Engineering Commons^™

The Development Of An Officer Training School Board Score Prediction Method Using A Multi-Board Approach, Sandra C. Niemi

Theses and Dissertations

One phase in the Officer Training School (OTS) selection process is meeting a selection board. Recruiting Services (HQ ATC/RS) currently uses a regression model (based on data from one board) to evenly distribute 'quality' among the different panels in the selection boards. HQ ATC/RS wanted a method of predicting board scores based on data from multiple boards. This study used the results from eighteen boards and 9215 applicants to develop and validate a multi-board regression model for each of five application categories. Comparisons between the two models showed mixed results. In two categories, non- rated operations and technical, the single-board …

Analysis Of The Effects Of The Commander's Battle Positioning On Unit Combat Performance, Thomas I. Pratt

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the Commander's battle positioning on unit combat performance. Research was focused on analyzing the location of the Battalion/Task Force Commander during daytime deliberate attacks conducted at the U.S. Army's National Training Center, Fort Irwin, CA. Forty battles, from January 1986 to September 1989, provided the basis for this study. Information that described the Commander's location, a general description of the battle, and unit measures of effectiveness, was collected for each battle and put in a format that allowed for ease of analysis. This study database was explored using numerous …

A Prototype Meta-Language And Automated Translator For Decision Analysis Problem Formulation, Jerry R. Puyear

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis research effort develops a prototype meta-language for decision analysis problem description and automated software to translate the meta-language into a format useable by decision analysis software solvers. MELDA, the metalanguage developed, makes use of special symbols to provide a succinct language for the automation environment yet provides the means for user comprehension. Complete syntax and implementation rules are included. The MELADA translator software developed, DAT, stores the data given by MELADA in a file using prototype standard format, DASF, designed to hold all required data to solve a problem. DAT provides error checking and a message output file. …

Enhancements To Pcrsm, Laurie M. Rouillard

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to enhance the capability of PCRSM, a personal computer based decisions support system, to perform response surface methodology. PCRSM was enhanced to allow the printing of graphical displays such as residual plots and to provide the capability to decode the regression equation back to the original variables. Reverse documentation of the prototype was also developed to describe the interfacing of the individual executable modules and development environment. Response surface methodology is a group of statistical tools used to analyze the relationships between predictors (input variables) and responses (output variables).

A Solution Methodology For The Variable-Level Scheduling Problem, Dennis R. Benson

Theses and Dissertations

This study looked at a specific scheduling problem for a Department of Defense agency. A heuristic algorithms was developed to solve a general variable-level scheduling problem and was applied to this specific problem. This heuristic used linear programming and integer programming to find the minimum number of weekly billable hours for five alternative schedules. The best alternative schedule was further developed into a spreadsheet designed, squad level, master schedule. The result of this study was a proposed schedule that would save the United States government 8.2% of their security costs for this one part of the governmental agency. These savings …

A Network Flow And Goal Programming Approach To Modeling The Impact Of Pre-Accession Training To The Trained Personnel Requirements Process, William J. Beveridge

Theses and Dissertations

HQ ATC was tasked to analyze the impact of pre-accession training to the Trained Personnel Required (TPR) and training production process. Pre- accession training is a policy of providing contracted initial skills training to enlistees prior to entering basic military training. The purpose of this study was to develop a method to model the impact of pre-accession training. A network modeling and goal programming approach was used. Comparisons between the current training policy and a pre-accession training policy were made. Sensitivity was conducted on the impact of a balk rate on the new policy. The balk rate is the percent …

An Interactive Life Cycle Cost Forecasting Tool, John A. Gibson Iv

Theses and Dissertations

Enhancements were applied to an existing tool designed to estimate life cycle costs. These enhancements provide greater ease of data manipulation, additional options in developing models, and the ability to make modifications to suit the needs of the user. Life cycle costs can be generated quickly and easily. Analysis proved the amount of work done by the computer could be reduced with no loss of information. Additionally, the paths available to the user are shown graphically through flow charts--aiding in the learning process. The efforts of the user can now be directed towards developing models instead of spending those efforts …

A Study Of Variables To Help Predict Navigator Training Success And Classification, Gary A. Hagler

Theses and Dissertations

This study attempted to build statistical models which could possibly be used to help predict an individual's final outcome of pass or fail from Undergraduate Navigator Training (UNT). Also, the research tried to develop models to help place a potential trainee into one of the three training tracks at UNT. The variables studied were test scores from a computerized testing device which measured psychomotor and cognitive skills of individuals entering training. The Air Force Officers Qualifying Test (AFOQT) scores were also variables considered. Data was from 317 trainees from the years 1988 to 1990. Discriminant analysis was applied in an …

Investigation Of A Zero-One Integer Programming Approach To Automating The Scheduling Process At The Usaf Test Pilot School, Lisa M. Hassel

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigated models that could be used to determine a feasible schedule for the Test Pilot School (TPS) training program and form the basis for an automated scheduling system. The TPS problem is formulated as a 0-1 integer linear program and is solved using preprocessing techniques and the Branch-and-Bound algorithm. The method produced feasible solutions for small problems that equate to portions of the TPS schedule but cannot efficiently solve large problems like the full TPS problem. More investigation should be conducted to alter the method developed in the study so it could be used for large problems. A …

Saber: A Theater Level Wargame, William F. Mann Iii

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis provides a foundation to build a new theater level computerized wargame for the Air Force Wargaming Center, Maxwell AFB, AL to replace the Theater War Exercise (TWX), also known as Agile. Given a recently developed land battle, this thesis' effort links US Air Force doctrine with a conceptual model's framework and designs a new air battle module. The integration of both the air and land battles forms a new game, Saber. This thesis redefines the ground combat units of the land battle, and adds theater air defense units, bases and aircraft packages. This thesis introduces stochastic attrition between …

The Utility Of Elliptical And Circular Confidence Regions For Hfdf Receivers, Paul T. Nemec

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigates HFDF confidence region (CR) shape exhibited by geolocations in a search-and-rescue context. In Phase I, a Keeney-Raiffa multiattribute utility function was developed which allowed an analytical measure of preference between elliptical and equivalent- probability circular CRs. Phase II utilized a likelihood approach to establish CR shape for sample operational geolocations having multiple points of bearing intersections. For 12 sample Phase I geolocations, the elliptical CR always had higher utility than its corresponding circular CR. For accepted sample geolocations, a preference condition was developed whereby a circular CR would only be preferred over the corresponding elliptical CR if …

Multicriteria Network Routing Of Tactical Aircraft In A Threat Radar Environment, Ernst K. Isensee

Theses and Dissertations

Real-time route planning for tactical aircraft has established a requirement for analytical tools which prescribe optimal solutions. The Air Force Electronic Warfare Center has developed a computerized routing aid which enhances the ability to plan tactical flight missions under real-time constraints. The decision aid known as the Improved Many-on-Many (IMOM) allows the user to subjectively evaluate flight routes within enemy radar coverages. However, the mission planner is required to intuitively assesses the survivability risks associated for each user defined route. As an alternative to this method, the deterministic procedures of dynamic programming and the shortest path algorithms offer techniques which …

Incorporating Value Systems In Strategic Force Analysis, Nancy D. Snyder

Theses and Dissertations

Deterring potential Soviet aggression depends on our ability to hold at risk those assets they value most. This research investigates target valuation as an added dimension to force structure analysis. An extensive literature review is followed by the development and demonstration of a methodology defining development and use target values. The literature review covers arms control concepts to give a foundation for an important use of force structure analysis. It also covers measures of effectiveness. The final part of the review is comprised of definitions of perspectives on nuclear war. The methodology defines motivations for force structuring in the form …

An Assessment Of The Accuracy Of Semi-Empirical Quantum Chemistry Calculations Of The Mechanical Properties Of Polymers, James R. Shoemaker

Theses and Dissertations

The ultimate mechanical properties of polymers, assuming perfect morphology, will be limited by the mechanical properties of a single, ideal polymer chain. Previous calculations of polymer chain moduli using semi- empirical (SE) quantum chemistry methods have resulted in modulus values much higher than experimentally measured. This study investigated the error in the calculated inherent to the method of calculation by comparing SE results for C-C bond potentials in two well characterized polymers, polyethylene and polydiacetylene. It was found that the SE calculation systematically overpredicted bond stiffness in these polymers by approximately 25% to 30%. This is the upper limit on …

An Environmentally Controlled Chamber For The Study Of Radon Detection, William R. Wharton Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

A system was developed to dynamically control and monitor the environment and radon concentration within a glovebox chamber for the study of radon. The system is designed around a personal computer workstation which automates the entire system. The radon concentration is determined by monitoring the count rate from radon and its progeny which are continuously circulated from the radon chamber through a Lucas Cell detection system. This information is then used as a base for controlling a radon injection system. When the concentration within the glovebox drops, the system injects a precisely-measured volume of high activity radon gas into the …

Identifiability In Wind Estimation From Scatterometer Measurements, David G. Long, Jerry M. Mendel

Faculty Publications

The problem of identifiability of a wind vector that is estimated from wind scatterometer measurements of the radar backscatter of the ocean's surface is addressed. The traditional wind estimation approach produces multiple estimates of the wind direction. A second processing step, known as dealiasing or ambiguity removal, is used to select a single wind estimate from these multiple solutions. Dealiasing is typically based on various ad hoc considerations. The traditional wind estimation approach results in multiple solutions associated with local minima in an objective function formed from the noisy backscatter measurements. The authors discuss the question of the uniqueness of …

Development Of A Personal Computer Based Approach To Aircraft Parameter Identification, Mark S. Erickson

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis develops and tests a personal computer based approach to the aircraft parameter identification problem. The approach was tested analytically at the Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. These tests were conducted using simplified short period approximation and second-order transfer function models of longitudinal aircraft response. Initial evaluations were accomplished using simulated, noise free data. The longitudinal aircraft model was modified prior to flight test, for both convenience and necessity. This more complex model was evaluated during a flight test program at the USAFTPS, Edwards AFB, California. A T-38A aircraft was used as a tool to demonstrate …

Agility: Presentation And Flight Test Methods For The Operational Fighter Pilot, William R. Langdon

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis develops both metrics and flight test techniques to measure agility. During development of both the agility metrics and the flight test techniques, previous work conducted by the agility community and the Flight Test Center at Edwards Air Force Base was used as a lessons learned tool to insure favorable results. Both simulator and flight testing was performed to validate the flight test techniques. During simulator testing several problems with the original flight test techniques were noted. Flight testing on the pitch agility flight test technique solved most of its problems but problems found during roll testing in the …

Thermo-Mechanical Fatigue Of A Fiber Reinforced Titanium Aluminide Composite, Mark A. Bates

Theses and Dissertations

The thermo-mechanical fatigue behavior of a specific unidirectional fiber reinforced titanium aluminide composite was investigated. Three test specimens were subjected to in-phase thermo-mechanical cycling and four to out- of-phase thermo-mechanical cycling. The applied maximum mechanical stresses ranged from 500-800 MPa. The stress ratio of 0.1 was used for all tests. The temperature range was from 150-650 C and the resulting fatigue lives were in the 58-1487 cycles range. The out-of-phase test specimens failed sooner compared to their respective in-phase counterparts. In order to find out why, the test results were analyzed using a simple micromechanics analysis and compared. The fracture …

Performance Of Guardrail End Treatments In Traffic Accidents, Kenneth R. Agent, Jerry G. Pigman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of this study was to report the results of the continued monitoring of the performance of guardrail end treatments in traffic accidents. This report includes an analysis of accidents involving the breakaway-cable-terminal (BCT), Kentucky's version of the median BCT (MBCT), Kentucky's weakened turned down (Type 7), the Crash Cushion Attenuating Terminal (CAT), and the Breakmaster System. The report includes data for 349 accidents. This includes 232 accidents involving a BCT, 66 accidents involving a MBCT, 37 accidents involving the Type 7 turned-down end treatment, 12 accidents involving the CAT, and 2 accidents involving the Breakmaster.

Considering all accidents, …

Bs News

Building Services Engineering

No abstract provided.

Automobiles, Computers And Assault Rifles: The Value-Ladenness Of Technology And The Engineering Curriculum, Charles C. Adams

Pro Rege

Charles Adams received the 1989 Mikol Award for this essay, which was originally presented to the North Midwest Section of the American Society for Engineering Education.

Effect Of Flange Restraint On Web Crippling Strength, Roger A. Laboube, Wei-Wen Yu, Bhavnesh H. Bhakta

CCFSS Library (1939 - present)

INTRODUCTION The web crippling limit states equations given in the AISI Specification were primarily developed based on the results in which the flange was not attached to the support beams. This may not accurately represent field practice, since flanges are typically fastened by bolts or welds to their support beam. Due to these fasteners, the Specification equations may be underestimating the web crippling strength of the member. Therefore, a pilot study was proposed to study the behavior of webs, and the load carrying capacity of the webs with restrained flanges.

Locating Direction Finders In A Generalized Search And Rescue Network, Jean M. Steppe

Theses and Dissertations

A multiobjective linear programming approach is applied to the problem of locating receiving stations and HFDF receivers in a search and rescue network in order to maximize the expected number of distress signals that are geolocated. The multiobjective formulation is made up of two contrasting objectives: one maximizes the expected accurate lines of bearing, and one minimizes the excess coverage in the network. The individual objectives are weighted and combined into a composite objective function. The resulting problem is expressed as a two-stage network flow problem and is solved using SAS LP with a limited number of binary variables. The …

The Self-Shielding Of Fallout Gamma Rays By Terrain Roughness, Mark S. Herte

Theses and Dissertations

The study presents a first order calculation of the self-shielding of nuclear weapon fission fragment gamma rays by surface roughness (microscopic terrain irregularities). To simulate fallout particles, polymer microspheres were deposited on slides containing samples of soil, concrete and asphalt roofing shingles. Scanning electron microscopy was used to photographically map the surfaces. The thickness of surface irregularities at various angles was measured by converting the photographs to digital images. Measurements showed a dependence upon the surface type, but not upon particle size. Average values of the measurements were modelled using a homogeneous buried source. With this geometry, dose rates were …

The Evolution Of The Wpi Advanced Space Design Program - An Evolving Program Of Technical And Social Analysis Using The Nasa Space Shuttle For Engineering Education, Fred J. Looft, Robert C. Labonte, William W. Durgin

Office of the Provost Scholarship

In December of 1982, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, with the cooperation and support of the MITRE Corporation, initiated a primarily undergraduate educational program to develop experiments to be flown onboard a NASA Space Shuttle. Christened the MITRE WPI Space Shuttle Program, it sponsored the development of five educationally meritorious experiments over a period of four years. Although the experiments were ready to fly in early 1986, the Challenger disaster delayed their flight until the Spring of 1991. The delay notwithstanding, the benefits of the first program were sufficient to justify the development of a second set of experiments. More comprehensive in …

Acuta Enews February 1991, Vol. 20, No. 2

ACUTA Newsletters

In This Issue

ACUTA gains new tax status

Stopping a runaway dialer

Just what is an engineer?

FCC ruling awaited

Party Line

In-house accounting

Wright State University College Of Engineering And Computer Science Bits And Pcs Newsletter, February 1991, 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.

Performance Analysis Of The Ethernet Under Conditions Of Bursty Traffic, Tony Y. Mazraani, Gurudatta M. Parulkar

All Computer Science and Engineering Research

In this paper we present a simulation study of the Ethernet performance under conditions of bursty traffic. This study is motivated by two observations: Ethernet will continue to be a widely used Local Area Network (LAN), especially as an access LAN for future high speed internet (or Broadband ISDN); and future high speed applications can best be modeled as bursty sources. Bursty traffic in this study is specified using three parameters: peak bandwidth, average bandwidth, and burst factor. The simulation study shows that the inherent behavior of the Ethernet does not change with bursty traffic. That is, as long as …

Performance Evaluation Of A Traffic Control Mechanism For Atm Networks, Andreas D. Bovopoulos

All Computer Science and Engineering Research

Future ATM networks will be required to support a plethora of services, transaction types and cell sequence behaviors with performance guarantees. Before this goal can be realized, however, some basically problems related to bandwidth allocation and traffic control in the ATM layer must be resolve. Such problems will in all likelihood defy solution as long as they studied in isolation without a unifying traffic characterization and traffic control framework. This work presented in this paper is part of an ongoing effort directed at the development of an integrated traffic characterization and control infrastructure for ATM networks. In this paper a …