Engineering Commons^™

Agent Based Simulation Seas Evaluation Of Dodaf Architecture, Gregory V. Destefano

Theses and Dissertations

With Department of Defense (DoD) weapon systems being deeply rooted in the command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) structure, it is necessary for combat models to capture C4ISR effects in order to properly assess military worth. Unlike many DoD legacy combat models, the agent based model System Effectiveness and Analysis Simulation (SEAS) is identified as having C4ISR analysis capabilities. In lieu of requirements for all new DoD C4ISR weapon systems to be placed within a DoD Architectural Framework (DoDAF), investigation of means to export data from the Framework to the combat model SEAS began. Through operational, system, …

An Investigation Of The Effects Of Correlation, Autocorrelation, And Sample Size In Classifier Fusion, Nathan J. Leap

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis extends the research found in Storm, Bauer, and Oxley, 2003. Data correlation effects and sample size effects on three classifier fusion techniques and one data fusion technique were investigated. Identification System Operating Characteristic Fusion (Haspert, 2000), the Receiver Operating Characteristic Within Fusion method (Oxley and Bauer, 2002), and a Probabilistic Neural Network were the three classifier fusion techniques; a Generalized Regression Neural Network was the data fusion technique. Correlation was injected into the data set both within a feature set (autocorrelation) and across feature sets for a variety of classification problems, and sample size was varied throughout. Total …

Phase-Type Approximations For Wear Processes In A Semi-Markov Environment, Christopher J. Solo

Theses and Dissertations

The reliability of a single-unit system experiencing degradation (wear) due to the influence of a general, observable environment process is considered. In particular, the failure time distribution is evaluated using only observations of the unit's current operating environment which is characterized as a finite semi-Markov process (SMP). In order to impose the Markov property, generally distributed environment state sojourn times are approximated as phase-type (PH) random variables using observations of state holding times and transition rates. The use of PH distributions facilitates the use of existing analytical results for reliability evaluation of units subject to an environment process that evolves …

Measuring The Risk Of Shortfalls In Air Force Capabilities, William E. Woodward

Theses and Dissertations

The U.S. Air Force seeks to measure and prioritize risk as part of its Capabilities Review and Risk Assessment (CRRA) process. The goal of the CRRA is to identify capability shortfalls, and the risks associated with those shortfalls, to influence future systems acquisition. Many fields, including engineering, medicine and finance, seek to model and measure risks. This research utilizes various risk measurement approaches to propose appropriate risk measures for a military context. Specifically, risk is modeled as a non-negative random variable of severity. Four measures are examined: simple expectation, a risk-value measure, tail conditional expectation, and distorted expectation. Risk measures …

Forward Looking Radar: Interference Modelling, Characterization, And Suppression, James T. Caldwell

Theses and Dissertations

This research characterizes forward looking radar performance while noting differences with traditionally examined sidelooking radar. The target detection problem for forward looking radar is extremely difficult due to the severe, heterogeneous and range dependent ground clutter. Consequently, forward looking radar detection represents an important but overlooked topic because of the increased difficulty compared to sidelooking radar. This void must be filled since most fighter aircraft use forward looking radar, making this topic intensely interesting to the Air Force. After characterizing forward looking radar performance, basic radar concepts along with advanced adaptive interference suppression techniques improve the output Signal-to-Interference-plus-Noise Ratio (SINR) …

Thin Film Encapsulation Of Radio Frequency (Rf) Microelectromechanical Systems (Mems) Switches, Eric D. Marsh

Theses and Dissertations

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) radio frequency (RF) switches have been shown to have excellent electrical performance over a wide range of frequencies. However, cost-effective packaging techniques for MEMS switches do not currently exist. This thesis involves the design of RF-optimized encapsulations consisting of dielectric and metal layers, and the creation of a novel thin film encapsulation process to fabricate the encapsulations. The RF performance of several encapsulation designs are evaluated with an analytical model, full wave electromagnetic simulation, and laboratory testing. Performance degradation due to parasitic and reflection losses due to the package is considered, and RF feed-throughs of the transmission …

Enhancing The Instantaneous Dynamic Range Of Electronic Warfare Receivers Using Statistical Signal Processing, Bryan E. Smith

Theses and Dissertations

Accurately processing multiple, time-coincident signals presents a challenge to Electronic Warfare (EW) receivers, especially if the signals are close in frequency and/or mismatched in amplitude. The metric that quantifies an EW receiver's ability to measure time-coincident signals is the Instantaneous Dynamic Range (IDR), defined for a given frequency estimation accuracy, a given frequency separation and a given SNR as the maximum signal amplitude ratio that can be accommodated. Using a two sinusoid time-series model, this thesis analyzes IDR for ideal intercept and parametric digital EW receivers. In general, the number of signals contained in the EW receiver measurement interval is …

An Analysis Of The Effects Of Low Energy Electron Radiation Of AlXGa1-XN/Gan Modulation-Doped Field-Effect Transistors, James M. Sattler

Theses and Dissertations

The effects of radiation on Al_xGa_1-xN/GaN MODFETs is an area of increasing interest to the USAF as these devices become developed and integrated in satellite-based systems Irradiation is also a valuable tool for analyzing the quantum-level characteristics and properties that are responsible for device operation Al_xGa_1-xN/GaN MODFETs were fabricated and irradiated at liquid nitrogen temperatures by 0,45-1,2MeV electrons up to doses of 6*10¹⁶ e/cm². Following irradiation, low temperature I-V measurements were recorded providing dose-dependent measurements Temperature-dependent I-V measurements were also made during room temperature annealing following irradiation I-V measurements …

Cross-Service Investigation Of Geographical Information Systems, Matthew H. Beverly

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigated the armed services current uses of GIS, and asked the question whether or not a joint GIS program could benefit the DOD. An information technology implementation model was presented as a framework to implement a joint GIS program. It was found that all four armed services use GIS for forward deployments. The Army has its Combat Terrain Information System (CTIS). The Navy's digital nautical charts are a GIS. The Marine Corps has created their Geographically Linked Information Display Environment (GLIDE) program, which is similar to a map repository. Finally, the Air Force has its GeoBase program for …

Modeling A Field Application Of In Situ Bioremediation Of Perchlorate-Contaminated Groundwater Using Horizontal Flow Treatment Wells (Hftws), Peter G. Chosa

Theses and Dissertations

Perchlorate contaminated groundwater is rapidly becoming a significant environmental remediation issue for the Department of Defense. In this study, an existing numerical model that simulates the operation of a Horizontal Flow Treatment Well (HFTW) system to effect the in situ biodegradation of perchlorate through the addition of an electron donor is modified to include a submodel that describes bioclogging. Bioclogging restricts flow out of the HFTW due to the accumulation of biomass directly adjacent to the well. The modified model is then applied to an existing perchlorate contaminated site that will be used for an evaluation of the HFTW technology. …

Making The Business Case For Sustainable Design In The Department Of Defense, David M. Warnke

Theses and Dissertations

Buildings are one of the largest consumers of natural resources, a major source of ecological pollution, and occasionally toxic to human health. Sustainable design is the common term associated with buildings which, during their construction, use, and eventual disposal, seek to minimize their negative impact on the environment and human health. The U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system helps to assess a building's sustainability level. In the Federal Government's push to set the example for the rest of the nation, nearly every Federal Agency has chosen to adopt the LEED assessment tool. Each …

Stepped Waveguide Electromagnetic Material Characterization Technique, Sean P. Dorey

Theses and Dissertations

Electromagnetic material characterization is the process of determining the complex permittivity and permeability of a material. A new waveguide material measurement technique is developed to reduce test sample size requirements for low-frequency applications. Specifically, a waveguide sample holder having a reduced aperture is utilized to decrease the time and cost spent producing large precision test samples. This type of sample holder causes a disruption in the waveguide-wall surface currents that results in the excitation of higher-order modes. This thesis will demonstrate how these higher-order modes can be accommodated using a modal-analysis technique, thus resulting in the ability to measure smaller …

An Analysis Of Coast Guard Hh-65 Engine Reliability: A Comparison Of Malfunctions To Component Removals, Donna L. Cottrell

Theses and Dissertations

The Coast Guard HH-65 helicopter experienced 31 in-flight loss of power incidents during FY 2003 and 21 during the first two months of FY 2003. Concurrent with this apparent decrease in reliability, the Coast Guard seeks ways to expand the HH- 65’s Airborne Use of Force capabilities as a result of the September 11th, 2001 terrorists’ attacks. This study is an exploratory, empirical analysis of engine and airframe component replacements as related to engine mishaps and reliability in the HH-65. We use contingency table analysis, ordinary least squares regression, and logistic regression to examine the mishap history and component replacement …

Optimal Constellation Design For Orbital Munitions Delivery System, Jason Anderson

Theses and Dissertations

Rather than delivering conventional munitions through the airspace of uncooperative nations, a constellation of space-stored weapons could potentially target any point on the Earth and arrive within the time it takes to de-orbit and re-enter through the atmosphere. The research involves applying the dynamics of atmospheric re-entry to a Common Aero Vehicle (CAV) and defining a footprint of attainable touchdown points. The footprint is moved forward to create a swath representing all the possible touchdown points in a 90 minute window. A nominal constellation of CAVs is established using a streets of coverage technique, and both analytic studies and numeric …

Structural Analysis Of Sign Bridge Structures And Luminaire Supports, Christopher Foley, Raymond Fournelle, Scott J. Ginal, John L. Peronto

Transportation Reports with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has experienced failures of a high-mast luminaire (HML) support structure and a full-span overhead sign support structure. Furthermore, cracking has been found in many sign support structures composed of welded round hollow structural shapes (HSS). The purpose of the research conducted was to provide fatigue life estimates for these structures, which could then shed light onto the causes of the cracking found and the failures experienced. The analytical and experimental effort conducted was also used to establish rational inspection intervals for these structures and recommend changes (as required) to the procedures for design of high-mast …

Development Of Commercially Viable Compliant Mechanisms Using The Pseudo-Rigid-Body Model: Case Studies Of Parallel Mechanisms, Christopher A. Mattson, Larry L. Howell, Spencer P. Magleby

Faculty Publications

Analysis and synthesis of compliant mechanisms has recently been the subject of significant study in the research community. This focus has led to a number of design approaches for developing compliant mechanisms. This paper describes the value of using the Pseudo-Rigid-Body Model (PRBM) to design compliant mechanisms for commercial products. Application of the PRBM is illustrated through the development of two parallel mechanisms: a bicycle derailleur and parallel-motion bicycle brakes. The PRBM allows compliant mechanisms to be modeled and analyzed as rigid-body mechanisms and significantly reduces the complexity of analysis. Mechanisms with straightforward properties are used to demonstrate the use …

Analysis Of Electromagnetic Field Polarizations In Multi-Antenna Systems, Michael A. Jensen, Jon W. Wallace, Thomas Svantesson

Faculty Publications

This paper provides an analytical framework useful for assessing the use of all six electric and magnetic electromagnetic field polarizations for multiantenna communications systems. The approach uses a mapping between the induced signal currents and the received electromagnetic field in order to formulate a diversity interpretation of the six-polarization problem. Application of the framework to a simple, yet representative, channel model demonstrates that for full multipath elevation and azimuthal angle spread, six communication modes are theoretically possible. However, to implement the system requires more antenna design work since a straightforward implementation is found to reduce the potential number of modes …

Induction Machine Broken-Bar Fault Diagnosis Using The Rotor Magnetic Field Space-Vector Orientation, Behrooz Mirafzal, Nabeel Demerdash

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

A new technique based on rotor magnetic field space vector orientation is presented to diagnose broken-bar faults in induction machines operating at steady state. In this technique, stator currents and voltages are used as inputs to compute and subsequently observe the rotor magnetic field orientation, which has a more significant "swing-like" pendulous oscillation in case of broken-bar faults than in healthy operation. It will be shown here that the range of this "pendulous oscillation" is a function of the number of broken bars. Also in this technique, it was found that an inter-turn shorted stator-winding fault, which exhibits similar pendulous …

Modeling Corrosion In Oxygen Controlled Lbe Systems With Coupling Of Chemical Kinetics And Hydrodynamics-Task V: First Quarterly Report 01/12/04-02/29/04, Samir Moujaes, Yitung Chen

Transmutation Sciences Materials (TRP)

The Lead-Bismuth eutectic (LBE) has been determined from previous experimental studies by the Russians and the European scientific community to be a potential material that can be used as a spallation target and coolant for the TRP proposed application. Properly controlling the oxygen content in LBE can drastically reduce the LBE corrosion to structural steels. However, existing knowledge of material corrosion performance was obtained from point-wise testing with only very sparse experimental data. Scientists have noticed that the concentration of oxygen dissolved in the liquid alloy could control the corrosion rate of steels exposed to Pb or Pb-Bi. At high …

Design And Evaluation Of Processes For Fuel Fabrication: Quarterly Progress Report #10, Georg F. Mauer

Fuels Campaign (TRP)

The tenth quarter of the project covered the following:

• Mr. Richard Silva continued the development of a simulation model with a Waelischmiller hot cell robot, and is close to completing his M.Sc. thesis project. Rich will likely defend his thesis in April 2004.

• A project review meeting with Dr. Mitch Meyer and other ANL scientists was held in December 2003 at ANL West, Idaho Falls, ID. Dr. Meyer described ANL long term research objectives with regard to transmuter fuel manufacturing.

• Further refinements on Concepts and Methods for Vision-Based Hot Cell Supervision and control, focusing on rule-based object …

Design And Evaluation Of Processes For Fuel Fabrication: Quarterly Progress Report #10, Georg F. Mauer

Fuels Campaign (TRP)

The tenth quarter of the project covered the following:

• Mr. Richard Silva continued the development of a simulation model with a Waelischmiller hot cell robot, and is close to completing his M.Sc. thesis project. Rich will likely defend his thesis in April 2004.

• A project review meeting with Dr. Mitch Meyer and other ANL scientists was held in December 2003 at ANL West, Idaho Falls, ID. Dr. Meyer described ANL long term research objectives with regard to transmuter fuel manufacturing.

• Further refinements on Concepts and Methods for Vision-Based Hot Cell Supervision and control, focusing on rule-based object …

Progress In Research For Biofuel Cell, Yue Bao, Xia-Qin Wu

Journal of Electrochemistry

In this article, research progresses of the biofuel cell in recent years were summarized. The operation principle and classification of the biofuel cells were described. The role of the mediator for promoting electron transfer in biofuel cells and the techniques for improving the electric properties of biofuel cells, such as output potential, were discussed with some attracting research instances. Finally, the choke points for research of biofuel cell were explored, and the application prospect of biofuel cells was forecasted.

An Electrochemical Study Of The Effects Of Chelating Agents And Additives On Electroless Copper Plating, Xin Gu, Zhou-Cheng Wang, Chang-Jian Lin

Journal of Electrochemistry

In this study, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt (Na₂EDTA), triethanolamine(TEA), and 2,2′-dipyridine were adopted as chelating agents or additives in the electrolyte for electroless copper plating, and formaldehyde (HCHO) was as the reducting agent. Linear sweep voltammetry was applied to analyze the polarization behavior. The peak current of formaldehyde oxidation which increased by the addition of 2,2′-dipyridine is beneficial to formaldehyde oxidation in a specific range of concentration, While TEA decreased the peak current of formaldehyde oxidation. Two cathodic peaks due to copper(Ⅱ)reduction of TEA chelatation and copper(Ⅱ)reduction of EDTA chelatation were examined. EDTA increased the reduction peak current …

Preparation, Structure And Electrochemical Hydrogenation Of Carbon Nanotubes Supported Platinum Catalysts, Qing-Gang He, Xiao-Zi Yuan, Xian-Xia Yuan, Zi-Feng Ma

Journal of Electrochemistry

In this paper, Pt/CNTs catalyst was prepared and its electrocatalytic property was studied by obtaining cycling voltammetry curves (C-V) and Tafel curves. In addition, the XRD,XPS and TEM tests were carried out to determine the structure and composition of the catalysts. It can be found that the platinum loading has been increased significantly using a carbon nanotubes support. Dispersion of Platinum was better and gave more active sites. The electrochemical characteristic of Pt/CNTs was also more desirable than that of Pt/C catalys t(Johnson Matthey). In conclusion, carbon nanotubes can played a conspicuous role in "electrogenerative" processes of PEMFC hydrogenation reactor.

Study On The Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (Eis) Of Al-Bronze At Different Anodic Potentials, Hui Yu, Sa-Ying Dong, Hai-Bo Xu, Ming-Xian Sun

Journal of Electrochemistry

The corrosion dissolution mechanism of Al-bronze has been investigated by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) at different anodic potentials. In the active region, the corrosion products are complex compounds of cupreous chloride and the diffusion of CuCl_2^- is the control process of electrochemical reaction. In the transition region, there exhibits two capacitance loops on EIS because CuCl and cupreous oxides films deposit on the electrode surface. In the limiting current region, an inductance loop appears on the EIS because the breakdown of the oxides film leads to serious pit corrosion.

Substrates Made By Electrodeposition For Measuring Electrical Properties Of One Dimensional Nanomaterials, Jin-Xuan Liu, Juan Xiang, Zhong-Qun Tian, Bing-Wei Mao

Journal of Electrochemistry

A method to prepare alternating conducting/insulating substrates by electrodeposition-oxidation was established to facilitate I-E measurements of one-dimensional nanomaterial by CT-AFM. The prepared Au/CuO and HOPG/CuO substrates showed low roughness as well as high uniformity of the alternating conducting/insulating structure, Qualitative I-E measurements were performed on a single carbon nanotube attached to the two above-mentioned substrates, both showing metallic characteristics at room temperature and in air.

Studies On The Mechanism Of Electroreduction Of Oxalic Acid, Yu-Zhan Li, Xin Liu, Rui-Sheng Hu, Deng-Ping Gu

Journal of Electrochemistry

The electroreduction mechanism of oxalic acid on Pb electrode in Na₂SO₄ solution were investigated using high scan rate cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The dynamic parameters for the first step electron transter reaction of oxalic acid electroreduction by were determined. The corresponding reduction peak potentials of oxalic acid, glyoxylic acid and glycolic acid in the cyclic voltammogranis obtained in the same condition were compared, and the intermediate reduction products of oxalic acid were suggested. The results showed that oxalic acid is weakly absorbed on the lead electrode.

Electrochemical Character Of Water Containing Gel Electrolyte And Its Preliminary Examination In Lithium Water Cell, Jing-Dong Liu, Wen-Ji Wang, Xin-Zheng Yi

Journal of Electrochemistry

AC impedance technique has been used to characterize the system of poly(methyl acrylic acid)-poly(methyl acrylic lithiumate)-glycerol (referred to as GPE).The results showed that the conductivity of GPE increased with increasing both temperature and its water content.The glass transition temperature of GPE polymer could be lowered by water. Its conducting characteristic was just like liquid electrolyte,The electrolysis of GPE was almost the same as the electrolysis of water. Its composition voltage was about 1.50V. The GPE has been used to manufacture lithium water cell. When the graphite was used as cathode, the cell could discharge continuously for 2 hours under constant …

Template Synthesis Of Highly Ordered Monocrystalline Metal Nanowire Arrays By A Two-Step Ac Electrodeposition, Juan Xiang, Jing-Hua Tian, Zi-Mian Ni, Zhi-Feng Huang, Bo Liu, Zhong-Qun Tian

Journal of Electrochemistry

The monocrystalline metal nanowire arrays were prepared by using a two-step AC electrodeposition in porous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) template. The growth mechanism of nanowires was discussed. As a result, it has been found that the second voltage pulse has a considerable effect on the pore-filling ratio, the uniformity and the crystal structure, whereas the initial voltage pulse affects only the pore-filling ratio. Using the two-step AC electrodeposition, a highly ordered monocrystalline metal nanowire arrays with a pore-filling ration above 95% can be easily obtained.

The Interaction In Doping Lithium Of Carbonaneous Anode In Lithium Ion Battery, Chang-Guo Chen, Hong-Min Zhang, Jia Chen, Dan-Mei Yu

Journal of Electrochemistry

The quantum chemical DV-X_α method was used to calculate the lithium-doped models from one-Li-dopant to LiC₆ and LiC₂. It was found that Li⁺ has an tendency to attract electrons from the carbon plane through the C₆ hexagons lying above or below it by the graph of charge-density difference. It was shown that LiC₆ can exist steadily,while LiC₂ can not exist steadily.