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1998

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Articles 811 - 840 of 1354

Full-Text Articles in Engineering

Real Time Detection Of Anomalous Satellite Behavior Has Ground Based Telescope Images, Geoffrey S. Maron Mar 1998

Real Time Detection Of Anomalous Satellite Behavior Has Ground Based Telescope Images, Geoffrey S. Maron

Theses and Dissertations

Air Force analysts are faced with the task of monitoring satellites with ground based telescopes. Images are collected and analyzed in a time consuming and subjective effort to detect any behavior that is anomalous. This research maximizes use of a priori information to create an automated, real time satellite behavior classification tool. Using modeling software and knowledge of a satellite's orbit, reference imagery is created for each measured image in a satellite pass. Features are extracted from the measured and reference image pairs that provide good overall Gaussian classification accuracy (85%), reduce the dimensionality of the problem (from 32,768 down …

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A Value Focused Thinking Approach To Academic Course Scheduling, Shane A. Knighton Mar 1998

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 …

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Optimizing The Efficiency Of A Multi-Stage Axial-Flow Compressor: An Application Of Stage-Wise Optimization, Shawn A. Miller Mar 1998

Optimizing The Efficiency Of A Multi-Stage Axial-Flow Compressor: An Application Of Stage-Wise Optimization, Shawn A. Miller

Theses and Dissertations

The development of jet engines has become an integral part of maintaining air superiority. In order to achieve the most advanced engine, research has turned to traditional optimization methods to aid in creating new engine designs. To develop simplified mathematical models representative of the engine, the engine can be separated into its components. A jet engine has three major elements, the compressor, combustion chamber and turbine. This research attempts to make an initial analysis of a two stage compressor to determine values of blade angles and spacing to chord ratios for both stages that produce the highest possible efficiency for …

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Improved Mathematical Modeling For Gps Based Navigation, Salvatore Nardi Mar 1998

Improved Mathematical Modeling For Gps Based Navigation, Salvatore Nardi

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis is concerned with the development of new closed form GPS position determination algorithms that work in the presence of pseudorange measurement noise. The mathematical derivation of two closed form algorithms, based on stochastic modeling and estimation techniques, is presented. The algorithms provide an estimate of the GPS solution parameters (viz., the user position and the user clock bias) as well as the estimation error covariance. The experimental results are analyzed by comparison to the baseline results from the conventional Iterative Least Squares (ILS) algorithm. In typical GPS scenarios, the closed form algorithms are extremely sensitive to noise, making …

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Preliminary Design Of A Joint Simulation, Analysis, And Wargaming Center For The Turkish General Staff, Oguz Okuyucu Mar 1998

Preliminary Design Of A Joint Simulation, Analysis, And Wargaming Center For The Turkish General Staff, Oguz Okuyucu

Theses and Dissertations

This study develops a framework for the design of a Joint Simulation, Analysis, and Wargaming Center (JSAWC). JSAWC is proposed as the primary decision support center for the Turkish General Staff. The complexity of warfare systems and the fog of future wars make military planning, problem solving, and decision making processes difficult to accomplish without using computerized analysis support tools. The proposed JSAWC will use modeling and simulation technology to provide analytical support for Turkish military decision-makers and planners in operations planning, force structuring, and training. An iterative systems engineering process is defined and applied to the primary design of …

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Verification And Validation Of Faarr Model And Data Envelopment Analysis Models For United States Army Recruiting, Gene M. Piskator Mar 1998

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 …

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The Application Of Sequential Convex Programming To Large-Scale Structural Optimization Problems, Todd A. Sriver Mar 1998

The Application Of Sequential Convex Programming To Large-Scale Structural Optimization Problems, Todd A. Sriver

Theses and Dissertations

Structural design problems are often modeled using finite element methods. Such models are often characterized by constraint functions that are not explicitly defined in terms of the design variables. These functions are typically evaluated through numerical finite element analysis (FEA). Optimizing large-scale structural design models requires computationally expensive FEAs to obtain function and gradient values. An optimization approach which uses the SCP sequential convex programming algorithm of Zillober, integrated as the optimizer in the Automated Structural Optimization System (ASTROS), is tested. The traditional approach forms an explicitly defined approximate subproblem at each design iteration that is solved using the method …

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Using Bayesian Statistics In Operational Testing, Thuan H. Tran Mar 1998

Using Bayesian Statistics In Operational Testing, Thuan H. Tran

Theses and Dissertations

This research explored the applicability of Bayesian methods to the problem of determining the reliability of a series system, a parallel system, and a bridge system. The time to failure of each component in each system is assumed to be exponentially distributed. A basic exponential case and a basic binomial case are also evaluated. In general, using simulated data and real data when possible, the Bayesian methods produced confidence intervals that were much tighter than the classical inference methods, thus allowing a decision maker to have higher confidence in making a decision. System level data and aggregated component level data …

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An Analytical Tool To Assess Aeromedical Evacuation Systems For The Department Of Defense, Scott A. Wilhelm Mar 1998

An Analytical Tool To Assess Aeromedical Evacuation Systems For The Department Of Defense, Scott A. Wilhelm

Theses and Dissertations

The research was commissioned by, and conducted for, the HQ AMC Surgeon General to assist him in making a hard decision. Should the McDonnell-Douglas C-9A Nightingale be replaced, and, if so, with what? Using tools based in Keeney's Value-Focused Thinking methodology, the SG's values for this decision were quantified, alternatives that addressed these values were generated, and those alternatives were evaluated using his values to suggest preferred alternatives.

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A Risk Analysis Of Remediation Technologies For A Doe Facility, Helene A. Wilson Mar 1998

A Risk Analysis Of Remediation Technologies For A Doe Facility, Helene A. Wilson

Theses and Dissertations

The Department of Energy is responsible for selecting a remediation technology to clean up the Waste Area Group (WAG) 6 site at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant (PGDP) in Kentucky. WAG 6 is contaminated with an uncertain amount of trichloroethylene (TCE) and technetium-99 (Tc-99). Selecting a remediation technology involves a certain degree of risk because many of these technologies are new or proven only for a specific type of contaminant or a particular set of site conditions. Differences between contaminant type and site conditions are enough to make the performance of a remediation technology uncertain. This research identifies the technological …

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Analysis Of Alternatives: Multivariate Considerations, John J. Siegner Mar 1998

Analysis Of Alternatives: Multivariate Considerations, John J. Siegner

Theses and Dissertations

The Aeronautical System Center (ASC) is developing a Simulation and Analysis Facility (SIMAF) that will link models, simulations, hardware-in-the-loop, and system-in-the-loop resources to create a robust virtual environment supporting assessment of alternate systems in the defense acquisition process. ENS is assisting ASC with scenario development, experimental design, and battleroom visualization efforts for a SIMAF capability demonstration. This thesis uses multivariate analysis and visualization tools to develop an approach for reducing the dimensionality of multiple campaign level measures of effectiveness for a notional Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) study. Additionally, the thesis advances an AoA visualization paradigm for the SIMAF capability demonstration. …

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Wright State University College Of Engineering And Computer Science Bits And Pcs Newsletter, Volume 14, Number 3, March 1998, College Of Engineering And Computer Science, Wright State University Mar 1998

Wright State University College Of Engineering And Computer Science Bits And Pcs Newsletter, Volume 14, Number 3, March 1998, College Of Engineering And Computer Science, Wright State University

BITs and PCs Newsletter

An eight page newsletter created by the Wright State University College of Engineering and Computer Science that addresses the current affairs of the college.

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Diffusivities Of N-Alkanes In Silicalite By Steady-State Single-Crystal Membrane Technique, Orhan Talu, Matthew S. Sun, Dhananjai B. Shah Mar 1998

Diffusivities Of N-Alkanes In Silicalite By Steady-State Single-Crystal Membrane Technique, Orhan Talu, Matthew S. Sun, Dhananjai B. Shah

Chemical & Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications

A novel experimental technique that measures the diffusive flux through a single-crystal membrane (SCM) was developed and tested. Unlike all other macroscopic techniques that depend on a transient response, SCM is used under steady-state conditions, which results in a wide range of applicability from 10−2 to 10−11 cm2/s. Phenomenological equations for the steady-state data analysis were developed. The variation of driving force over the diffusion path is included in the model. As required by thermodynamics, the micropore concentration is given as a function of surface-excess amount adsorbed and gas density. The membrane configuration measures diffusivity in …

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Survey And Visual Inspection Of Keystone Block Wall And Embankment Slide At Mist Lake Plaza In Lexington, Kentucky, L. John Fleckenstein, David L. Allen Mar 1998

Survey And Visual Inspection Of Keystone Block Wall And Embankment Slide At Mist Lake Plaza In Lexington, Kentucky, L. John Fleckenstein, David L. Allen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The Kentucky Transportation Center was requested by Bhate Engineering Corporation and A.B. Shopping Center Properties, Inc. to evaluate and monitor apparent movement in the Keystone Block retaining structure and the earth embankment located next to the Walmart Department Store at Mist Lake Plaza in Lexington, Kentucky. In June 1997, a report (KTC-97-11) was submitted which summarized work that had been conducted prior to June of 1997. The initial report included results of the inspection of the surface drainage, inspection of subsurface storm water drainage, inspection of the embankment, and inspection and photo-logging of visible wall distress. In June 1997, several …

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Use Of Hydrated Lime Byproduct For Stabilization Of Subgrade Soils, Tony L. Beckham, Tommy C. Hopkins Mar 1998

Use Of Hydrated Lime Byproduct For Stabilization Of Subgrade Soils, Tony L. Beckham, Tommy C. Hopkins

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

In January 1998, Minteck Resources requested that the Kentucky Transportation Center at the University of Kentucky perform a feasibility study to determine if a hydrated lime byproduct produced at the Carbide/Graphite facility in Calvet City, Kentucky can be used as a substitute for hydrated lime as a soil subgrade stabilizing agent. According to personnel of Carbide/Graphite Group, Incorporated, the byproduct contains a high percentage of hydrated lime.

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Manipulation Of High Spatial Resolution Aircraft Remote Sensing Data For Use In Site-Specific Farming, Gabriel B. Senay, Andrew D. Ward, John G. Lyon, Norman R. Fausey, Sue E. Nokes Mar 1998

Manipulation Of High Spatial Resolution Aircraft Remote Sensing Data For Use In Site-Specific Farming, Gabriel B. Senay, Andrew D. Ward, John G. Lyon, Norman R. Fausey, Sue E. Nokes

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

Three spatial data sets consisting of high spatial resolution (1 m) remote sensing images acquired in 12 spectral bands, an on-the-go yield map, and a Digital Elevation Model were co-registered and evaluated for spatial variability studies in a Geographic Information Systems environment. Separate on-the-go yield maps were developed for 3, 5, and 12 statistically significant mean yield classes. For each yield class, the corresponding mean spectral and elevation data were extracted. The relationship between mean spectral and yield data was strongly linear (r = 0.99). Also, a strong linear relationship between mean yield and elevation data (r = 0.92) was …

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Diophantinized Fractional Representations For Nonlinear Elastomeric Media, Joe Padovan, Jerzy T. Sawicki Mar 1998

Diophantinized Fractional Representations For Nonlinear Elastomeric Media, Joe Padovan, Jerzy T. Sawicki

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

This paper explores the use of diophantinized fractional fits for the nonlinear constitutive representation of elastomeric media. These are caste in terms of either the principal stretches or the strain invariants. Both polynomial and rational forms are considered. To construct the requisite complete and physically admissible basis space, the diophantinized set of fractional powers is bound by the curvature properties of the experimental data set. This set is then employed in conjunction with a remezed least square scheme to obtain an optimal fit. To verify the scheme a sample application case is presented.

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Bs News Mar 1998

Bs News

Building Services Engineering

No abstract provided.

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Studies Of Metallic Multilayer Structures, Optical Properties, And Oxidation Using In Situ Spectroscopic Ellipsometry, Xiang Gao, Jeff Hale, Scott Heckens, John A. Woollam Mar 1998

Studies Of Metallic Multilayer Structures, Optical Properties, And Oxidation Using In Situ Spectroscopic Ellipsometry, Xiang Gao, Jeff Hale, Scott Heckens, John A. Woollam

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering: Faculty Publications

In situ spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) has been successfully used to accurately measure sputter deposition rates and optical constants of un-oxidized metal layers and to control the growth of magnetic multilayers. The structures include [Co/Cu] n , [Co/Au] n , [Co/Ni] n , [Co/Pd] n and [Co/Pd/ Au] n . Layer thickness precision is better than ±0.05 nm for layer thicknesses in the range of 0.2 nm to 10 nm. Closed-loop feedback control of layer thickness is also demonstrated. Good consistency was obtained by comparing the in situ SE results to x-ray diffraction measurements. Dynamic oxidation studies of [Co/Au] n and …

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Cryptococcus Neoformans Chemotyping By Quantitative Analysis Of H-1 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectra Of Glucuronoxylomannans With A Computer-Simulated Artificial Neural Network, Robert Cherniak, Homayoun Valafar, Laura C. Morris, Faramarz Valafar Mar 1998

Cryptococcus Neoformans Chemotyping By Quantitative Analysis Of H-1 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectra Of Glucuronoxylomannans With A Computer-Simulated Artificial Neural Network, Robert Cherniak, Homayoun Valafar, Laura C. Morris, Faramarz Valafar

Faculty Publications

The complete assignment of the proton chemical shifts obtained by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy of de-O-acetylated glucuronoxylomannans (GXMs) from Cryptococcus neoformanspermitted the high-resolution determination of the total structure of any GXM. Six structural motifs based on an α-(1→3)-mannotriose substituted with variable quantities of 2-O-β- and 4-O-β-xylopyranosyl and 2-O-β-glucopyranosyluronic acid were identified. The chemical shifts of only the anomeric protons of the mannosyl residues served as structure reporter groups (SRG) for the identification and quantitation of the six triads present in any GXM. The assigned protons for the mannosyl residues resonated at clearly …

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Application Of Decision Analysis To Evaluate Alternative Research And Development Investments, Michael J. Artelli Mar 1998

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. …

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Effect Of High Free Stream Turbulence On Film Cooling Using Double Row Of 30° Slant-Hole Injectors, Lilith I. Sorensen Mar 1998

Effect Of High Free Stream Turbulence On Film Cooling Using Double Row Of 30° Slant-Hole Injectors, Lilith I. Sorensen

Theses and Dissertations

In this study free stream turbulence levels from 7.3% to 17.8% are applied to film cooling over a flat plate with two rows of 30° slant holes using a wall jet as the main stream air supply and source of turbulence. Blowing ratios are varied from 0.25 to 2.0 and free stream velocities at injection range from 10 m/s to 85 m/s. A constant density ratio of 1.07 is kept throughout the experiment. Results show that for different magnitudes of blowing ratio free stream turbulence has a different influence on effectiveness. At the forward stations, where blow off was present …

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A Network Disruption Modeling Tool, James A. Leinart Mar 1998

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 …

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Cross-Resolution Combat Model Calibration Using Bootstrap Sampling, Bryan S. Livergood Mar 1998

Cross-Resolution Combat Model Calibration Using Bootstrap Sampling, Bryan S. Livergood

Theses and Dissertations

The US Air Force uses many combat simulation models to assist them in performing combat analyses. BRAWLER is a high-resolution air-to-air combat simulation model used for engagement-level analyses of few-on-few air combat. THUNDER is a low-resolution combat simulation model used for campaign-level analyses of theater-level warfare. BRAWLER is frequently used to ensure that THUNDER air-to-air inputs are valid. This thesis describes the confederation of THUNDER and BRAWLER by clearly showing how one particular BRAWLER output, the effectiveness of a missile type, is transformed into THUNDER air-to-air input data. Since BRAWLER is a stochastic simulation model, it is necessary to replicate …

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An Advanced Visualization Method For An Operations Research Analysis, Steven C. Oimoen Mar 1998

An Advanced Visualization Method For An Operations Research Analysis, Steven C. Oimoen

Theses and Dissertations

Visualizing multidimensional data using only two dimensions and conventional visualization techniques limits the understanding of the data set. Underlying structures or patterns within the data can easily go unnoticed. In order to gain additional insight into an analysis, incorporation of visualization and multidimensional graphics into the analysis results should be accomplished. The results must ensure that the information portrayed is not misleading or misunderstood. The integrity of the data must be preserved throughout the transformation. The primary objective of this research effort is to identify techniques to visualize multidimensional data and then develop a software tool to display the multidimensional …

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A Variable-Complexity Modeling Approach To Scramjet Fuel Injection Array Design Optimization, Michael D. Payne Mar 1998

A Variable-Complexity Modeling Approach To Scramjet Fuel Injection Array Design Optimization, Michael D. Payne

Theses and Dissertations

The analysis of fuel air mixing in a scramjet is often accomplished either with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) algorithms or through experimental research. These approaches, while accurate and reliable, are extremely expensive and thus not well suited for use with conventional design optimization methods. In this investigation, Variable Complexity Modeling (VCM) is used to significantly reduce the number of complex, expensive analyses required to optimize the design of a scramjet fuel injection array. A design problem formulation for a lateral transverse injection array is developed and a VCM approach to design optimization is conducted in two stages. Initially, a simplified …

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Multiple Model Adaptive Estimation Using Filter Spawning, Kenneth A. Fisher Mar 1998

Multiple Model Adaptive Estimation Using Filter Spawning, Kenneth A. Fisher

Theses and Dissertations

Multiple Model Adaptive Estimation with Filter Spawning is used to detect and estimate partial actuator failures on the VISTA F-16. The truth model is a full six-degree-of-freedom simulation provided by Calspan and General Dynamics. The design models are chosen as 13-state linearized models, including first order actuator models. Actuator failures are incorporated into the truth model and design model assuming a "failure to free stream . Filter Spawning is used to include additional filters with partial actuator failure hypotheses into the Multiple Model Adaptive Estimation (MMAE) bank. The spawned filters are based on varying degrees of partial failures (in terms …

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A Game-Theoretic Improvement Model For Stochastic Networks: Reliability Vs. Throughput, Jeffrey A. Schavland Mar 1998

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 …

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Embedding A Reactive Tabu Search Heuristic In Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Simulations, Joel L. Ryan Mar 1998

Embedding A Reactive Tabu Search Heuristic In Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Simulations, Joel L. Ryan

Theses and Dissertations

We apply a Reactive Tabu Search (RTS) heuristic within a discrete event simulation to solve routing problems for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Our formulation represents this problem as a multiple Traveling Salesman Problem with time windows (mTSPTW), with the objective of attaining a specified level of target coverage using a minimum number of vehicles. Incorporating weather and probability of UAV survival at each target as random inputs, the RTS heuristic in the simulation searches for the best solution in each realization of the problem scenario in order to identify those routes that are robust to variations in weather, threat, or …

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Damage Detection Using Pattern Classifiers, Eric D. Swenson Mar 1998

Damage Detection Using Pattern Classifiers, Eric D. Swenson

Theses and Dissertations

The research focused on developing and tuning finite element models to train pattern classifiers to detect and locate damage in a real structure. The research was broken into three distinct phases: finite element (FE) model development, FE model tuning, and pattern classifier training and testing. In the finite element development phase, a low order FE model called the baseline model and a high order model called the stiff model were created. In the FE model tuning phase, these FE models were tuned using measured Frequency Response Functions (FRFs), and the results were compared with previous research in which tuning was …

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