ali Ali
A Simulation Model Analysis Of An Mrp System Under Nervousness In Assembly Shops, Bahig Ali Ali
Archived Theses and Dissertations
No abstract provided.
Study Of Human Factors Variables In Battle Outcome Prediction Models, David Andrew Glovier
Study Of Human Factors Variables In Battle Outcome Prediction Models, David Andrew Glovier
Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations
Over time there have been many improvements in models that are used to predict the outcome of battles. Currently there is much supposition and speculation surrounding the use of human performance related factors as additional inputs to battle simulation models to improve their accuracy. However there is no conclusive scientific evidence which shows that these factors do make a significant difference. This study investigates the use of factors that may impact on the human performance directly or indirectly in battle prediction models. These factors consist of traditional human factors and external factors that may influence the human performance. The research …
Evaluation Of Airport Operating Efficiencies Using Data Envelopment Analysis, Scott Andrew Cummings
Evaluation Of Airport Operating Efficiencies Using Data Envelopment Analysis, Scott Andrew Cummings
Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations
Airport congestion represents a serious obstacle to the future growth of the air transportation industry in the United States. Future development of new airports, and expansion of existing ones is required to meet the growing demands in domestic and commercial air travel. Globalization of economies and international travel has placed additional burdens on airports nationwide. This growth is requiring airports to operate at peak efficiencies. Economic growth of surrounding industries is dependent on the airport that services that geographical region. The variations in functions that airports offer, and therefore the differences in operations, do not lend themselves to traditional efficiency …
Parallel Implementation Of An Artificial Neural Network Integrated Feature And Architecture Selection Algorithm, Craig W. Rizzo
Parallel Implementation Of An Artificial Neural Network Integrated Feature And Architecture Selection Algorithm, Craig W. Rizzo
Theses and Dissertations
The selection of salient features and an appropriate hidden layer architecture contributes significantly to the performance of a neural network. A number of metrics and methodologies exist for estimating these parameters. This research builds on recent efforts to integrate feature and architecture selection for the multilayer perceptron. In the first stage of work a current algorithm is developed in a parallel environment, significantly improving its efficiency and utility. In the second stage, improvements to the algorithm are proposed. With regards to feature selection, a common random number (CRN) addition is proposed. Two new methods of architecture selection are examined, to …
The Application Of Statistical Sampling Techniques To The Operational Readiness Inspection, Troy L. Dixon, Timothy S. Madgett
The Application Of Statistical Sampling Techniques To The Operational Readiness Inspection, Troy L. Dixon, Timothy S. Madgett
Theses and Dissertations
A Blue Ribbon Commission report to the Air Force Chief of Staff in February 1997 makes several specific recommendations on the conduct of Operational Readiness Inspections. This thesis develops a solution to one of the recommendations of that report; utilize scientifically based sampling techniques to reduce the footprint of the inspection on an evaluated unit. Acceptance sampling, common in industry, is developed for use in the environment of the Operational Readiness Inspection. The time saved from this more efficient sampling practice reduces Inspector General time at an evaluation, decreases the footprint, and answers the specific recommendations of the Blue Ribbon …
Using Simulation To Model Time Utilization Of Army Recruiters, James D. Cordeiro Jr., Mark A. Friend
Using Simulation To Model Time Utilization Of Army Recruiters, James D. Cordeiro Jr., Mark A. Friend
Theses and Dissertations
It is a well-known fact Army recruiters work very long hours in a demanding environment. In many cases, recruiting stations are geographically isolated from military bases, with recruiters often tolerating a high cost of living, crime, and other such adverse conditions that characterize the communities they work in. The job itself demands self-starting, motivated individuals with a wide range of skills, from street-savvy to salesmanship, in order to succeed. A number of factors in recent years have made military recruiting more difficult, which include scandals involving highly-placed soldiers and changes in attitudes towards military service among eligible men and women. …
A Value Focused Thinking Approach To Academic Course Scheduling, Shane A. Knighton
A Value Focused Thinking Approach To Academic Course Scheduling, Shane A. Knighton
Theses and Dissertations
In 1997, the School of Engineering of the United States Air Force Institute of Technology began exploring ways of automating the academic course scheduling process. The administration desired an expedient approach for course scheduling which supports the institute's mission of "providing scientific and technological education" to officers from all branches of military service, as well as international military forces. The scheduling approach needed to be flexible, efficient, and represent the institute's values and principles. Decision Analysis (DA) and specifically, Value Focused Thinking (VFT), is used to decompose the complex problem of academic course scheduling and determine the factors that are …
Sensitivity Analysis Of Brawler Pilot Skill Levels, Daniel C. Buschor
Sensitivity Analysis Of Brawler Pilot Skill Levels, Daniel C. Buschor
Theses and Dissertations
BRAWLER is a high resolution air to air combat simulation model used for engagement level analyses of few on few air combat. It uses a value driven decision logic to help simulate pilot behavior. In order to account for varied pilot skill levels, BRAWLER has defined three skill levels; Rookie, Pilot, and Ace. A Rookie can track up to three aircraft in its mental model, the Pilot, up to five aircraft, while an Ace has no limit. Further, each skill level varies the amount of time before a known aircraft, which has not been recently observed, is purged from the …
Verification And Validation Of Faarr Model And Data Envelopment Analysis Models For United States Army Recruiting, Gene M. Piskator
Verification And Validation Of Faarr Model And Data Envelopment Analysis Models For United States Army Recruiting, Gene M. Piskator
Theses and Dissertations
This research has two objectives-to verify and validate the U.S. Army's Forecast and Allocation of Army Recruiting Resources (FAARR) model and to develop a Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) modeling strategy. First, the FAARR model was verified using a simulation of a known production function and validated using sensitivity analysis and ex-post forecasts. FAARR model forecasts were not accurate and were extremely sensitive to any changes in the model's linear programming constraints and to changes in recruiting resource levels. Second, this research describes a three phase modeling strategy to build accurate DEA models. DEA has become a popular tool to evaluate …
A New Sequential Goodness Of Fit Test For The Three-Parameter Weibull Distribution With Known Shape Based On Skewness And Kurtosis, Jonathan C. Clough
A New Sequential Goodness Of Fit Test For The Three-Parameter Weibull Distribution With Known Shape Based On Skewness And Kurtosis, Jonathan C. Clough
Theses and Dissertations
The Weibull distribution finds wide applicability across a broad spectrum of disciplines and is very prevalent in reliability theory. Consequently, numerous statistical tests have been developed to determine whether sample data can be adequately modeled with this distribution. Unfortunately, the majority of these goodness-of-fit tests involve a substantial degree of computational complexity. The study presented here develops and evaluates a new sequential goodness-of-fit test for the three-parameter Weibull distribution with a known shape that delivers power comparable to popular procedures while dramatically reducing computational requirements. The new procedure consists of two distinct tests, using only the sample skewness and sample …
Application Of Decision Analysis To Evaluate Alternative Research And Development Investments., Michael J. Artelli
Application Of Decision Analysis To Evaluate Alternative Research And Development Investments., Michael J. Artelli
Theses and Dissertations
This thesis is an application of decision analysis techniques to the problem of evaluating competing research and development investments and selecting the best portfolio from among the alternatives. In contrast to the current ad hoc approach, decision analysis provides an explicit and easily explained rationale for investment choices, complete and consistent incorporation of multiple objectives, and direct insight into the effects of uncertain investment returns. A hierarchical objective decomposition was used to capture the user's preference structure. The hierarchy was then used to develop a computer-based decision aid to allow the users to quickly and consistently evaluate technology investment options. …
Sensitivity Analysis Of The Thunder Combat Simulation Model To Command And Control Inputs Accomplished In A Parallel Environment, David A. Davies
Sensitivity Analysis Of The Thunder Combat Simulation Model To Command And Control Inputs Accomplished In A Parallel Environment, David A. Davies
Theses and Dissertations
This research had two objectives. The first was to develop a methodology to demonstrate the parallel processing capability provided by Air Force's Aeronautical System's Command (ASC) Major Shared Resource Center (MSRC) and apply that methodology to the SIMAF Proof of Concept project. Secondly, AFSAA/SAAB requested a sensitivity analysis of THUNDER to the modeled command and control (C2) inputs. The power of parallelization can not be overemphasized. The data collection phase of this thesis was accomplished at the MSRC using a script developed to automate the processing of an experimental design, providing the analyst with a launch and leave capability. On …
A Life Cycle Cost Model For Innovative Remediation Technologies, Osman S. Dereli
A Life Cycle Cost Model For Innovative Remediation Technologies, Osman S. Dereli
Theses and Dissertations
LCC analysis is a powerful tool for investigating the costs of competing systems. This thesis investigates the cost scaling methods to improve the traditional LCC modeling techniques. The motivation for this research is finding a good estimate for the remediation technologies when the contaminant volume is not exactly known. This specific case lead researcher to investigating the methods of cost scaling and effects of inflation in the cost estimation. As a result of study a generic LCC model is developed. Methods for considering inflation and scaling are recommended and embodied into the model. The developed model is applied the specific …
Investigating Sorbent Geometry Response Surfaces From Sorption Rate Data, H. Michael Harrison
Investigating Sorbent Geometry Response Surfaces From Sorption Rate Data, H. Michael Harrison
Theses and Dissertations
Sorption and desorption of hydrophobic organic compounds (HOCs) into soil particles occurs at Air Force contamination sites. Long-term desorption extends clean up time, costing billions. Accurately modeling desorption will reduce costs and improve clean up designs. State of the art models depict soil as uniform spherical particles which lose the effect of longer sorption path lengths. An alternate approach, the multiple sites in series (MSS) model, describes the sorption capacity of a mixture of soil particle sizes and shapes using a composite particle defined by a two parameter statistical distribution. When the MSS model uses a general radial geometry function …
A Network Disruption Modeling Tool, James A. Leinart
A Network Disruption Modeling Tool, James A. Leinart
Theses and Dissertations
Given that network disruption has been identified as a military objective and C2-attack has been identified as the mechanism to accomplish this objective, a target set must be acquired and priorities assigned to each target set. In order to move beyond subjective target prioritization, development and implementation of a methodology and model, that quantitatively measures the value of each target in achieving the objective, is needed in prioritizing targets. This thesis effort uses a vertex cut-set algorithm on a transformation of the graph representing a notional network of interest. The cut-sets generated represent potential target sets. Value-focused thinking and decision …
A Game-Theoretic Improvement Model For Stochastic Networks: Reliability Vs. Throughput, Jeffrey A. Schavland
A Game-Theoretic Improvement Model For Stochastic Networks: Reliability Vs. Throughput, Jeffrey A. Schavland
Theses and Dissertations
Prescriptive models used to allocate resources for network improvement traditionally have used reliability or flow as Measures of Effectiveness (MOEs). Such metrics do not give value to efforts which make a component more difficult to exploit. This study developed an entirely new MOE for stochastic network improvement, flow damage utility, which uses a two person, zero-sum, non-cooperative game to optimize a probabilistic network for an estimate of expected flow minus performance degradation after a worst case component loss. A multiple criteria optimization problem that uses flow damage utility and an analogous, previously developed metric for the reliability problem is used …
Solving Geometric Knapsack Problems Using Tabu Search Heuristics, Christopher A. Chocolaad
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.
Generating Bomber Routes For The Delivery Of Gravity Weapons, Gregory J. Ehlers
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 …