Operations Research, Systems Engineering and Industrial Engineering Commons^™

Designing A Counter-Iads Drone Swarm: Using Evolution To Evaluate Combat Assumptions Underpinning Drone Swarm Target Assignment, Olin H. Kennedy

Theses and Dissertations

The original research goal was to combine the best techniques in the drone swarm literature and model a functional combat drone swarm that conducts a Suppression of Enemy Air Defense (SEAD) mission. However, the body of literature regarding Drone Swarm Target Assignment (DSTA) does not model enemy counteraction and assumes that the drones’ targets are compliant against destruction. Therefore, a model of enemy counteraction against drone swarms is developed, and Novel DSTA (NDSTA) is proposed to respond to the weaknesses of the current DSTA. Both methods of target assignment are combined with a tunable trajectory generation model, and the performance …

Simulation And Analysis Of Dynamic Threat Avoidance Routing In An Anti-Access Area Denial (A2ad) Environment, Dante C. Reid

Theses and Dissertations

This research modeled and analyzed the effectiveness of different routing algorithms for penetration assets in an A2AD environment. AFSIM was used with different configurations of SAMs locations and numbers to compare the performance of AFSIM’s internal zone and shrink algorithm routers with a Dijkstra algorithm router. Route performance was analyzed through computational and operational metrics, including computational complexity, run-time, mission survivability, and simulation duration. This research also analyzed the impact of the penetration asset’s ingress altitude on those factors. Additionally, an excursion was conducted to analyze the Dijkstra algorithm router’s grid density holding altitude constant to understand its impact on …

Analysis And Optimization Of Contract Data Schema, Franklin Sun

Theses and Dissertations

agement, development, and growth of U.S Air Force assets demand extensive organizational communication and structuring. These interactions yield substantial amounts of contracting and administrative information. Over 4 million such contracts as a means towards obtaining valuable insights on Department of Defense resource usage. This set of contracting data is largely not optimized for backend service in an analytics environment. To this end, the following research evaluates the efficiency and performance of various data structuring methods. Evaluated designs include a baseline unstructured schema, a Data Mart schema, and a snowflake schema. Overall design success metrics include ease of use by end …

Advancing Autonomous Swarm Behavior In A Simulated Anti-Access Area Denial (A2ad) Environment, Chad P. Macwilkinson

Theses and Dissertations

Advancements in modern IADS have bolstered A2AD environments and subsequently degraded the advantages that the Air Force once held, prompting a call to reform the nature of warfare in order to challenge these threats. A solution is weapon swarming technology, which has the ability to overwhelm IADS by engagement of a large numbers of low-cost, but lethal air assets that have autonomous functionalities. This research proposes the application of a four dimensional framework for autonomy to a swarm of cruise missiles. A virtual A2AD environment of two opposing forces is constructed using the AFSIM, wherein a manned bomber seeks to …

Optimal Control Of Precision Airdrop Trajectories Using Direct Collocation And Analytical Methods, Edward J. Maxwell

Theses and Dissertations

The work herein investigates the preliminary designs of an optimal navigation controller for a scalable cylindrical airdrop system controlled with grid fins in planar motion. Precision airdrop capabilities are desired for a range of military and humanitarian missions. Fielded airdrop systems have not met desired performance objectives, particularly regarding accuracy. Direct collocation and analytical methods were utilized to solve the optimal control problem for the grid fin controlled precision airdrop system examined in this work. The optimal control problem was comprised of two phases: controlled descent and parachute descent. Minimum and maximum ranges for the system under varying wind fields …

Long-Term Asset Prioritization To Support District Planning, Melissa R. Sallberg

Theses and Dissertations

The United States Air Force (USAF) relies on its installations to project military power across the globe. However, due to the deferred infrastructure maintenance and recapitalization backlog of $33 billion as of 2019 (Wilson & Goldfein, 2019), it is more critical than ever for base-level community planners to focus their attention to the projects that will achieve each installation’s long-term goals. The recent incorporation of asset management principles into the USAF District Planning Process allows a unique opportunity to improve the existing scoring model for a holistic look at what matters to enterprise leaders and community planners making the plans …

Validation Of Digital System Models, James R. Winton

Theses and Dissertations

The Department of Defense is undergoing a Digital Transformation driven by Digital Engineering and Model-Based Systems Engineering. Document-based processes are being replaced by digital artifacts, pedigreed data, and an Authoritative Source of Truth for a system across its life cycle. As traditional Design-Build-Test transitions to a Model-Analyze-Build methodology, digital models will proliferate throughout the enterprise and require novel validation processes earlier in the development timeline. A new definition for digital system model validation is proposed to address the identified shortcomings in existing guidance. The proposed validation framework leverages the Systems Modeling Language, use cases, requirements, test cases, and a custom …

Inducing Sparsity Within High-Dimensional Remote Sensing Modalities For Lightning Prediction, Grace E. Metzgar

Theses and Dissertations

The uncertainty of lightning constantly threatens many weather-sensitive fields where the slightest presence of lightning can endanger valuable personnel and assets. The consequences of delaying operations have incited the research of methods that can accurately predict the location of future lightning strikes from the current weather conditions. High-dimensional remote sensing modalities contain information capable of detecting significant patterns and intensities within storms that could indicate the presence of lightning. This thesis induces sparsity into convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and remote sensing modalities through a combination of regularization and tensor decomposition techniques to call attention to sparse features that are most …

The Aerial Refueling Asset Basing And Assignment Problem, Camryn E. Deames

Theses and Dissertations

With growing tensions in the European theatre and Indo-Pacific theatre, the constraints of aerial refueling impede the missions of Air Mobility Command and USTRANSCOM in their execution of both the National Security Strategy and National Defense Strategy. Introducing and integrating semi-autonomous aerial refueling aircraft is a logical next step due to advantages in endurance, survivability, runway requirements, and fuel offloading capacity. This research frames the Aerial Refueling Asset Basing and Assignment Problem with two model approaches: a baseline model and a fuel shuttle concept model. Whereas the former model considers instances with only manned refuelers or only semi-autonomous refuelers, the …

Automated Registration Of Titanium Metal Imaging Of Aircraft Components Using Deep Learning Techniques, Nathan A. Johnston

Theses and Dissertations

Studies have shown a connection between early catastrophic engine failures with microtexture regions (MTRs) of a specific size and orientation on the titanium metal engine components. The MTRs can be identified through the use of Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) however doing so is costly and requires destruction of the metal component being tested. A new methodology of characterizing MTRs is needed to properly evaluate the reliability of engine components on live aircraft. The Air Force Research Lab Materials Directorate (AFRL/RX) proposed a solution of supplementing EBSD with two non-destructive modalities, Eddy Current Testing (ECT) and Scanning Acoustic Microscopy (SAM). Doing …

Illuminating The Unknown: A Mixed Methods Exploration Of The Dod Software Factory Ecosystem, Zachary O. Ryan

Theses and Dissertations

The Department of Defense’s (DoD) software factories are a collection of modern software acquisition programs that commonly employ the agile, network-based business strategies often found within commercial industries. Having been formally recognized by senior leaders for their revolutionary software development approaches, the software factories highlight a cultural shift within the DoD away from traditional organizational practices. As a result of the factories demonstrated successes, the number of programs employing non-traditional strategies is expanding. While this is notable, it also presents a challenge because a comprehensive understanding of the characteristics, structures, and behaviors of the DoD’s software factories does not currently …

Defense Industrial Base Mergers And Acquisitions In The Post-Cold War Era, Corey D. Mack

Theses and Dissertations

The United States Department of Defense (DoD) relies on prime contractors for weapon system development, acquisition, and sustainability, but the increased consolidation of the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) through mergers and acquisitions (M&A) has raised concerns over reduced competition. This research consists of two studies. The first reviews existing literature to identify factors behind the DIB's increased M&A activity since the 1990s, such as DoD budget cuts and market structure. The second study examines the relationship between a prime contractor's financial health and M&A spending, finding a significant relationship between efficiency and M&A spending. Policymakers can use this information to …

A Review On Learning To Solve Combinatorial Optimisation Problems In Manufacturing, Cong Zhang, Yaoxin Wu, Yining Ma, Wen Song, Zhang Le, Zhiguang Cao, Jie Zhang

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

An efficient manufacturing system is key to maintaining a healthy economy today. With the rapid development of science and technology and the progress of human society, the modern manufacturing system is becoming increasingly complex, posing new challenges to both academia and industry. Ever since the beginning of industrialisation, leaps in manufacturing technology have always accompanied technological breakthroughs from other fields, for example, mechanics, physics, and computational science. Recently, machine learning (ML) technology, one of the crucial subjects of artificial intelligence, has made remarkable progress in many areas. This study thoroughly reviews how ML, specifically deep (reinforcement) learning, motivates new ideas …

Introduction To The Special Issue On Innovation In Transportation-Enabled Urban Services, Part 1, Niels Agatz, Soo-Haeng Cho, Hai Wang, Saif Benjaafar

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Rapid developments in city infrastructure and technol-ogies are creating numerous opportunities and inspiring innovative and emerging urban services. Among these innovations, complex systems of urban transportation and logistics have embraced advances and have been reshaped significantly. They enable innovative new urban services, which are now booming and changing everyday life for urban residents.This special issue of Service Science explores perspectives on innovation in transportation-enabled urban services. We hope that the special issue will enhance the understanding of the planning, operation, and management of such services. Contributions are expected to demonstrate rigorous model development, economic/ econometric analysis, and decision-making tools based …

Influence Of Magnetomechanical Properties Of Ferromagnetic Materials On The Sensitivity Of A Magnetoelastic Sensor, Sulton Amirov, Kamila Komilovna Jurayeva

Chemical Technology, Control and Management

The requirements of high operational reliability are most fully met by automated monitoring and control systems, the elements of which are magnetoelastic sensors. Such sensors, due to their metrological characteristics, have found application in electrified railway transport, in the metallurgical, metalworking, mining and other industries. The principle of operation of such sensors is based on the fact that in the process of influencing the magnetic core of the sensor by force, there is a change in the magnetic permeability of the material, a change in the magnetic resistance of the circuit, a change in the mutual inductance coefficient of the …

Model For Calculating The Static Characteristics Of Hydraulic Systems Of Hydro Technical Buildings, Mirkhalil Ismailov, Dong Zhang, Farkhod Kasimov

Chemical Technology, Control and Management

Hydraulic mechanisms that actuate flat gates, widely used in hydraulic structures, are studied as hydraulic actuators of the system. Their static mathematical models are developed using an integrated methodology with a hydraulic pump, inlet and suction pipes, and internal and external resistance factors. Unlike existing mathematical models, the model developed in this paper allows a detailed description of the characteristics of hydraulic drives due to the fact that pressure losses in the throttle, regulator, and power amplifier, as well as local resistances in hydraulic pipelines, are taken into account.

Algorithms For Multi-Factory Polynomial Modeling Of Technological Processes, Farrukh Do'stmirzayevich Jo'rayev, Murodjon Ashurqulovich Ochilov

Chemical Technology, Control and Management

The article reveals the meaning and essence of the modeling method in the study of complex technological processes based on the problematic aspects of building multifactorial relationships and the principles for their elimination. In the case of non-linearity of multifactorial connections of a complex system, the expediency of approximating such functions by polynomials is substantiated. The authors' ideas about the increasing importance of interpolation methods in practice against the background of the possibility of simplification based on the use of modern mathematical hardware and software for integration into the process of modeling and optimizing technological processes due to the complexity …

Synchronization Of The Training Of Specialists In The Automation Of Technological Processes In Accordance With The Dynamics Of The Taxonomy Of Learning Goals, Yusuf Shodievich Avazov, Kamola Abdullaeva

Chemical Technology, Control and Management

Changes in the characteristics of modern ones, reflecting them as the "digital generation", inevitably necessitate electronic interactive, mobile and mixed, machine learning, especially in the field of automation and control of technological processes and production. As a consequence of reflecting these realities, there have been parallel changes in the taxonomy of learning objectives - from the classical to the revised rethought and digital.

In order to study the problem of synchronizing the training of future specialists in the field of automation and control of technological processes and production and funny knowledge in accordance with the dynamics of the taxonomy of …

Analysis Of Vegetable Oil Refining Technology, Elyor Samadov

Chemical Technology, Control and Management

Innovative technologies for refining vegetable oils are presented, as well as the qualitative characteristics of raw vegetable oils obtained by extraction and mechanical methods. A general review of the chemical composition and impurities of vegetable oils resulting from the reaction between glycerol and fatty acids is carried out, and a brief review of the study to determine the effect of refining on biologically active components.

The analytical review is devoted to a comparative comparison of two types of refining - chemical and physical refining.

Research Of Three-Phases Current’S Transducers Of Filter-Compensation Devices For Control Reactive Power’S Consumption Of Asynchronous Motor, Ilkhomjon Khakimovich Siddikov, Dilyorbek Karimjonov Doniyorbek O'G'Li -, Abdumutal Abdikarimovich Abdigapirov

Chemical Technology, Control and Management

In the article given materials of developing of three-phase electromagnetic current transducers of reactive power, using with asynchronous motor, methods connecting of two sensing element, series, parallel and differential and loops suitable for each phase, dynamic characteristics of output signals of three-phase electromagnetic current transducers asynchronous motor.

On the basis of modern calculation and design complexes are of great importance in the research variable sizes of three-phase current electromagnetic transducers of filter-compensation devices of reactive power of asynchronous motors. Presented mathematical model of research of electrical, electromagnetic and magnetic elements of electromagnetic current transducers in the …

Towards Lean Manufacturing In Developing Countries: Research Gaps And Directions In Tanzania, Francis D. Sinkamba

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

In the current knowledge-driven economy, many industries across the globe are forced to adopt manufacturing technologies such as lean manufacturing to remain competitive in the globalized world. Despite the increase in lean manufacturing implementations, the adoption rate in Tanzania is very low and estimated to be 8 percent. Likewise, the sustainability of lean manufacturing tools and practices is still questionable, which shows the need to develop lean maturity models. To date, several lean maturity models have been developed but there is ARTICLE INFO Submitted: July 5, 2022 Revised: Sept. 28, 2022 Presented: Oct. 20, 2022 a lack of maturity models …

Current And Future Trends Of Construction Project Performance Models: A Review, Method Mtana

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

The construction industry (CI) has experienced outstanding growth and contributed to economic growth for many countries, with enormous foreign investments that require quality projects. High pressure to reduce the construction cost and time commonly put the industry at risk of lower quality and safety of the construction facilities. Like many other developing countries, Tanzania needs more stringent quality control measures in the construction sector to contribute positively to sustainable growth. This study thus reviews current and future trends in construction industry performance in Tanzania. The literature review on construction projects (CPs) performance is based on information on time overruns from …

Factors Influencing Total Productive Maintenance Implementation For Thermal Generation Plants, Ismail W. R. Taifa Dr

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

This study accepts that the technical and administrative factors can amplify effective total productive maintenance (TPM) implementation at thermal generation plants. It is noted that there is a limited number of studies that have attempted to understand the subject of TPM implementation in the energy sector. Noting this shortcoming, the authors thought it crucial to generate empirical evidence on the factors influencing effective TPM implementation for thermal generation plants, with evidence from gas-fired plants. A sample of 88 respondents was selected and consulted. Data were collected through questionnaires and analyzed quantitatively by inferential statistics and qualitatively through thematic analysis using …

Towards The Development Of A Framework For Assessing Organizational Governance Maturity For Technical Audit Of Public Works, George Haule

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

The quality of the audit work and its products is often associated with the organizational maturity of the audit function. The absence of a well-defined organizational maturity for an audit function leads to poor quality of audit work or products and ineffective audit function. The lack of a framework for measuring governance maturity was identified as a major deterrent factor to the attainment of quality audit work. Measuring the governance maturity of the technical audit of public works is challenging due to the absence of a maturity framework that fits its needs. The noted shortcomings include: (a) existing maturity frameworks …

Prestressed Steel-Concrete Composite I-Beams With Single And Double Corrugated Web, Mahmoud T. Nawar, Ayman El-Zohairy, Hassan M. Maaly, Mohammed Husain

Faculty Publications

Composite steel girders with concrete have been used for many years and advances in structural and fabrication technology have established their optimization. One of the changes in structural steel I-beams during the past few years has been the availability of web corrugation. The economic design of steel girders normally requires thin webs. Moreover, using externally prestressed tendons as a strengthening technique controls deflections and stresses. However, this strengthening technique causes shear buckling of the steel beams. In this study, the flexural behavior of externally prestressed composite steel-concrete I-beams with a single and double corrugated web was experimentally and numerically investigated. …

Exploring Current And Future Research Trends On Safety Climate In Construction Projects, Kamugisha Joseph Kajumulo

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Clients, consultants, and contractors in the construction industry can benefit from a safety climate by obtaining knowledge of attitudes and perceptions for better safety outcomes. However, the current and future research trends for safety climate in construction projects have not yet been fully examined. In order to solve this problem, a systematic review of previous research findings using a social network approach must be conducted, and future trends for the safety climate in building projects must be identified. Sixty-three peer reviewed articles were gathered to study the literature on safety climate in construction projects. A social network approach was employed …

The Fourth Industrial Revolution: Opportunities And Challenges To The Future Of Mechanical Engineering, Ulingeta O.L. Mbamba

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

This paper provides a conceptual overview of the developments of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and derives challenges and opportunities for the future of the mechanical engineering profession. The paper broadly defines 4IR as the fusion of technologies and interaction across physical, digital and biological aspects, while defining mechanical engineering as "a multi-faceted discipline that encompasses the teaching, practice and guidance of others in the development and application of scientific principles to mechanical systems". The paper looks specifically at developments in the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain technology, robotics, Big Data analytics, biotechnology, nanotechnology, 3D printing and artificial intelligence and …

Designing And Manufacturing Of Vegetable Slicing Machine, Juma Nuhu Msuya

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Agro-processing industry is faced with a challenge of slicing of vegetables for immediate consumption. This stems from the fact that the traditional slicing methods use bare hands, and knives. This method is faced with shortcomings of inefficiency, poor hygiene, and significant dangers to injury. If vegetables are not sliced, their drying takes longer, may possibly be spoiled, and cannot be stored for future uses. Therefore, this paper strives to design a vegetable slicing machine to increase the efficiency of the drying process as a post-processing step. The study employed a Pugh’s design model to design the machine and manufacture it. …

Modeling Of The Process Of Measuring Conversion Of The Flow Of Liquid And Gaseous Media By The Method Of Variable Pressure Drop, Shukhrat Manapovich Gulyamov, Elbek Elmirza O'G'Li Ortiqov

Chemical Technology, Control and Management

On the basis of material and heat balances, taking into account the initial and boundary conditions, a mathematical model of the process of measuring the transformation of liquid and gaseous technological media by the method of variable pressure drop is constructed. The analysis of the results of studying the influence of non-stationary flows of a controlled medium on the uncertainty of the results of measuring the flow rate of liquids and gaseous mixtures with a changing hydrodynamic structure of the flow of a controlled medium is performed. A comparative analysis of the calculated and experimental transient processes in the measuring …

Algorithmic Methods For Developing The Structure Of A Thyristor Electric Drive For Mining Machines, N.R Yusupbekov, O.A. Jumaev, S.S. Turaev

Chemical Technology, Control and Management

The article discusses the creation of algorithmic structures and the development of digital control systems for electric drives of mine-lifting machines, provides some concepts for creating digital control systems using thyristor converters. The analysis of the static volt-ampere characteristics of the thyristor is given, some calculations of the circuits and circuits of the thyristor converter (TP) corresponding to the different modes of operation of the TP are given, and also, based on the synthesis of the dynamic properties and characteristics of the thyristor, an algorithmic structure of the model of the thyristor converter is proposed.