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Air Force Institute of Technology

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Articles 571 - 600 of 609

Full-Text Articles in Operational Research

Effects Of Facility Configurations And Scheduling Techniques On Aircraft Throughput For Warner Robins Alc Paint/Depaint Facilities, David V. Mcelveen Mar 1992

Effects Of Facility Configurations And Scheduling Techniques On Aircraft Throughput For Warner Robins Alc Paint/Depaint Facilities, David V. Mcelveen

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to determine the effects of configuration options and dispatching rules on aircraft throughput for the WR- ALC paint/depaint facilities. A simulation model was constructed and used for this analysis as the primary means to conduct the research. The dispatching rules considered were first come first served, largest number in queue, shortest processing time, and a look ahead heuristic. Due to a reduction in the number of paint aircraft, no configuration option differing from the baseline significantly affected aircraft throughput. Dispatching rules were also found to produce no significant differences on aircraft throughput. Configuration options …


Quantifying The Impact Of The Acquisition Professional Development Program Certification Requirements On The Air Force Institute Of Technology, Paul A. Nicholson Mar 1992

Quantifying The Impact Of The Acquisition Professional Development Program Certification Requirements On The Air Force Institute Of Technology, Paul A. Nicholson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research is to determine the impact of implementing the Acquisition Professional Development Program on the Air Force Institute of Technology. APDP is part of a DOD-wide effort to decrease inefficiency in the procurement process. The program encompasses a tri-level certification process based on experience, training, and educational standards. APDP serves as a guideline for professional development of acquisition personnel from entry to senior level management. Many of the courses required for certification are offered through AFIT School of Systems and Logistics. Integrating the new educational requirements as a standard for career development is expected to produce …


A Sensitivity Analysis Of Circular Error Probable Approximation Techniques, Peter Puhek Mar 1992

A Sensitivity Analysis Of Circular Error Probable Approximation Techniques, Peter Puhek

Theses and Dissertations

Several algebraic CEP estimates models were examined in this study. Each assumes that the crossrange and downrange miss distances of the sample data follow a bivariate normal distribution. The analysis determined the sensitivities of these models to changes in the parameters of sample size, bias, correlation, and ellipticity. The accuracy of each model is expressed in terms of relative error, and the parameter regions in which a certain method dominated as the most accurate were noted. In general, it was found that bias was the most significant parameter in determining the best CEP method. A simple method, based on the …


Spartan: An Instructional High Resolution Land Combat Model, David K. Cox Mar 1992

Spartan: An Instructional High Resolution Land Combat Model, David K. Cox

Theses and Dissertations

This project developed an instructional high resolution land combat simulation model. The purpose of this model is to demonstrate common techniques of modeling used in the present generation of US Army land combat models. This model is stochastic and uses an event scheduling type of discrete event time algorithm. The model represents a maximum of two six-man infantry squads in direct fire combat. The individual soldiers move, search for targets, engage targets, and react to hostile encounters. The data values provided will the model are all. generic and hypothetical. The model is only intended as a demonstration tool and has …


A Response Surface Methodology Study Of Ferroelectric Memory Devices, Kevin C. Smith Mar 1992

A Response Surface Methodology Study Of Ferroelectric Memory Devices, Kevin C. Smith

Theses and Dissertations

Fatigue in ferroelectric memory devices was studied. The application of fatigue pulses to a ferroelectric sample was controlled by the RT-66 Ferroelectric Tester, a variation of the Sawyer-Tower circuit. The RT-66 also controlled data collection following the fatiguing process. Seven variables were evaluated for their potential- affect on fatigue. A sequence of fatigue tests, which varied the settings of these variables, was developed using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) experimental designs. Least-squares regression models were developed once a particular RSM set of design experiments was completed. These models were evaluated using RSM tools, and the analysis of these models allowed the …


Gettysburg: An Analysis Of The Training Value Of Commercial Models, Jude C. Fernan Mar 1992

Gettysburg: An Analysis Of The Training Value Of Commercial Models, Jude C. Fernan

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the possibilities of using commercial combat models/war games dealing with the battle of Gettysburg as aids for the training of soldiers and leaders in the military. With the downsizing of the military and the high cost of training, there exists a need to reduce training costs while not affecting the quality of training. The military employs various military models to assist in training but has yet to fully tap the wealth of commercial combat models. One reason may be the lack of an investigative analysis into the soundness and applicability of commercial combat models to military training. …


A Decision-Theoretic Approach To Recommending Action In The Air-To- Ground Aircraft Of The Future, Garrison H. Flemings Mar 1992

A Decision-Theoretic Approach To Recommending Action In The Air-To- Ground Aircraft Of The Future, Garrison H. Flemings

Theses and Dissertations

Designers of air-to-ground fighters of the future should consider including decision support systems to relieve pilots of some of the present workload. Those decision support systems should use utility theory. This work reviews two techniques of utility theory (decision trees and influence diagrams) and a new technique due to Morlan (probability ratio nets). The work includes a proposed structure for action recommendation systems in air-to-ground fighters of the future. The work describes an implementation of probability ratio nets. The work demonstrates the value of decision theory to air-to-ground fighters of the future by way of solving an example problem and …


An Improved Scheduling Algorithm For Eglin Afb Test Ranges, Jeffrey S. Antes Mar 1992

An Improved Scheduling Algorithm For Eglin Afb Test Ranges, Jeffrey S. Antes

Theses and Dissertations

This research develops an algorithm that integrates into an existing computerized scheduling system to improve the mission scheduling function for Eglin AFB test ranges. The primary objective of this research was to design an improved computerized scheduling aid. The measure of performance for this approach is the number of missions scheduled using this aid as compared to current Eglin capabilities. Constructive heuristics are used in the algorithm to schedule missions according to critical resource groups while ensuring mission priority is not violated. The success of this new interactive scheduling algorithm is measured against a schedule produced by the current computer …


A Computer Based Educational Aid For The Instruction Of Combat Modeling, Richard S. Moore Feb 1992

A Computer Based Educational Aid For The Instruction Of Combat Modeling, Richard S. Moore

Theses and Dissertations

The Air Force Institute of Technology is one of few institutions that teaches combat modeling. Combat models are typically dynamic computer simulations of specialized dynamic processes. Great difficulty exists in portraying these dynamic and recurrent processes with conventional static diagrams. This thesis produced a computer-based instructional aid which presents animated examples of processes common to combat models, demonstrates a simple few-on-few aerial combat model, and encourages student exploration and interaction with these presentations. This aid provides dynamic examples of random number generation, detection processes, target selection, and target destruction. A complete combat model demonstrating a few-on-few air duel is animated …


Swatter (Space-Based Weapons Against Tactical Terrestrial-Based Resources): A Design For Integrating Space Into A Theater Level Wargame, Duane R. Cozadd Dec 1991

Swatter (Space-Based Weapons Against Tactical Terrestrial-Based Resources): A Design For Integrating Space Into A Theater Level Wargame, Duane R. Cozadd

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis provides the foundation to expand the newly developed theater level computerized wargame, SABER, at the Air Force Wargaming Center, Maxwell AFB, Alabama to include space conflict at the theater level of simulation. Building upon the recently completed SABER, this thesis effort expands the conceptual framework of the model by integrating the dynamics of space warfare into the current theater level model. This expansion forms a new game called SWATTER. This thesis adds the space units required to integrate the land and air battles with the possible interactions from space. This thesis expands the stochastic attrition processes to include …


A Dynamic Computer Graphics Model Of Satellite Orbits For Use In Instruction And Analysis, John P. Anton Dec 1991

A Dynamic Computer Graphics Model Of Satellite Orbits For Use In Instruction And Analysis, John P. Anton

Theses and Dissertations

A computer model of satellite orbits was developed to illustrate difficult orbital concepts. It was also designed to analyze the positions of a satellite constellation with respect to locations on the earth as an aid to analysts. A literature review revealed that existing methods relay on drawings, expensive computers, or are satellite system specific, but that it would be possible to develop such a tool for an IMB-compatible personal computer using the Pascal language. Model capabilities selected included (1) a menu driven user interface; (2) a screen display showing satellite locations, ground track, and an earth map in one of …


Preliminary Design Of A Model To Assess The Effect Of Space Surveillance Network (Ssn) Sensor Upgrades On Orbit Prediction Accuracies Relative To The U. S. Anti-Satellite (Asat) Mission, Daniel L. O'Brien Dec 1991

Preliminary Design Of A Model To Assess The Effect Of Space Surveillance Network (Ssn) Sensor Upgrades On Orbit Prediction Accuracies Relative To The U. S. Anti-Satellite (Asat) Mission, Daniel L. O'Brien

Theses and Dissertations

This study gives a basis for implementation of a model to assess the effect of proposed sensor upgrades to the Space Surveillance Network (SSN) to determine if more accurate orbital element set predictions by the Space Surveillance Center (SSC) can be obtained for U.S. anti-satellite (ASAT) targeting. Handoff orbital element set predictions to nearby ASAT facilities for single, low-orbit satellite passes over a single radar sensor are considered. Model development began with simulation of the selected satellites passing over the selected sensors producing baseline truth observations based on the NORAD simplified General Publications (SGP4) model. Sensor errors, in the form …


A Comparative Analysis Of Computer End-User Support In The Air Force And Civilian Organizations, Maureen C. Casey, Douglas A. Kveene Dec 1991

A Comparative Analysis Of Computer End-User Support In The Air Force And Civilian Organizations, Maureen C. Casey, Douglas A. Kveene

Theses and Dissertations

This study compared end-user computing support provided by the Air Force to support provided by civilian organizations with information centers and those without. Factors measured included the end user's demographics, applications used, the effect of computing on perceived confidence, productivity, quality and quantity of output, the importance of various types of support, and satisfaction with the support received from different sources. A survey was administered to 450 Air Force and 265 civilian end users; 416 were returned (response rate of 58.18%). Although there were significant demographic differences between end users, there were no differences in types of support required. Training, …


A Top-Down Performance Analysis Of A Pegasus-Based Space Strike System, Douglas E. Collins Dec 1991

A Top-Down Performance Analysis Of A Pegasus-Based Space Strike System, Douglas E. Collins

Theses and Dissertations

The feasibility of using Pegasus launch vehicle as a conventional weapons platform is examined. Using a top-down approach, the analysis addresses the fundamental question of whether such a system should be considered for development. The measures of effectiveness considered are delivery range, probability of destroying the target, and responsiveness. Each of the measures is assessed at its top-level and analyzed only to the level of detail needed to address the fundamental question. The study indicates that attaining a high probability of destroying the target requires extremely precise control over the burnout conditions and that the system must be on constant …


Radar System Classification Using Neural Networks, David M. Cameron Dec 1991

Radar System Classification Using Neural Networks, David M. Cameron

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated methods of improving the accuracy of neural networks in the classification of large numbers of classes. A literature search revealed that neural networks have been successful in the radar classification problem, and that many complex problems have been solved using systems of multiple neural networks. The experiments conducted were based on 32 classes of radar system data. The neural networks were modelled using a program called the Neural Graphics Analysis System. It was found that the accuracy of the individual neural networks could be increased by controlling the number of hidden nodes, the relative numbers of training …


Analysis Of Orbital Elements And Atmospheric Activity To Ascertain Possible Presence Of An Ion Propulsion Capability Aboard Salyut 7/Cosmos 1686, Kris R. Howard Dec 1991

Analysis Of Orbital Elements And Atmospheric Activity To Ascertain Possible Presence Of An Ion Propulsion Capability Aboard Salyut 7/Cosmos 1686, Kris R. Howard

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to analyze solar and geomagnetic activity in concert with orbital element data for the Soviet space station Salyut 7 as a means toward a determination of the possible use of an ion propulsion source aboard Salyut 7 and the Cosmos 1686 module to which it was docked. Solar activity was represented by sunspot number and 10.7-cm solar radio flux, and geomagnetic activity was represented by the general activity indices kp and Ap. The effects of atmospheric activity were examined both by direct comparison with orbital data, and by using solar and …


Verification And Validation Of The Comprehensive Operational Support Evaluation Model For Space, Lawrence A. Cooper Dec 1991

Verification And Validation Of The Comprehensive Operational Support Evaluation Model For Space, Lawrence A. Cooper

Theses and Dissertations

This study details the verification and validation (V and V) of the Comprehensive Operational Support Evaluation Model for Space (COSEMS). COSEMS is an Ada-based simulation which models spacecraft constellation support concepts such as support from the ground and on-orbit support. While the model is intended for use in analyzing Strategic Defense System concepts, it can easily evaluate non-military satellite constellations. The V&V was confined to a subset of the over 200 subprograms which comprise COSEMS. This subset covered random number generation, reliability, orbital mechanics, and mission planning functions. The study used traces and comparison to other models to perform the …


Improving Stochastic Communication Network Performance: Reliability Vs. Throughput, Leonard J. Jansen Dec 1991

Improving Stochastic Communication Network Performance: Reliability Vs. Throughput, Leonard J. Jansen

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigated the measurement and improvement of two performance parameters, expected flow and reliability, for stochastic communication networks. There were three objectives of this research. The first was to measure the reliability of large stochastic networks. This was accomplished through an investigation into the current methodologies in the literature, with a subsequent selection and application of a factoring program developed by Page and Perry. The second objective was to develop a reliability improvement model given that a mathematical reliability expression did not exist. This was accomplished modeling a heuristic by Jain and Gopal, into a linear improvement model. Finally, …


Separation Of Cloud/No-Cloud Regions In Satellite Imagery Using A Variation Of Hierarchical Clustering Analysis, Charles J. Martin Jr. Dec 1991

Separation Of Cloud/No-Cloud Regions In Satellite Imagery Using A Variation Of Hierarchical Clustering Analysis, Charles J. Martin Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the usefulness of personal-computer-based software applying hierarchical clustering theory to try to separate cloud- covered regions from clear regions using Automated Picture Transmission imagery from the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration's Television Infrared Observation Satellite. The algorithms were developed in Turbo Pascal, Version 6, and are part of the Training Software Image Processing program developed by a professor at the Air Force Institute of Technology. The goal of the project was to see if hierarchical clustering could provide better separation of cloud/no-cloud regions than an existing technique, histogram thresholding, while running on a personal computer. Results of …


The Application Of Statistical Kriging To Improve Satellite Imagery Resolution, Donald W. Mcgee Jr. Dec 1991

The Application Of Statistical Kriging To Improve Satellite Imagery Resolution, Donald W. Mcgee Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

Imagery analysts are always looking for improved methods of analyzing digital satellite imagery. The resolution of satellite imagery can be improved by enlarging the images since the result will be a higher degree of discernable detail. Currently, nearest-neighbor, bilinear interpolation, and cubic convolution techniques are used for this purpose. The nearest-neighbor technique produces block-like images. The latter two methods produce sharp imagery, but the original information contained in the pixel values is changed in the process of convolving the image. These techniques cannot, therefore, be considered true representations of the original image. Kriging is a statistical technique which can be …


Development Of An Operationally-Oriented Measure Of Sustainability, Moira D. Williams Sep 1991

Development Of An Operationally-Oriented Measure Of Sustainability, Moira D. Williams

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis proposes a framework for evaluating sustainability in the Air Force and for determining an appropriate measure of effectiveness that is both meaningful in a military sense and useful in planning and programming decisions. Following a literature review of organizational performance measures and strategy formulation, Michael Porter's Competitive Analysis model for strategy selection was presented. This model was then used to evaluate case studies in which organizations faced strategic decisions and to suggest measures by which these organizations could determine their effectiveness. The model was then shown to be applicable to the Air Force, and recommendations on implementing such …


Operations Research In A New Spanish Air Force Planning System, Antonio Valderrabano Jun 1991

Operations Research In A New Spanish Air Force Planning System, Antonio Valderrabano

Theses and Dissertations

The focus of this research effort was to determine a new Spanish Air Force Planning System. Today's highly technological weapon systems are very expensive, and resources are very scarce. So its selection has to be done very carefully. This process can allow high flexibility, be helpful facing the budgetary problems for all the Air Forces, and also can be easily integrated in a joint defense system. The path defined in this thesis is able to be adapted for different situations. It can be useful for other Services or countries, when their own peculiarities have been set up on the defined …


A Simulation Analysis Of The Usaf Commissary Customer Service Environment In Support Of Afcoms Store-Level Staff Sizing, Bruce H. Fritz Ii Apr 1991

A Simulation Analysis Of The Usaf Commissary Customer Service Environment In Support Of Afcoms Store-Level Staff Sizing, Bruce H. Fritz Ii

Theses and Dissertations

This Thesis sought to determine the probable impact of the proposed Air Force Commissary Service (AFCOMS) manpower standard for customer service (manpower standard) upon commissary operating environments and to investigate the sensitivity of performance parameters within the customer service system. Specific problems addressed were: (1) Comparison of the cashier manpower requirements calculated by the proposed AFCOMS manpower standard to those determined by a simulation model under similar conditions; (2) Calculation of the expected mean and maximum waiting times in the commissary given the proposed standard; and (3) Determination of the sensitivity of customer waiting time performance measures to variations in …


A Prototype Meta-Language And Automated Translator For Decision Analysis Problem Formulation, Jerry R. Puyear Mar 1991

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. …


A Network Flow And Goal Programming Approach To Modeling The Impact Of Pre-Accession Training To The Trained Personnel Requirements Process, William J. Beveridge Mar 1991

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 …


Multicriteria Network Routing Of Tactical Aircraft In A Threat Radar Environment, Ernst K. Isensee Mar 1991

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 …


An Interactive Life Cycle Cost Forecasting Tool, John A. Gibson Iv Mar 1991

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 Solution Methodology For The Variable-Level Scheduling Problem, Dennis R. Benson Mar 1991

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 …


Mapping Efficient Numerical Methods To The Solution Of Multiple Objective Linear Programs, Michael A. Shields Mar 1991

Mapping Efficient Numerical Methods To The Solution Of Multiple Objective Linear Programs, Michael A. Shields

Theses and Dissertations

This investigation was initiated to increase the speed, accuracy and capacity of m-simplex algorithms for solving multiple objective linear programming problems. Specifically, improvements were sought through the application of general numerical techniques. It soon became apparent that the m- simplex algorithm, like the simplex algorithm, is heavily dependent upon the technology of solving related systems of linear equations. The numerical arguments for the application of LU triangular matrix factorization techniques to simplex computations are well known. OF special significance to m-simplex performance is the case of rank-k updates to basis factorizations. A stable and efficient LU approach to the rank-k …


New Modified Anderson-Darling And Cramer-Von Mises Goodness-Of-Fit Tests For A Normal Distribution With Specified Parameters, Goksel Kahya Mar 1991

New Modified Anderson-Darling And Cramer-Von Mises Goodness-Of-Fit Tests For A Normal Distribution With Specified Parameters, Goksel Kahya

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis improves the powers of the Anderson-Darling and Cramer-von Mises goodness-of-fit tests using the mean rank and the median rank plotting positions. A Monte Carlo simulation of 5000 repetitions is used to generate the critical values from n =4 through n =80 for certain significance levels. An extensive power study is performed to compare the powers of the modified tests to the known tests for the uniform, the exponential, the double exponential, the lognormal, and the Weibull distributions. The power of the A-D tests modified by the median rank plotting and the mean rank plotting position are approximately 0.01% …