Operations Research, Systems Engineering and Industrial Engineering Commons^™

Optimal Ch-47 And C-130 Workload Balance, Dustin P. Jones

Theses and Dissertations

The Air Force can save thousands of dollars by reducing the number of blade hours on the CH-47 through finding an optimal mixture of CH-47s and C-130s to conduct current operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. Ultimately these savings will relieve maintenance operations for the CH-47 and lengthen the lifespan of the CH-47 airframe. Moreover, incorporating C-130s into the operations will reduce cargo transit time from supply depots. This study looks at the involvement of the C-130 in CH-47 airlift operations to reduce CH-47 usage and increase supply efficiency. The research focus is narrowed to current airlift operations in Afghanistan and …

Measure Of Effectiveness For Jstars Ground Moving Target Indicator: A Value Focused Thinking Approach, Gardner J. Joyner

Theses and Dissertations

As the nature of warfare has shifted from a conventional approach to more guerilla type warfare, intelligence has become more important than at any other time in the history of the United States Military. With the stochastic nature of intelligence gathering, it is almost impossible to know with any degree of certainty where and when the next piece of information that could possibly change the course of the battle or war will be obtained. US intelligence gathering assets have long been plagued with using useless measures of performance rather than measures of effectiveness to determine their worth. This research uses …

Multi Criteria Decision Support Model For The Turkish Air Force Personnel Course/Education Planning System, Cem Malyemez

Theses and Dissertations

Many personnel are assigned to different courses and educational opportunities in the Turkish Air Force every year. This daunting process requires a great deal of time and does not currently seek to find an optimal solution. The Turkish Air Force has a database for all personnel information, but the officials use just a few quantitative personnel data points to complete their tasks. Moreover, the matching process is done by hand. Therefore there is a need for a model, which supports the Decision Makers, to cover the some of the other quantitative data points and also add some qualitative data for …

Weighted Key Player Problem For Social Network Analysis, Ryan M. Mcguire

Theses and Dissertations

Social network analysis is a tool set whose uses range from measuring the impact of marketing campaigns to disrupting clandestine terrorist organizations. Social network analysis tools are primarily focused on the structure of relationships between actors in the network. However, characteristics of the actors, such as importance or status, are generally the output of the social network analysis rather than an input. Characteristics of actors can come from a number of sources to include information gathering, subject matter experts or social network analysis. Further, the strength of relationships between actors in social networks are often assumed to be all equal. …

Contextual Detection Of Anomalies In Hyperspectral Images, Adam J. Messer

Theses and Dissertations

The majority of anomaly detectors in Hyperspectral Imaging use only the statistical aspects of the spectral readings in the image. These detectors fail to use the spatial context that is contained in the images. The use of this information can yield detectors that out perform their spatially myopic counterparts. To demonstrate this, we will use an independent component analysis based detector, autonomous global anomaly detector (AutoGAD), developed at AFIT augmented to account for the spatial context of the detected anomalies. Through the use of segmentation algorithms, the anomalies identified are formed into regions. The size and shape of these regions …

Empirical Characterization Of Ballistic Impact Flash, Thomas P. Talafuse

Theses and Dissertations

Fires onboard aircraft are leading mechanisms for mishaps and losses during peacetime and combat operations. Typical ignition sources causing fires onboard aircraft include electrical sparks and hot surfaces. However, impact and penetration of common threats encountered during combat operations, such as armor piercing incendiary projectiles and missile fragments, generate short-lived, but thermally-intense clouds (flashes) capable of igniting fires. Fire simulations supporting system-level survivability analyses depend on accurate characterization of these flash clouds, however, such accurate representations are not currently available. This research presents the modeling approach developed to estimate the boundary model representations of impact flashes. The research presents generalized …

Migration Issues In The Democratic Republic Of Congo, Michael J. Thompson

Theses and Dissertations

Since the end of the Cold War, the number of weak and failing states has increased significantly. The United States (US) military has been deployed in multiple nation states in an effort to prevent these weak states from collapsing into chaos. This thesis explores one of the driving factors of state collapse, net migration, to gauge how US foreign policy might be employed to reduce the flow of people out of a country. To demonstrate the foreign policies and their effects, a pilot model was constructed using a system dynamics methodology. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was selected as …

A Primary Care Workload Production Model For Estimating Relative Value Unit Output, Rachel G. Murphy

Theses and Dissertations

Health care costs have grown to unsustainable levels nationally and within the Department of Defense. Military health care costs have historically been difficult to isolate, causing budget cuts to be the vehicle for cost control. Maximum efficiency, therefore, is the goal in order to show improvement. With the Air Force’s new preventive health plan, they aim to drive a long-term posture for cost reduction through prevention. This research effort aimed to develop a tool to assist in future efforts to understand and improve efficiency in workload output, and whether a relationship exists between patient workload demand and the per-encounter variables …

Measuring The Utility Of A Cyber Incident Mission Impact Assessment (Cimia) Process For Mission Assurance, Christy L. Peterson

Theses and Dissertations

Information is a critical asset on which virtually all modern organizations depend upon to meet their operational mission objectives. Military organizations, in particular, have embedded Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) into their core mission processes as a means to increase their operational efficiency, exploit automation, improve decision quality, and shorten the kill chain. However, the extreme dependence upon ICT results in an environment where a cyber incident can result in severe mission degradation, or possibly failure, with catastrophic consequences to life, limb, and property. These consequences can be minimized by maintaining real-time situational awareness of mission critical resources so appropriate …

Application And Validation Of Concept Maturity Assessment Framework, Mathews C. Scharch, Jeremy J. Homan

Theses and Dissertations

Far too often decision makers select concepts based on insufficient data, resulting in projects that are over-budget, over-schedule, and not what the customer wants. Research efforts have proposed a stage-gated concept maturity framework as a tool to assess and increase the maturity of concepts. This research uses multiple validation techniques to demonstrate the value this framework can provide. Interviews with acquisition professionals capture qualitative and quantitative data on the utility of the elements of the framework and the acquisition process. This research also applies the framework to a current acquisition program to determine if it can be broadly applied for …

Decision Analysis And Validation Of Value Focused Thinking Decision Models Using Multivariate Analysis Techniques, James L. Pruitt

Theses and Dissertations

Decision Analysis (DA) is a useful tool to assist decision makers (DM) with difficult and complex decisions using mathematical models. Value Focused Thinking (VFT) models are a useful DA tool widely employed in the Air Force. However, VFT models are rarely validated. This research will attempt to validate any given VFT model and provide insight into the discriminating attributes of the alternative set. First, a two group discriminant analysis is applied the alternative set given the prior knowledge of the selected alternatives. Next, compromise programming is used attempt to minimize the distance between the posterior probability of an alternative being …

Alternative Active Duty Military Retirement Plan, Amy L. Schmidt

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Determining The Value Of Future Information, James J. Springston

Theses and Dissertations

Companies continuously struggle to quantify the value of their information in an attempt to gain a better understanding of the return on investment of their information technology (IT) architecture. One approach companies have taken to place a numeric value on information is to treat it as a traditional economic asset (e.g. equipment, buildings, and vehicles) that is governed by its own unique set of laws. Once an enterprise understands the behavior of information it can incorporate Skyrme's "10 value adding aspects of information" when developing IT architecture, thus maximizing the potential value of their information. Like most enterprises, the Intelligence …

Fusion Schemes For Ensembles Of Hyperspectral Anomaly Detection Algorithms, Brooks R. Turnquist

Theses and Dissertations

Hyperspectral imaging is playing an ever increasing role in our military's remote sensing operations. The exponential increase in collection operations generates more data than can be evaluated by analysts unassisted. Anomaly detectors attempt to reduce this load on analysts by identifying potential target pixels which appear anomalous when compared to what are determined to be background, or non-target, pixels. However, there is no one individual algorithm that is best suited for all situations and it can be difficult to choose the best algorithm for each individual task. Fusion techniques have been shown to reduce errors and increase generalization, eliminating the …

Determining Pilot Manning For Bomber Longevity, Jason S. Hamilton

Theses and Dissertations

In support of US Air Force efforts to conserve resources without sacrificing capability, this research examines the question of whether the 509th Bomb Wing could continue to provide maximum combat capability with fewer assigned pilots. During peacetime, pilot proficiency training comprises the majority of annual flying hours for the small B-2 bomber fleet. Optimal pilot manning will decrease the accumulation of excess wear on the airframes; helping to extend the viable life of the B-2 fleet and preserve the deterrent and combat capabilities that it provides to the United States. The operations and maintenance activity flows for B-2 aircraft and …

Material Weight Station Optimization Senior Project, Douglas Peters, Michael Eng

Industrial Technology and Packaging

The main principle of all industry is that “time is money”. This senior project focuses on reducing operation times for Specialty Silicone Fabricators (SSFab) materials weighing station. Currently SSFab is set up so that multiple operators check the weights of materials. This is done to guarantee the accuracy of the readings and maintain tight quality control. This project will focus on eliminating the need of multiple weight checkers as a way to save time and ultimately save money.

Through detailed research and studies it has been determined that the most appropriate solution to this problem is a weight checking software …

Gauge Repeatability And Reproducibility Study For A Bulge Test Fixture For Corrugated Boxes, Anthony J. Hall

Industrial Technology and Packaging

This senior project evaluates the measurement variation within a corrugated container bulge tester by utilizing a gauge repeatability and reproducibility study. Bulge is a type of deformation containers experience when subject to compressive forces such as stacking or internal forces due to under- and over-packaging. Both compressive and internal forces can accelerate the failure of a container by causing panels to flex and flutes to buckle, compromising structural integrity. Additionally, variable environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity can magnify the effect bulge has on a container, speeding up the failure rate of a container.

Acuta Enews March 2011 Vol. 40, No. 3

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Design Of Online Student Fee Committee Proposal Information System, Kenneth Cairns, Gregory (Greg) Jacobson

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

The purpose of this project is to overhaul the IME department’s Student Fee Committee (SFC) proposal system. A web enabled database was designed in order to improve this system. A significant amount of time was spent researching different programming languages, paradigms, and frameworks in order to determine the most logical approach to the system redesign. After a few false leads, it was determined that the most appropriate solution to the problem was to design a C# based web form application using asp.NET technology, developed in Microsoft Visual Studio. A mockup was created in Access in an attempt to determine if …

Discrete Event Simulation Manual: Manufacturing Applications, Brian T. Hughes

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

Simulation, specifically discrete event simulation, is a useful tool for industrial and manufacturing engineers when dealing with system analysis. Currently, manufacturing engineers are only exposed to simulation for only a few weeks of their curriculum at Cal Poly. A series of labs are directed by a teacher’s assistant on how to complete a successful simulation experiment. However, there is no text available for student use during this demanding learning period. The simulation learning process involves learning a software program called ProModel, which students with little experience are expected to code, run, and interpret data from complex systems. By creating a …

Optimization Of Screw Cap Process For E & J Gallo Winery, Robert Trent Latimer

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

This project takes a microscopic look at all raw material, machinery, and practices that effect the screw cap process of wine products in order to highlight and eliminate the causes of defects. The approach for this project involves the analysis of process capability for raw material to achieve its required dimensions. This project also displays methods of attaining appropriate machinery settings, and provides a basis for operating standards. Many quality engineering applications are used throughout this study, revealing the decision process for analyzing said applications.

The studies in this project found uncontrolled dimensions in the suppliers’ caps and bottles and …

Ambulatory Healthcare Utilization In The United States: A System Dynamics Approach, Rafael Diaz, Joshua G. Behr, Mandar Tulpule

VMASC Publications

Ambulatory health care needs within the United States are served by a wide range of hospitals, clinics, and private practices. The Emergency Department (ED) functions as an important point of supply for ambulatory healthcare services. Growth in our aging populations as well as changes stemming from broader healthcare reform are expected to continue trend in congestion and increasing demand for ED services. While congestion is, in part, a manifestation of unmatched demand, the state of the alignment between the demand for, and supply of, emergency department services affects quality of care and profitability. The central focus of this research is …

The Fresh Express Lean Changeover Project, Mario Borbas

Industrial Technology and Packaging

In the current economic turmoil, industry leaders across the globe are resorting to means of increasing efficiency without having a large initial investment.  Lean manufacturing principles have been adopted by companies because of its ability to increase throughput, lower overhead, reduce waste, and increase the overall quality of products.  The value of lean manufacturing solutions has been increasing in the past decade and continues to increase into 2011.

This project is centered on a current situation regarding a changeover process that has recently been made more efficient. The goal is to create new ways to make this same process even …

High-Resolution, Non-Contact Angular Measurement System For Psa/Rsa, Ronald D. Sloat

Master's Theses

A non-contact angular measurement system for Pitch Static Attitude (PSA) and Roll Static Attitude (RSA) of hard disk drive sliders is designed and built. Real-time sampling at over 15 KHz is achieved with accuracy of +/- 0.05 degrees over a range of approximately 2-3 degrees. Measuring the PSA and RSA is critical for hard drive manufacturers to control and improve the quality and reliability of hard drives. Although the hard drive industry is able to measure the PSA and RSA at the subassembly level at this time, there is no system available that is able to measure PSA/RSA at the …

Standardization For Retail Facility Layout For Patagonia, Inc., Derek King

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

The purpose of this project is to create a standard layout for Patagonia retail stores. Currently, Patagonia has no standard layouts to follow when they update or open a new store; this has resulted in improper layouts and not fulfilling customers’ needs. This project will develop a way for Patagonia to solve both of these problems based on statistical engineering. The outcome of this project will result in a standard way for determining the optimal layout for new or updated Patagonia retail stores while meeting the business needs of the location.

Hardy Diagnostics Facility Redesign, Jamie W. Lam

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

This senior project is a facilities design for the plate production room at Hardy Diagnostics. This project was completed using a systematic layout planning approach. The main reason for this redesign was to consolidate all plate line production into one room. This would ensure better visability for the managers. After the project was defined, the different departments were established and the relationships between those departments were found. The space requirements needed for those departments were then measured out to also include the aisle widths and any machinery or carts needed to complete each function. Having determined all requirements for this …

Artificial Neural Networking As A Decision Tool For Natural Gas Investment, Micah D. Denecour

Master's Theses

With the growing interest in the Marcellus Shale and its natural gas deposits, there are opportunities to purchase and hold land for investment purposes. A robust decision tool is needed to help guide investors towards the most profitable properties. Artificial neural networks have many unique benefits that make them an ideal candidate for this purpose.

The artificial neural networks created in this study had nine independent variables. Combinations of these nine variables were created to describe 300 theoretical properties available for purchase. Each of these properties were then evaluated by an expert in the field and given a score from …

Postearthquake Recovery Of A Water Distribution System: Discrete Event Simulation Using Colored Petri Nets, Ronaldo Luna, Nandini Balakrishnan, Cihan H. Dagli

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Planning and preparedness is essential for any resilient infrastructure system. Modeling and simulation give engineers and planners a better understanding of the system and help them make better decisions. the objective of this study is to demonstrate an improved model for the disaster restoration process by using a discrete event simulation approach. the study also aims to help improve the post-earthquake restoration process by simulating restoration curves. in this paper, colored Petri nets are used to model the system and to simulate its behavior. the resource allocation after a rare event such as an earthquake differs from the resource allocation …

Acuta Enews February 2011 Vol. 40, No. 2

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An Exploratory Model For Predicting Post-Consumer Recycled Pet Content In Pet Sheets, Dong Ho Kang, Rafael Auras, Keith Vorst, Jay Singh

Industrial Technology and Packaging

An exploratory model for determining post-consumer recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) content in PET sheets for one specific stream of mechanically recycled PET (RPET) was developed. Six kinds of PET sheets with varying percent of virgin (V) and recycled (R) PET contents (i.e., 100V, 80V20R, 60V40R, 40V60R, 20V80R, and 100R PET) were commercially extruded. The optical, thermal, physicomechanical and barrier properties of the PET sheets were evaluated as function of RPET content. Differences were found between the sheets for UV and visible light absorption in the regions 200–350 nm and 670–700 nm, respectively. Intrinsic viscosities of 100V and 100R PET sheets …