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Articles 10981 - 11010 of 196022
Full-Text Articles in Engineering
Commercial Satellite Payload Trends, Alexander B. Krawietz
Commercial Satellite Payload Trends, Alexander B. Krawietz
Theses and Dissertations
This thesis examines the evolving trends in commercial satellite payloads with an emphasis on mass, operating power, and project duration overall and across different payload types, serving as a benchmark for Department of Defense (DoD) leaders to compare against private industry advancements. Utilizing a comprehensive dataset of open-source commercial satellite data, this study identifies significant trends that could influence cost estimation, schedule estimation, and satellite design. The analysis not only highlights the technological progression over several decades but also provides a comparative insight into how the United States and China are positioned in their race for space dominance. Beyond detecting …
Visual Segmentation For Autonomous Aircraft Landing On Austere Runways, Alissa M. Owens
Visual Segmentation For Autonomous Aircraft Landing On Austere Runways, Alissa M. Owens
Theses and Dissertations
Autonomous aircraft must land without human intervention, but existing methods rely on GPS or marked runways, which may be unavailable in austere environments. This paper presents a vision-based approach using semantic segmentation to detect runways and estimate aircraft pose by comparing camera and satellite imagery. We detail the model’s training and demonstrate its effectiveness with simulated and real UAV data.
Accuracy Of Time Phasing Missile And Munition Using The Continuous Distribution Function, Joseph Zobler
Accuracy Of Time Phasing Missile And Munition Using The Continuous Distribution Function, Joseph Zobler
Theses and Dissertations
Accurate cost and schedule estimates are crucial for maintaining the U.S. military’s technological and operational superiority, ensuring efficient resource allocation and timely development of advanced defense systems. This research examines S-curve models for time-phasing non-recurring Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) expenditures in missile and munition acquisition programs. This research evaluates the commonly used 60/40 rule, which assumes 60% of expenditures occur by 50% of the schedule, for its accuracy using Cost Assessment Data Enterprise (CADE) and Earned Value Management Central Repository (EVM-CR) data from 21 missile and munition development programs.
Statistical Analysis Of Spreading Code Authentication (Sca) Performance Under Varying Signal Conditions And Marker Quantization Schemes, Joseph Quinones-Ocasio
Statistical Analysis Of Spreading Code Authentication (Sca) Performance Under Varying Signal Conditions And Marker Quantization Schemes, Joseph Quinones-Ocasio
Theses and Dissertations
This thesis analyzes Spreading Code Authentication (SCA) in the GPS L1C signal using the PyChips software-defined receiver (SDR)framework. Monte Carlo simulations evaluate authentication performance under varying signal conditions, assessing the impact of double-precision and quantized data on signal integrity. Results demonstrate that authentication remains achievable at low signal-to-noise ratio(SNR) conditions but introduces trade-offs in memory usage and authentication time. These findings provide insights into optimizing SCAfor resource-constrained environments, contributing to secure GPS operations in critical applications such as aviation, autonomous systems,and national defense.
Quantifying The Impact Of Highly Corrosive Environments On Fsrm Budgets And Infrastructure Condition At Air Force Bases, Justin M. Weber
Quantifying The Impact Of Highly Corrosive Environments On Fsrm Budgets And Infrastructure Condition At Air Force Bases, Justin M. Weber
Theses and Dissertations
The Department of Defense (DoD) faces significant challenges in maintaining mission-critical infrastructure within highly corrosive environments, with annual costs exceeding $22.5 billion to combat corrosion. This thesis investigated the interplay between environmental severity, sustainment funding, and infrastructure performance. This research utilized Facility Sustainment, Restoration, and Modernization (FSRM) funding data, statistical analyses, and regression modeling, to evaluate how Environmental Severity Index (ESI) categories influence Base Condition Index (BCI) trends and the efficacy of the Facility Sustainment Model (FSM). The analysis revealed that installations in higher ESI categories required significantly greater investment per square foot to achieve comparable improvements in BCI. The …
Cognitive Warfare In The South China Sea: Analyzing Media Influence And Public Opinion In Taiwan, Wyatt F. Blatti
Cognitive Warfare In The South China Sea: Analyzing Media Influence And Public Opinion In Taiwan, Wyatt F. Blatti
Theses and Dissertations
In a time where conflict extends beyond traditional battlefields, cognitive warfare emerges as a powerful tool to influence perceptions and gain strategic advantages. This study investigates China’s cognitive warfare strategies against Taiwan through trend analysis, topic modeling, and sentiment analysis of news media articles from March 2013 to August 2024 to uncover evolving techniques and mitigation efforts. The findings highlight the potential for tracking cognitive campaigns overtime but will require more than news media alone and suggests future research to better understand indicators of cognitive warfare.
Reinforcement Learning For Aeromedical Evacuation In Nonstationary Combat Environments, Micah J. Kartchner
Reinforcement Learning For Aeromedical Evacuation In Nonstationary Combat Environments, Micah J. Kartchner
Theses and Dissertations
This research formulates the medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) dispatching problem as a sequential decision process and investigates the application of reinforcement learning under nonstationary conditions. We model the dynamic arrival rate of MEDEVAC requests using a nonstationary Hawkes process and design a Double Deep Q-Network algorithm that incorporates belief states to anticipate future requests. Through computational experimentation, we analyze the impact of belief formulation on decision quality and system performance. Results indicate that policies incorporating belief states significantly outperform myopic dispatching policies, reducing urgent casualty wait times by up to 49.68% and increasing on-time evacuations by up to 21.91%.
An Agent-Based Modeling Framework For Evaluating The Linkage Between Disaster Facility Damage And Mental Health, Emily S. Reeves
An Agent-Based Modeling Framework For Evaluating The Linkage Between Disaster Facility Damage And Mental Health, Emily S. Reeves
Theses and Dissertations
This research establishes a novel agent-based modeling framework to establish the linkage between disaster-induced facility damage and mental health outcomes and the evaluation of treatment methods within the civilian and USAF mental health spheres. The study models the degradation and recovery of agent mental health using simulated data and evaluates the efficacy of three distinct treatment approaches through statistical methods. The methodology integrate agent-based modeling with resilient engineering concepts to simulate mental health resilience curves based on vulnerability, exposure, and facility damage. Agents’ mental health indices were tracked through phases of degradation, stagnation, and recovery based on the three treatments …
Evaluating Atmospheric Water Generation For The Indo-Pacific: Predictive Modeling, Energy Considerations, And Regional Viability, Jose I. De La Serna
Evaluating Atmospheric Water Generation For The Indo-Pacific: Predictive Modeling, Energy Considerations, And Regional Viability, Jose I. De La Serna
Theses and Dissertations
Atmospheric Water Generator (AWG) technology presents a promising solution for extracting and harvesting water from ambient air through condensation methods. This innovative approach offers a viable alternative for water production in regions with limited or unreliable water sources. AWGs operate most effectively in hot and humid environments, typically at temperatures of 80°F and relative humidity levels of 80%. As of 2020, the Department of Defense (DoD) has identified the Indo-Pacific region as a strategic focus for addressing future greatpower competition. Within the framework of Agile Combat Employment, this study evaluates the feasibility and performance of AWG technology at pre-determined locations …
Understanding The Acceptance Of Digital Tools Within An Air Force Environment Using The Utaut2 Model, Britton J. Edwards
Understanding The Acceptance Of Digital Tools Within An Air Force Environment Using The Utaut2 Model, Britton J. Edwards
Theses and Dissertations
This research paper explores factors influencing digital tool adoption in a military context, using a modified UTAUT2 model with the inclusion of Military Status as a moderating factor. The study examines the moderating effects of Military Status on Social Influence towards Behavioral Intention and Behavioral Intention on Use Behavior. Data was collected through a Likert-scale survey from respondents across multiple Department of the Air Force (DAF) organizations. Findings revealed Social Influence had the potential to positively influence Behavioral Intention to use digital tools, but military experience did not significantly moderate this relationship. However, past experience with the legacy tool and …
Development Of An Advanced 16-Channel High-Fidelity Multi-Frequency Software-Defined Rf Front-End For Advanced Satnav Signal Monitoring Applications, Melbourne T. Ketteridge
Development Of An Advanced 16-Channel High-Fidelity Multi-Frequency Software-Defined Rf Front-End For Advanced Satnav Signal Monitoring Applications, Melbourne T. Ketteridge
Theses and Dissertations
Multi-element antenna array technology provides significant performance advantages in satellite timing and navigation (satnav) receiver applications. It is the most effective anti-jamming method with the ability to place steep nulls in the direction of jammers. Until recently, satnav systems with 4 or more antenna elements were designated as weapons technology and restricted under ITAR regulations. This opens the door to commercial multi-element satnav receivers. Due to advancements in wireless broadband technology a receiver built entirely using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components is possible. This thesis presents an architecture for a high fidelity 16-channel RF front-end (RFFE) for research and development of …
Assessing The Feasibility Of Managed Aquifer Recharge For The United States Air Force, Daniel Hendrix
Assessing The Feasibility Of Managed Aquifer Recharge For The United States Air Force, Daniel Hendrix
Theses and Dissertations
Water stress is becoming an increasing global issue, with 4 billion people (50% of the world’s population) experiencing water stress at least one month per year. By 2050, 60% of the world’s population and $70 trillion USD in global gross domestic product will be affected. This research analyzes 78 CONUS USAF installations to determine location-specific water stress and feasible Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) solutions. Although thousands of MAR projects have been implemented globally, active-duty USAF installations have yet to contribute to solving this growing issue. Important factors such as required subsurface conditions, physical limitations, design, cost, and regulatory constraints are …
Enhancing Reliability Of A 3d Cargo Scanning System, Gabriel F. Bartolomei
Enhancing Reliability Of A 3d Cargo Scanning System, Gabriel F. Bartolomei
Theses and Dissertations
Recent advancements in 3D cargo scanning and machine learning offer solutions to improve cargo processing reliability. This study enhances a 3D cargo scanning system by addressing software crashes, connectivity failures, and image accuracy issues limiting its operational effectiveness. A systematic approach identified the primary causes of system failures. System updates were implemented, followed by 30 pre- and post-update trials to evaluate reliability improvements. Statistical t-tests showed a significant reduction in failures, although processing time slightly increased. Results indicated that targeted hardware and software updates enhanced cargo scanning efficiency and dependability. Future work will focus on refining sensor calibration, optimizing network …
Performing Requirements Specification And Analysis Through Open Generative Pre-Trained Transformers, Harvey J. Hurst
Performing Requirements Specification And Analysis Through Open Generative Pre-Trained Transformers, Harvey J. Hurst
Theses and Dissertations
Every acquisition program begins with a requirement, and for those programs to succeed, robust requirements engineering (RE) must be implemented. RE encompasses eliciting, analyzing, specifying, and validating requirements—a critical process throughout a program's lifecycle. Despite its importance, RE faces challenges such as scope creep, ambiguity, redundancy, and inadequate automation support, often exacerbated by reliance on historical data. To address these issues, this thesis leverages advancements in Generative Technology, particularly large language models (LLMs) such as Generative Pre-Trained Transformers (GPTs). This research developed two GPT-based tools: the Single Requirement Analysis Tool and the Set of Requirements Analysis Tool. These tools were …
Early-Phase Cost Estimation For Department Of Defense Construction Projects Via Artificial Neural Networks: Implications And Policy Recommendations For Artificial Intelligence Integration, Kobe T. Thompson
Theses and Dissertations
The Department of Defense lost over 500 million dollars between 2016 and 2024, partially due to poor early cost estimates resulting in cost overruns. practice for cost estimation relied on parametric techniques that incorporate historical data, subject matter experts in cost estimating, and predictive software applications. The main motivation for this study was to assess the viability of artificial neural networks as a means of providing a more accurate cost estimate in the early design phases of a construction project. The dataset initially contained approximately 48,000 data points from a database of various Air Force projects, including maintenance, repair, minor …
Calibrating Airfield Pavement Asset Management For A Changing Global Climate: A Case Study At Fairchild Air Force Base, Emily L. Worthy
Calibrating Airfield Pavement Asset Management For A Changing Global Climate: A Case Study At Fairchild Air Force Base, Emily L. Worthy
Theses and Dissertations
Military airfields and civilian airports serve as foundational nodes in the global transportation network, enabling travel, economic growth, and the projection of national security. This study investigates the relationship between climate variables projected through climate change and pavement degradation, with a focus on Fairchild Air Force Base (AFB). Using principal component regression (PCR), the research integrates historical pavement condition index (PCI) data with climate variables, including snowfall, precipitation, freeze-thaw cycles, solar irradiance, and wind speed to develop a predictive model of pavement performance under future climate scenarios, Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 4.5 and RCP 8.5. These models, for both Portland …
A Reinforcement Learning Approach For Maneuvering And Firing Decisions In Sead Operations, Nathaniel Garcia
A Reinforcement Learning Approach For Maneuvering And Firing Decisions In Sead Operations, Nathaniel Garcia
Theses and Dissertations
The integration of automated processes in defense continues to expand, enhancing the lethality of military forces. Artificial intelligence accelerates decision-making cycles, removes the constraints of human-operated hardware, and improves coordination by enabling seamless integration across multiple systems. Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) missions are critical to the United States (U.S.) military, as they neutralize hostile air defense systems, ensuring air superiority and enabling safe and effective operations for aircraft in contested environments. Therefore, it is necessary to pair emerging autonomous capabilities with an important mission set in defense. This research investigates the Autonomous Unmanned Air-to-Ground Strike (AUAGS) problem, modeling …
Model-Based Approach To Support Safety Driven Design And Satisfy Mil-Std-882e Requirements With Stpa Coordination: A Case History In Suas Defense Acquisition, Daniel A. Shea
Theses and Dissertations
Increasingly complex defense systems that are routinely overbudget and behind schedule are driving digital engineering initiatives in the defense acquisition industry. MBSE offers a solution to counter this issue but the lack of guidance on how to implement it has led to significant experimentation. One MBSE area of interest is system safety. This research demonstrates how to conduct model-based Systems Theoretic Process Analysis (STPA) to meet the unique system safety process requirements from MIL-STD882E. Based in systems theory, STPA extended for coordination enables a safety-driven design process of complex systems. This research investigated conducting STPA in the SysML-RAAML modeling language …
Proof Of Concept: Using Uas Technology To Accomplish Aerial Roof Inspections, Madison R. Fanning
Proof Of Concept: Using Uas Technology To Accomplish Aerial Roof Inspections, Madison R. Fanning
Theses and Dissertations
With the growing use of simulation across industries, the digital twin remains an underexplored research area, particularly in emergency management and response. Its real-time updating capability is often overlooked due to the misconception that "digital twin" is merely a complex term for simulation. This paper highlights its distinctiveness through an evasion exercise involving two independent entities in a collocated environment. Using a highly integrated virtual environment (HIVE) and internet of things (IoT) devices, we link the physical system with an analytical simulation, demonstrating the impact of lag times in high-pressure scenarios. The computational model leverages agent-based modeling (ABM) and discrete-event …
Proximal Policy Optimization Applied To The Beyond Visual Range Air Combat Maneuvering Problem, Daniel B. Joseph
Proximal Policy Optimization Applied To The Beyond Visual Range Air Combat Maneuvering Problem, Daniel B. Joseph
Theses and Dissertations
Artificial intelligence (AI) grows ever-more important in warfighting. Emerging technologies allow for the use of AI to control aircraft and weapons systems. This research investigates the application of reinforcement learning (RL) through the Proximal Policy Optimization (PPO) algorithm to a two-versus-two (2v2) beyond-visual-range (BVR) air combat maneuvering problem (ACMP). Implemented in the Advanced Framework for Simulation, Integration, and Modeling (AFSIM), the methodology frames the engagement as a Markov decision process, wherein an autonomous RL agent learns continuous control decisions—throttle, pitch, roll, and yaw—under a cooperative communication scheme. A multi-phase curriculum-learning approach facilitates the progressive acquisition of flight stability, weapon deployment, …
An Analysis Of Hardware Modification Cost: A Test Of A 1:1 Ratio Heuristic, Oluwasegun Faleye
An Analysis Of Hardware Modification Cost: A Test Of A 1:1 Ratio Heuristic, Oluwasegun Faleye
Theses and Dissertations
Accurate cost estimation for Department of Defense (DoD) hardware modification programs remains a critical challenge due to the complexity of Group A and Group B modifications and their associated installation costs. This study evaluates the validity of a 1:1 ratio heuristic, which suggests that Group A modification kits combined with installation costs should equate to the costs of Group B modification kits. This study analyzes cost relationships across system types and modification categories using a dataset of 255 modification programs from the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC). Statistical methods, including means tables and regression modeling, evaluate the validity …
Cloud One Migration Duration And Its Drivers, Grayson T. Hall
Cloud One Migration Duration And Its Drivers, Grayson T. Hall
Theses and Dissertations
As modern warfare evolves with rapid technological advancements, cloud computing plays a critical role in managing the vast amounts of data required for real-time decision making, as well as enabling seamless organizational access to mission-critical programs and information from around the globe. Recognizing its importance, the Department of Defense (DoD) identified cloud computing as essential for maintaining the military’s technological edge. However, despite cloud computing’s strategic significance, the DoD faces challenges in successfully implementing department-wide cloud computing. In contrast, the Air Force’s cloud computing environment, Cloud One, is fully operational and has already integrated over 145 systems into its platform. …
Using Mbse To Facilitate Integration And Stakeholder Support For Autonomous Aerial Refueling Flight Test, Kevin G. Keth
Using Mbse To Facilitate Integration And Stakeholder Support For Autonomous Aerial Refueling Flight Test, Kevin G. Keth
Theses and Dissertations
he Department of Defense has pushed to implement Digital Material Management, to include Engineering (DE) and Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) into acquisition processes, publishing various supporting documents such as the Systems Engineering Guidebook, DoDI 5000.97 Digital Engineering, and DoD Reference Architecture Description. DE and MBSE aims to establish a digital authoritative source of truth accessible to all stakeholders responsible for system architecture. However, within multidisciplinary teams, individuals often come from diverse professional backgrounds unrelated to DE and systems engineering, making it challenging to fully leverage the benefits of the digital model. This paper describes an MBSE model that adopts a …
Evaluating The Performance Of Conformal Prediction Generated Uncertainty Sets In Robust Optimization, Zion C. Johnson
Evaluating The Performance Of Conformal Prediction Generated Uncertainty Sets In Robust Optimization, Zion C. Johnson
Theses and Dissertations
Uncertainty is a major challenge in optimization, especially in problems where unpredictable costs impact decision-making. Robust optimization addresses this by modeling uncertainty via uncertainty sets. These sets are then used such that solutions hold under worst-case scenarios, with success depending on the accuracy of the uncertainty sets. This research examines the use of conformal prediction to construct uncertainty sets for RO, an approach that has not been widely explored. We test split and full conformal prediction in a robust optimization minimum cost flow problem, and comparing them to interval-based and normal-based ellipsoidal uncertainty sets. Experiments run across different network structures …
Learning To Dogfight: Proximal Policy Optimization Vs. Double Deep Q Network For 2v2 Air Combat With Directed Energy Weapons In Afsim, Caden W. Wilson
Learning To Dogfight: Proximal Policy Optimization Vs. Double Deep Q Network For 2v2 Air Combat With Directed Energy Weapons In Afsim, Caden W. Wilson
Theses and Dissertations
This research utilizes reinforcement learning (RL) to train two blue agents each imbued with a directed energy weapon (DEW) in a 2v2 within visual range air combat maneuvering problem. A phased solution approach is employed to repeatedly tune and train several RL algorithm implementations: Proximal Policy Optimization (PPO) and Double Deep Q Network (DDQN). Phase I of training includes reward shaping for basic flight elements such as altitude, airspeed, and target proximity. Phase II of training builds off policies developed in Phase I, but rewards emphasize winning the aerial engagement by any means necessary. DDQN significantly outperforms PPO in Phase …
Weighed And Measured: Toward An Evaluation Method For Digital Models In Source Selection, Liam N. O'Neill
Weighed And Measured: Toward An Evaluation Method For Digital Models In Source Selection, Liam N. O'Neill
Theses and Dissertations
Inspired by a recent model-based source selection conducted by the Advanced Range Threat System (ARTS) Program Office at Hill AFB, this research effort explored the development of new tools the DoD could use when evaluating models submitted with proposals. Specifically, the effort aimed to incorporate the Multi-Objective Decisions Analysis (MODA) framework into SysML diagrams as a solution for technical evaluations on models submitted with offeror proposals, eventually producing the Model-Based Decision Tool (MBDT). The MBDT is built from a Value Hierarchy based on key system requirements, each weighted by priority and measured by their own Single-Dimensional Value Functions (SDVFs). By …
Developing Core Competencies For The Air Force Civil Engineer Asset Management Career Field, David A. Rochester
Developing Core Competencies For The Air Force Civil Engineer Asset Management Career Field, David A. Rochester
Theses and Dissertations
The United States Air Force (USAF) relies on a highly trained and capable workforce to maintain and manage its infrastructure, ensuring mission readiness and operational effectiveness. However, the increasing complexity of asset management, aging infrastructure, and evolving global threats necessitate a structured approach to developing the competencies required for Air Force Civil Engineer Asset Managers. This research aims to identify, develop, and validate core competencies specific to this career field, utilizing a structured methodology that combines an Education Working Group (EWG) with a Delphi study. The study begins with an expert-led EWG to generate an initial list of competencies based …
Radiation Assessment And Distribution In Changing Atmospheric Structures And Turbulence (Radcast), Steven B. Hernandez
Radiation Assessment And Distribution In Changing Atmospheric Structures And Turbulence (Radcast), Steven B. Hernandez
Theses and Dissertations
The accessibility of materials and online information has made radiological dispersal devices (RDDs) a more probable threat than conventional nuclear weapons. This study analyzed five datasets from three test periods, using a correlation analysis between optical turbulence, aerosol concentration, and environmental parameters, and geometric mean diameter (GMD) calculations. The correlation analysis failed to yield meaningful insights, prompted a transition to the GMD analysis, which produced clearer results. Findings show GMD ranged from 38–41 nm, increasing at night and during neutral events as reduced vertical motion and boundary layer contraction correlated with optical turbulence. An alternative GMD dataset, calculated by the …
Safety-Driven Concept Development Using System Theoretic Process Analysis Extended For Coordination In A Model Based Environment: A Case Study On Autonomous Satellite Teaming, Taylor L. Matarazzo
Safety-Driven Concept Development Using System Theoretic Process Analysis Extended For Coordination In A Model Based Environment: A Case Study On Autonomous Satellite Teaming, Taylor L. Matarazzo
Theses and Dissertations
Rigorous system safety analysis methods, allow programs to identify potential problems helping to minimize their impact to program schedules and budgets. In the contested, congested, and competitive space environment, coordination within and between systems is critical to mission success. System Theoretic Process Analysis extended for Coordination (STPA-coord) can prescriptively analyze these coordination interactions. STPA-coord shifts the conversation of system safety from elements ofreliability to elements of control, providing insights that holistically analyze the system. As studies suggest, decisions made early in a systems design determine 80-86% of a programs final cost, therefore integrating system safety as early into design can …
Numerical Studies Of Semiclassical Light Storage Using The Coherent Atomic Transfer Function, Zachary T. Johnson
Numerical Studies Of Semiclassical Light Storage Using The Coherent Atomic Transfer Function, Zachary T. Johnson
Theses and Dissertations
Quantum communication through photons relies on photonic storage to preserve quantum states. However, when photons interact with matter, quantum information becomes distorted. A recently developed semi-classical analytical model predicts output light pulses from an electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) system. Using the predictions, the model known as the Coherent Atomic Transfer (CAT) Function, is capable of predicting the stored pulse or reconstructing the original pulse. Using numerical convolution and deconvolution with the CAT function as an analog of the point spread function of Fourier optics can provide insights on the effects of EIT storage on the retrieved pulse. Blind deconvolution is …