Engineering Commons^™

Development Of An Effectiveness Model Or Metric For The Air Force Environmental Compliance Assessment And Management Program (Ecamp), Craig B. Dezell

Theses and Dissertations

The Department of Defense (DoD) and the Air Force (AF) are committed to being national leaders in protecting and enhancing the environment and achieving environmental compliance. This commitment is exemplified by the Air Force Chief of Staff's goal of no notices of violation (NOVs). However, the number of AF NOVs from 1990-1992 rose from 103 to 178 an increase of 73 percent. A July 1992 AF Inspector General Report also concluded that Environmental Compliance Assessment and Management Program (ECAMP) findings were not being effectively utilized by the Major Commands (MAJCOM). To aid AF leaders in solving these problems, and protecting …

A Predictive Model For The Determination Of The Economic Feasibility Of Construction And Demolition Waste Recycling In The Air Force, Byron L. Dixon

Theses and Dissertations

This study created a model to be used at a CONUS Air Force base to determine the economic feasibility of Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste recycling. Three areas investigated to develop this model: the methods to determine amounts and types of C&D waste generated at a specific location, the markets for recycled C&D wastes, and the recycling methods currently available. From this data, gathered through records searches and interviews, a procedure was developed to perform cost/benefit analyses on the available recycling options. A model was then created based on these calculations which can arm a manager with information to either …

A Decision Support Model Using Life Cycle Cost (Lcc) Analysis To Select Cost-Effective Alternatives For Hazardous Materials, Blaine F. Burley, Kirk A. Phillips

Theses and Dissertations

This research focuses on the development of a decision support model to select cost-effective alternatives for hazardous materials using life cycle cost (LCC) analysis. The model provides an effective decision-making tool to evaluate the economic feasibility of using alternatives for hazardous materials. Given a specific operation, the users of this model can enter site-specific cost data to determine the total LCCs of using baseline hazardous materials (i.e., hazardous materials currently being used in an operation), as well as the total LCCs of using various alternatives. This thesis postulates that the material having the lowest total LCC is considered to be …

A Strategy For Combining The Pollution Prevention Opportunity Assessment With The Environmental Compliance Assessment And Management Program, Stacy E. Gent

Theses and Dissertations

This research develops a method to allow an installation environmental function to satisfy the assessment requirements of both the Air Force Pollution Prevention and the Environmental Compliance Assessment and Management Program with the implementation of one assessment process. The model developed is designed to achieve the goals of both programs while increasing the efficiency of implementation. The resulting assessment model formulated within this research is applied on a theoretical level to yield preliminary results. These results indicate that the combination of the Pollution Prevention Opportunity Assessment and the environmental compliance assessment required by the Environmental Compliance Assessment and Management Program …

Analysis Of Traffic Accident Data In Kentucky (1988-1992), Kenneth R. Agent, Jerry G. Pigman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report includes an analysis of traffic accident data in Kentucky tor the years of 1988-1992. A primary objective of this study was to determine average accident statistics tor Kentucky highways. Average and critical numbers and rates at accidents were calculated for various types of highways in rural and urban areas. These data can be used in Kentucky's procedure to identify locations that have abnormal rates or numbers of accidents.

Another objective of this study was to provide data which can be used in the preparation of the problem identification portion of Kentucky's Annual Highway Safety Plan. County and city …

Evaluation Of The Lexington-Fayette County Safety Belt Ordinance, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

A mandatory safety belt ordinance was enacted in Fayette County with an effective date of July 1, 1990. One objective of this study was to conduct usage surveys after the ordinance had been in effect for approximately three years. This would allow comparisons to be made of safety belt usage before and immediately after the effective date of the ordinance to that found a substantial time period after enactment of the ordinance. A second objective of the study was to compere accident data before and after the ordinance became effective. The would allow an analysis of the effect the ordinance …

Identification Of Variegated Coloring In Skin Tumors: Neural Network Vs. Rule-Based Induction Methods, Ajaya Durg, William V. Stoecker, J. P. Cookson, Scott E. Umbaugh, Randy Hays Moss

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

The use of neural networks for automatic identification of variegated coloring, which is believed to be one of the most predictive features for malignant melanoma, is described. The Nestor development system (NDS) was chosen for neural network implementation. At the heart of NDS is a three-layer neural network called a restricted Coulomb energy (RCE) network. The learning scheme and the database for detection of variegated coloring are discussed. Results are reported

Bs News

Building Services Engineering

No abstract provided.

Investigation Of The Sensitivity, Selectivity, And Reversibility Of The Chemically-Sensitive Field-Effect Transistor (Chemfet) To Detect Nitrogen Dioxide, Dimethyl Methylphosphonate, And Boron Trifluoride, Neal T. Hauschild

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the sensitivity, selectivity, and reversibility of a chemically-sensitive field-effect transistor (CHEMFET) gas microsensor. Various physical operating parameters were tested to determine which produced the most significant sensitivity, selectivity, and reversibility which were computed from response changes generated from electrical conductivity modulations when exposed to challenge gases. The variable operating parameters included: thinfilm material, film thickness, challenge gas specie, challenge gas concentration, and operating temperature. Copper phthalocyanine and lead phthalocyanine were used as thin films to detect the following challenge gases: nitrogen dioxide, dimethyl methylphosphonate, boron trifluoride, methanol, carbon monoxide, vinyl chloride, and trichloroethylene. Tests revealed that copper …

Analytical Modeling Of Aquifer Decontamination By Pulsed Pumping When Contaminant Transport Is Affected By Rate-Limited Sorption And Desorption, Thomas A. Adams, Robert C. Viramontes

Theses and Dissertations

This research explores radially convergent contaminated transport in an aquifer towards an extraction well. This thesis presents the equations governing the transport of a contaminant during aquifer remediation by pulsed pumping. Contaminant transport is assumed to be affected by radial advection, dispersion, and sorption/desorption. Sorption is assumed to be either equilibrium or rate-limited, with the rate-limitation described by either a first-order law, or by Fickian diffusion of contaminant through layered, cylindrical, or spherical immobile water regions. The equations are derived using an arbitrary initial distribution of contaminant in both the mobile and immobile regions, and they are analytically solved in …

Evaluation Of The Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon Standard For Cleanup Of Petroleum Contaminated Sites, Rick A. Blaisdell, Mark E. Smallwood

Theses and Dissertations

This study evaluated the TPH (total petroleum hydrocarbon) cleanup standard for petroleum contaminated soils (PCS). A survey of 13 state regulators was performed to characterize current standards and regulatory viewpoints on the use of a TPH versus a BTEX cleanup standard. The regulatory community considers the BTEX constituents the greatest threat to groundwater, yet expressed concern that the use of a compound specific standard, without an accompanying analysis for TPH, might result in residual soil contamination that may present risk. This study also evaluated the ratio of BTEX TPH in soil over time. Based on JP-4 contaminated site soil data, …

Development Of A Multicriteria Decision Model For Prioritizing Air Force Environmental Restoration Program Projects, Thomas E. Ellingson, T. G. Gallogly

Theses and Dissertations

Cleaning up hazardous and toxic wastes left from past activities has become one of the major goals of the Department of Defense. Within the Air Force, individual major commands (MAJCOMs) annually review numerous projects submitted under the Defense Environmental Restoration Program (DERP) and forward these projects to HQ USAF/CEVR for funding. Until recently, adequate resources have been available to fully fund all projects. However, within the last two years, funding shortfalls have been experienced, and projects have received only partial funding. The Air Force needs a decision support system that will assist in determining funding priorities for these projects. This …

Capabilities Of Air Force Wastewater Treatment Plants In Complying With Projected Regulatory Requirements, Steven R. Ford

Theses and Dissertations

One of the major environmental regulations that directly affects the Air Force is the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (FWPCA). The 1972 FWPCA amendments set forth a series of national goals regarding water quality. The main mechanism for achieving these goals was the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). NPDES is a program requiring dischargers to limit the quantity of pollutants discharged into the receiving waters. This research effort predicts changes in future NPDES permit requirements, and evaluated the capabilities of Air Force wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in meeting those future requirements. It was found that future permit requirements will …

A Risk Assessment Of The Health Liabilities From Exposure To Toxic Metals Found In The Composted Material Of Air Force Municipal Solid Waste, Timothy L. Merrymon

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis assesses the risk of the health liabilities from exposure to toxic metals found in the composted material of Air Force municipal solid waste (MSW). The goal is to determine the probability that the composted MSW could be a health hazard if it were used as a soil amendment. The research limited the assessment of the exposure risk to heavy metals found in raw MSW and its resulting compost. The thesis uses reviews of present literature to examine the food and soil ingestion exposure pathways. These pathways are assessed using the heavy metal concentrations found in MSW compost and …

Development Of A Cost-Effectiveness Methodology To Prioritize Environmental Mitigation Projects, Robert E. Thompson

Theses and Dissertations

A cost-effectiveness prioritization methodology was developed using concepts from the cost-effectiveness technique. The new methodology called the Cost-Effectiveness methodology (CEM) allows the prioritization of mitigation projects across broad categories of hazardous sites as would be ranked among the offices of the Environmental Protection Agency. Two performance criteria were incorporated into the process--rank projects that save the most lives per dollar and enhance general applicability across different categories of risk. A metric was developed that represents the ratio of lives saved per dollar spent on mitigation alternatives of contaminated environmental sites. This metric was incorporated into the CEM to distinguish mitigation …

Software Cost Estimating Models: A Comparative Study Of What The Models Estimate, George A. Coggins, Roy C. Russell

Theses and Dissertations

This effort developed a consolidated document which highlights and examines differences in definitions, assumptions, and methodologies used by the REVIC, SASET, PRICES, and SEER-SEM cost models. The following research questions were investigated: (1) What differences exist between the cost models? (2) How do these differences impact the resulting estimates? (3) To what degree can we explain and adjust for known differences between the cost models? Seven specific areas were addressed: (1) software development phases, (2) development activities and cost elements, (3) source lines of code and language differences, (4) key model attributes and key cost drivers, (5) implications of Project …

An Evaluation Of Aircraft Maintenance Performance Factors In The Objective Wing, Mark A. Gray, Margaret M. Ranalli

Theses and Dissertations

Prior to 1992, organizational maintenance was aligned under a - separate maintenance organization. In 1992, the Air Force restructured into Objective Wings with organizational maintenance aligned under the flying squadrons. This study looks at the impact of this reorganization on maintenance performance factors. The researchers developed maintenance performance models using regression and principal component analysis. Mission Capable Rate and Total Not Mission Capable Maintenance Rate are used as dependent variables. A comparison of key maintenance performance indicators and model predictions before and after the reorganization is accomplished. Based on the results of this analysis, the researchers conclude that there is …

Repair Process Improvement At The Ogden Air Logistics Center, Landing Gear Division: A Case Study In The Application Of The Theory Of Constraints, David A. Maddox, Susan L. Martz

Theses and Dissertations

This study explored the nature and extent of success that resulted from the implementation of the Theory of Constraints (TOC) in a depot repair environment. The actions taken to implement TOC were determined. Performance measures which defined success were identified and data were collected and summarized to demonstrate performance before and after implementation of TOC concepts. Improvements in flowdays and work-in-process (WIP) were determined to be attributable to the TOC effort. In addition, the unique characteristics of probabalistic repair and supply system variability were noted as those characteristics that posed the greatest challenges to implementing TOC in a remanufacturing environment. …

A Comparison Of The Disaster™ Scheduling Software With A Simultaneous Scheduling Algorithm For Minimizing Maximum Tardiness In Job Shops, Barak J. Carlson, Christopher A. Lettiere

Theses and Dissertations

The Theory of Constraints (TOC) is the foundation for a computerized scheduling system called DISASTER. Although this system has proven successful in many manufacturing settings, it has potential limitations due to the sequential heuristic process by which it schedules constraints. The objective of this thesis was to determine the extent to which these limitations impact the due date performance of schedules created by DISASTER. This objective was addressed by developing an algorithm to simultaneously schedule multiple constraints in a job shop environment and provide the optimal schedule for minimized maximum tardiness. This algorithm was used to obtain solutions for a …

An Exploratory Survey Of Methods Used To Develop Measures Of Performance, Kenneth L. Hamner, Charles A. Lafleur

Theses and Dissertations

Nonmanufacturing organizations are being challenged to provide high- quality products and services to their customers, with an emphasis on continuous process improvement. Measures of performance, referred to as metrics, can be used to foster process improvement. The application of performance measurement to nonmanufacturing processes can be very difficult. This research explored methods used to develop metrics in nonmanufacturing Organizations. Several methods were formally defined in the literature, and the researchers used a two- step screening process to determine the OMB Generic Method was most likely to produce high-quality metrics. The OMB Generic Method was then used to develop metrics. A …

An Investigation Of Integrated Product Development Implementation Issues: A Case Study Of Bosma Machine And Tool Corp, F. Paul Khuri, Howard M. Plevyak Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigated Integrated Product Development (IPD) implementation issues. Research emphasis focused on teams used in IPD, particularly self-directed work teams (SDWTs). The areas addressed in the study were: Work Environment, Team Organization, Training and Education, Group Dynamics and Communication, Motivation, Rewards and Incentives, Measurements, and Contracts. Data was collected using interviews and presented as a case study. The most significant findings on work environment were that the organization's leadership should commit to the teaming idea and sell it to the organization's members. Teams should be organized by choosing members carefully and defining all roles. Personnel should be trained in …

An Analysis Of The Effectiveness Of The Air Force Drug Testing Program And Four Potential Modifications, Thomas R. Doster, Hubert A. Ross

Theses and Dissertations

This study evaluated the 1992 USAF Drug Testing Program and potential improvements, based on the number of drug users detected, cost, and legal issues. Four potential improvements were examined: (1) increasing the annual amount of random urinalysis; (2) increasing the proportion of commander-directed testing; (3) using a weighted selection technique, and (4) replacing urinalysis with hair testing. For each improvement, the researchers used test and survey results to estimate the number of drug users detected, a cost formula to estimate any changes in cost, and interviews with legal experts to identify any legal issues associated with implementing the modification. Researchers …

An Independent Evaluation Of Information Systems Support Of The Joint Forces Air Component Commander Concept Of Operations, Gregory R. Kincaid, Richard A. Poligala

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines automated Air Tasking Order (ATO) generation and dissemination under the Joint Forces Air Component Commander (JFACC) concept, focusing on an evaluation of information systems support given the differing service philosophies concerning control of tactical air assets. Current Department of Defense doctrine identifies the Contingency Tactical Air Control System Automated System (CTAPS) as the standard automated system for Theater Battle Management planning for the JFACC. To achieve service interoperability, the doctrine requires the use of CTAPS for ATO generation and dissemination when joint operations are conducted under the JFACC concept. A problem arises in that CTAPS is developed …

An Investigation Of Integrated Product Development Teams Of The F-22 Program, Gary F. Wagner, Randall L. White

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated Integrated Product Development (IPD) at the F-22 System Program Office (SPO). A literature review revealed the key IPD characteristics of organizational structure, communication, intense up-front planning, training, integrated management tools, and lessons learned. The research method was twenty-two personal interviews of SPO subjects selected from four IPD teams, the front office, and functional support divisions. Key findings included an emphasis on up-front planning to establish an organizational and contractual structure which empowered workers to develop their products. Also, constant communication with all other functions and teams was stressed while training was primarily done while transitioning to IPD. …

A Dynamic Part Assignment Procedure In Machine Cell Formation, Hamid Seifoddini, Manocher Djassemi

Industrial Technology and Packaging

A major contributing factor to the under utilization of machines in cellular manufacturing is the development of long queues in front of some machines in machine cells. This paper presents a procedure which identifies such machines and redistributes their loads to alternative machines whenever feasible.

Dependence Of Binary Encounter Electron Production On The Charge State Of The Recoil Ion, Jee-Ching Wang, Ronald E. Olson, H. Wolf, J. Shinpaugh, W. Wolff, H. Schmidt Böcking

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

We study the dependence of the production of binary encounter electrons on the charge state of recoil ions for 2.4 MeV u^-l Xe²¹⁺ on He and Ar. Doubly differential cross sections of electron emission are calculated with the ncrMC method. We find that the contributions to the binary electron cross section from various recoil ion charge states reach a maximum near Ar⁵⁺ for the Ar target. In the case of the He target; double ionization dominates over single ionization for alt ejected electron energies above 100 eV. However, an unexpected local drop of double ionization in the …

Transient Flowmeter Calibration Facility, Paul J. Lefebvre, William W. Durgin

Office of the Provost Scholarship

An apparatus for defining the free surface of a moving column of a fluid in a vertical pipe to enhance the accuracy of measurements of transient rate of flow of the fluid using electromagnetic flowmeter is described. It provides a neutrally buoyant plug which stays in contact with the free surface of the column of the fluid at all times and thus defines the free surface of the fluid moving in the vertical pipe accurately and reduces the oscillations of the free surface of the fluid.

Ccfss Technical Bulletin August 1993, Wei-Wen Yu Center For Cold-Formed Steel Structures

CCFSS Technical Bulletins (1993 - 2020)

No abstract provided.

Advanced Aeronatics Design: Project Based Engineering Education At Wpi, D. J. Olinger, William W. Durgin, Andreas N. Alexandrou

Office of the Provost Scholarship

One element of WPI's project-based curriculum is its interdisciplinary Advanced Aeronautics Design Program. Students participating in the program are involved in the design, construction, and flight testing of non-traditional aircraft such as an ultralight solar-powered vehicle, microwave-powered long endurance aircraft, or a flying oblique wing. The WPI project philosophy and character are described and illustrated using examples from the AAD program.

Acuta Enews August 1993, Vol. 22, No. 8

ACUTA Newsletters

In This Issue

Interview with Luther Robb

President's Message

Paradigms & Paradoxes

Total Quality Management

Super Schools

Win-Win Relationships

21st Century Technology

Executive Director's Message