Operational Research Commons^™

Material Handling In A Flexible Manufacturing Systems Processing Part Families, Paul Savory, Gerald Mackulak, Jeff Cochran

Department of Industrial and Management Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

The objective of this simulation study is to analyze the system performance of a six machine flexible manufacturing system cell in which a material handling system is to be incorporated. The analysis focuses on determining the production potential of the cell by grouping common parts into "families". To accomplish this, computer simulation models are developed using the SIMAN simulation language.

Initially the manufacturing cell is modeled with no material handling system to get an upper bound estimate of production output. We next explore the impact that an automatic guided vehicle (AGV) has on system performance of the manufacturing system cell. …

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 …

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 k_p and A_p. The effects of atmospheric activity were examined both by direct comparison with orbital data, and by using solar and …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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, …

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, …

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 …

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 …

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

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

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 …

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 …

A Goodness-Of-Fit Test For A Family Of Two Parameter Weibulls With Known Shape Using Minimum Distance Estimation Of Parameters, John S. Crown

Theses and Dissertations

This research is to produce a modified Anderson-Darling goodness of fit test for the Weibull distribution when the location parameter is found by minimum distance estimation, the shape parameter is assumed known, and the MLE is used for the scale parameter. The critical values for the Anderson-Darling test are generated via Monte Carlo simulation when both the Anderson-Darling and Cramer-Von Mises distance statistics are minimized. These critical values are then used for a power study. The Monte Carlo simulation used 5000 repetitions for sample sizes of 5,8,12,15,16,20 and 25 with the Weibull shape parameter of . 5(.5)4.0. The power study …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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% …

Location And Routing Of The Defense Courier Service Aerial Network, Steven F. Baker

Theses and Dissertations

This study extends work done by the Military Airlift Command's Analysis Group on reducing the operating costs of the Defense Courier Service aerial network. The study's primary focus is to minimize those costs by varying the number and location of servicing depots, and the routes flown from those depots. The theoretical algorithm used in the methodology is an expansion of Laporte's (1986) formulation of the multiple depot multiple travelling salesmen facility-location problem. Multiple servicing frequency is addressed by clustering co-located demands with Kulkarni's (1985) subtour breaking constraint. Vehicle range is considered by redressing a shortfall of the subtour breaking constraint, …

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).

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. …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …