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Military installation microgrids need to be resilient to a variety of potential disruptions (storms, attacks, et cetera). Various metrics for assessing microgrid resilience have been described in literature, and multiple tools for simulating microgrid performance have been constructed; however, it is often left to system owners and maintainers to bring these efforts together to identify and realize effective, efficient improvement strategies. Military microgrid stakeholders have expressed a desire for an integrated, unified platform that provides these multiple capabilities in a coordinated fashion. In support of these endeavors, analysis methods developed by NPS and NAVFAC Expeditionary Warfare Center researchers for measuring microgrid resilience have been integrated into an existing web-based microgrid power flow simulation and distributed energy resource rightsizing software tool. This was achieved by the development of additional functions and methods within the existing software platform code base, and expansion of the application programming interface (API). These API additions enabled access to the new calculation and analysis capabilities, as well as increased control over power flow simulation parameters. These analytical and functional contributions were validated through a design of experiments, including comparison to independently generated data, and factorial analysis., Outstanding Thesis, Civilian, Department of the Navy, Civilian, Department of the Navy, Civilian, Department of the Navy, Civilian, Department of the Navy, Civilian, Department of the Navy, Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

The Department of Defense (DOD) underscores the need for real-time system performance feedback, essential for optimizing operational efficiency and informed decision-making in combat scenarios. Key to this endeavor is the digital twin (DT) concept where it can facilitate the shift from traditional time-based maintenance to condition-based maintenance, harnessing advancements in prognostic and health management technologies. This research proposes a notional DT framework for real-time data collection, rooted in the model-based systems engineering (MBSE) approach and integrated with Department of Defense Architecture Framework (DoDAF) 2.0 views. Using the Xerox ElemX 3D printer as a benchmark, the study highlights the DT’s potential in enhancing printer optimization and reliability through predictive capabilities. The Technology Readiness Level and the Validation Square methods of validation were merged for comprehensive evaluation to ensure the DT framework’s transition from conceptual design to functional deployment occurs. The research concludes with forward-looking recommendations, including AI integration into DTs and advanced security protocols., Military Expert 5, Republic of Singapore Navy, Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

Digital engineering is revolutionizing the field of systems engineering. The United States Navy is implementing digital engineering concepts and methods, including digital twins, digital threads, authoritative sources of truth, model-based systems engineering, and digital tools and technologies to design and build complex naval systems. This thesis explores the use of digital engineering for naval system test and evaluation (T&E). It provides an insightful examination of the current state of naval acquisition T&E, explaining associated challenges and limitations that underscore the need for a modern approach. It offers a comprehensive overview of digital engineering, illustrating its impact through several use cases within the Navy and across industry. It proposes a new concept: "digital T&E" as the application of digital engineering methods to the test and evaluation phase of systems engineering. This research reveals how digital T&E can be used to address and overcome present naval T&E challenges. It concludes with a proposed roadmap for implementing a digital T&E approach for the Navy. These insights aim to have practical implications for the naval T&E community, guiding the development of new strategies and policies that harness digital engineering to achieve improved performance and contribute to modernizing the traditional T&E process., Civilian, Department of the Navy, Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

Condensers are critical to the operation of naval vessels that utilize the Rankine cycle for propulsion. Eddy current analysis is a nondestructive evaluation of the integrity of seawater tubes in condensers. Defects significant enough to be expected to allow seawater to leak into the steam side of the condenser prior to the next inspection are identified and plugged. In this paper, the interval between eddy current inspections is determined with a known probability of a tube leak occurring prior to the next inspection based on the results of past inspections. Ship maintainers will be able to optimize the inspection periodicity, thus reducing life-cycle maintenance costs within an acceptable risk. Condenser tube degradation is modeled along with eddy current inspection accuracy to determine the probability of a defect growing to a leak. A case study is presented that evaluates the impacts of inspection frequency and tube-plugging limit on the probability of a leak., Outstanding Thesis, Civilian, Department of the Navy, Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

In every portion of a product’s life cycle, system failures can occur. The DOD and defense contractors use failure analysis methods such as Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Fault Tree Analysis (FTA), which have successfully reduced maintenance downtime and lowered life cycle costs as a result of reducing failures during system operations. However, challenges can hinder the effectiveness of failure analysis and have not been fully addressed due to limitations of current failure analysis and root cause analysis methods. This thesis addresses two of the challenges: (1) incorrectly classified system failures and (2) lack of failure traceability in the system life cycle. A methodology is proposed that incorporates some elements of both FMEA and FTA into a digital twin (DT) by employing the MBSE tool Magic Systems of Systems Architecture (MSOSA) to aid in failure analysis. An MBSE model simulation using an example of an engine is presented to demonstrate the efficacy of the methodology. The results are shown in terms of system operational availability. This research concludes that the approach has potential in emulating the real system’s behavior and can offer a more accurate estimated result. However, due to semantic errors in modeling in MSOSA, the model was unable to generate accurate results as intended. The model’s semantic errors must be addressed before it can be validated by comparing the results from MBSE model and the corresponding real-world system., Civilian, ST Engineering Land Systems Ltd, Singapore, Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

The Department of the Navy’s continued progression from time-based maintenance into condition-based maintenance plus (CBM+) shows the importance of increasing operational availability (Ao) across fleet weapon systems. This capstone uses the concept of digital efficiency from a digital twin (DT) combined with a three-dimensional (3D) direct metal laser melting printer as the physical host on board a surface vessel. The DT provides an agnostic conduit for combining model-based systems engineering with a digital analysis for real-time prognostic health monitoring while improving predictive maintenance. With the DT at the forefront of prioritized research and development, the 3D printer combines the value of additive manufacturing with complex systems in dynamic shipboard environments. To demonstrate that the DT possesses parallel abilities for improving both the physical host’s Ao and end-goal mission, this capstone develops a DT architecture and a high-level model. The model focuses on specific printer components (deionized [DI] water level, DI water conductivity, air filters, and laser motor drive system) to demonstrate the DT’s inherent effectiveness towards CBM+. To embody the system of systems analysis for printer suitability and performance, more components should be evaluated and combined with the ship’s environment data. Additionally, this capstone recommends the use of DTs as a nexus into more complex weapon systems while using a deeper level of design of experiment., Outstanding Thesis, Civilian, Department of the Navy, Commander, United States Navy, Civilian, Department of the Navy, Civilian, Department of the Navy, Civilian, Department of the Navy, Civilian, Department of the Navy, Civilian, Department of the Navy, Civilian, Department of the Navy, Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

Team Icarus created a digital engineering case study based on an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) to provide a robust view of developing an architecture using Cameo Systems Modeler by executing the MagicGrid architecture development methodology. The case study includes connecting this architecture model to directly drive several engineering analysis tools (Excel, MATLAB/Simulink, a Computer Aided Design tool) through middle-ware software (ModelCenter MBSE). The design was refined through a design of experiments and is visualized through software tools (ModelCenter Explore). This case study is provided to Naval Surface Warfare Center–Port Hueneme Division (NSWC PHD) to be a supplement to the training of systems engineers and systems logisticians to fill in the gaps of existing trainings. This case study is also provided to Naval Postgraduate School to supplement the education of current and future students on architecture development and digital engineering., Civilian, Department of the Navy, Civilian, Department of the Navy, Civilian, Department of the Navy, Civilian, Department of the Navy, Civilian, Department of the Navy, Civilian, Department of the Navy, Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

As technology advances and nature becomes more unpredictable, hospitals need to focus on their response to specific threats and their capacity to handle them efficiently. Many studies have shown that due to underfunding, hospitals lack the basic size required to properly service populations. The purpose of this thesis is to build and analyze a model of a local hospital's emergency room operations under typical and surge conditions in terms of resource demand and utilization. The model will analyze emergency room bed capacity based on day-to-day operations and potential threats that could impact the surrounding area, thus creating a surge in bed capacity. This study shows where local resources may be under capacity and provides ways for them to improve their operations by planning a solid budget. Local community planners must understand the challenges and current limitations for their hospitals to receive assistance from state and federal funding sources. If planners do not grow their hospitals to coincide with their cities' population growth, they will continue to fail and provide increasingly inadequate care., Civilian, Department of the Navy, Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

The Department of the Navy’s continued progression from time-based maintenance into condition-based maintenance plus (CBM+) shows the importance of increasing operational availability (Ao) across fleet weapon systems. This capstone uses the concept of digital efficiency from a digital twin (DT) combined with a three-dimensional (3D) direct metal laser melting printer as the physical host on board a surface vessel. The DT provides an agnostic conduit for combining model-based systems engineering with a digital analysis for real-time prognostic health monitoring while improving predictive maintenance. With the DT at the forefront of prioritized research and development, the 3D printer combines the value of additive manufacturing with complex systems in dynamic shipboard environments. To demonstrate that the DT possesses parallel abilities for improving both the physical host’s Ao and end-goal mission, this capstone develops a DT architecture and a high-level model. The model focuses on specific printer components (deionized [DI] water level, DI water conductivity, air filters, and laser motor drive system) to demonstrate the DT’s inherent effectiveness towards CBM+. To embody the system of systems analysis for printer suitability and performance, more components should be evaluated and combined with the ship’s environment data. Additionally, this capstone recommends the use of DTs as a nexus into more complex weapon systems while using a deeper level of design of experiment.

Team Icarus created a digital engineering case study based on an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) to provide a robust view of developing an architecture using Cameo Systems Modeler by executing the MagicGrid architecture development methodology. The case study includes connecting this architecture model to directly drive several engineering analysis tools (Excel, MATLAB/Simulink, a Computer Aided Design tool) through middle-ware software (ModelCenter MBSE). The design was refined through a design of experiments and is visualized through software tools (ModelCenter Explore). This case study is provided to Naval Surface Warfare Center–Port Hueneme Division (NSWC PHD) to be a supplement to the training of systems engineers and systems logisticians to fill in the gaps of existing trainings. This case study is also provided to Naval Postgraduate School to supplement the education of current and future students on architecture development and digital engineering.

The F/A-18 Hornet is an all-weather fighter/attack tactical aircraft with an intended design life of 6,000 flight hours. Increased utilization in numerous recent military campaigns has caused the F/A-18 to reach the end of its intended life sooner than expected. The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) implemented a Service Life Management Plan (SLMP) to extend the F/A-18's service life up to 10,000 flight hours through a series of recurring inspections. While performing these inspections, maintenance personnel oftentimes cause unintended structural damage that requires unscheduled maintenance and negatively impacts system readiness and mission capability. This thesis analyzes repair data records for the Missile Support Rib Door 144 on the F/A-18 Hornet aircraft collected over the last five years and provides a cost-benefit analysis for several risk reduction options for those repairs. While this analysis focuses on this one area of the F/A-18, the same methodology can be applied to other SLMP inspections. This study concludes that by adding one extra day to the inspection timeline and permitting additional O-Level Quality Assurance checks of the preparation process, nearly 50% of all unscheduled SLMP maintenance and the associated negative impact on aircraft readiness can be prevented.

The Naval Surface Warfare Center Port Hueneme Division (NSWC PHD) requires a redesign of the Surface Warfare Engineering Facility (SWEF) to act as a central hub for real-time Navy fleet combat systems distance support from the applicable In-Service Engineering Agent (ISEA). This study produced two architectures for the SWEF-Hub. The first architecture is implementable within a short time and largely creates the central communications station and details activities that it will perform. The second architecture, implementable in the long-term, employs advanced technological concepts including machine learning and condition-based maintenance to help the warfighter perform effective and timely equipment preventative and corrective maintenance, provide the health status of every ship to the departments within NSWC PHD, and streamline decision-making processes and provide enhanced distance support. In addition, SWEF-Hub will provide the capabilities to allow secure data analysis, system software updates, and predictive system analysis. The goal of the SWEF-Hub redesign is to provide secure, efficient use of distance support resources that will result in increased productivity of maintenance and support personnel, increased system availability, increased situational awareness concerning the status of critical systems, and improved customer service to the warfighter., http://archive.org/details/swefdistancesupp1094564135, Civilian, Department of the Navy, Civilian, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Civilian, Department of the Navy, Civilian, Department of the Navy, Civilian, Department of the Navy, Civilian, Department of the Navy, Civilian, Department of the Navy, Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

The Maritime Area Denial Mine with Autonomous Navigation (MADMAN) project provides a means for asserting maritime dominance through integration of intelligence into mines. This project identifies a path toward reinvigorating mine warfare innovation to develop the mine of the future, MADMAN. Modeling and simulation tools reveal that the highest mission success probabilities support an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) option. By integrating current, available systems, a resulting system of systems provides a cost-effective means to develop a mine that is capable of autonomously transiting to a location, arming itself, performing missions, and increasing personnel safety. Using a capability engineering approach, this study identifies an overall target probability of success for the system of systems. This overall success probability decomposes the individual systems and highlights their level of impact on overall success. Analyzing these impacts allows tailoring of each system to provide improved mining and cost savings while meeting project requirements. Resulting collaboration between UUV designers and military engineers ensures a modern arsenal for a modern world.

This thesis conducts a comparative analysis of future Orbital Transportation Systems (OTS). Near future rocket advancements are compared to future capabilities of a well-documented non–rocket based OTS, the space elevator transportation system. Technical and geopolitical impacts of both systems to future space exploration and the space industry are analyzed. Recent multiple new entrants into the space rocket industry are developing larger payload capacity rockets and driving down the cost per kg to orbit. These advances will lead to major improvements in the way spacecraft and satellite engineers will design their future systems with fewer payload constraints and lower total mission cost constraints. While beneficial, these advancements in rockets could have an adverse effect on the continuing efforts to develop alternate OTSs, such as the space elevator, by reducing the research and design (R&D) funding available for those systems. A space elevator offers the promise of consistent daily to-orbit transportation with a very large payload capacity at an extremely inexpensive cost. For these reasons, the space elevator system is worth the continued R&D investment to address major technical challenges in its continued development.

This capstone report examines the concept of combining mobile and stationary underwater sensors into a coherent, distributive network. This project presents a baseline architecture for a data fusion system that facilitates the near real-time exchange of information from disparate sources. This architecture, in turn, provides a basis for further system development, and guides future studies of relevant data/information fusion concepts and technologies for applications to anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and mine warfare. This study uses the unique approach of inverse systems engineering to design an architecture based on the ASW kill chain, and the probability of success in detecting, classifying and tracking underwater objects. The probability of success is then measured against the same probability of success of a human ASW operator to determine the adequacy of design. The team utilized ExtendSim software to model and simulate the architecture to validate functional capability and improved performance over the human ASW operator. The resulting architecture facilitates the successful integration of passive acoustic sensor information with intelligence products and timely distribution of fused data across manned and unmanned platforms. The architecture also allows for future growth into active acoustic sources, environmental data sources, non-traditional ASW sources such as radar, and ESM., http://archive.org/details/datafusionarchit1094559583, Lieutenant, United States Navy, Civilian, Department of the Navy, Commander, United States Navy, Civilian, Department of the Navy, Lieutenant, United States Navy, Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

Condition-based maintenance (CBM) entails performing maintenance only when needed to save on resources and cost. Formulating a model that reflects the behavior of the marine diesel engine in its normal operating conditions would aid in making predictions of the behavior of a condition monitoring parameter. Modeling for CBM is a data-dependent process. Data acquisition, processing, and analysis are required for modeling the behavior of the normal operating conditions of the diesel engine. This thesis leverages on existing data collected through sensors on a diesel engine to describe these conditions using regression analysis. The proposed data selection criteria ensure that data used for modeling are suitable. To model the behavior of the engine, an autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) time series model of engine speed and exhaust gas temperature is derived. The lag length for ARDL is determined by whitening of residuals using the autocorrelation function. Due to non-normality of the residuals, a nonparametric quantile regression approach is adopted, and the derived model allows us to predict the parameter (exhaust gas temperature) that we consider.

This thesis presents a detailed process and model describing how public sector organizations can implement a research and development (R&D) portfolio optimization strategy to maximize the cost-adjusted benefit metric of a portfolio while simultaneously seeking to maintain and improve a national strategic technologic advantage. The model is applied to an R&D dataset from the FY 17 Naval Research Program (NRP) at the Naval Postgraduate School. The process presented follows a framework incorporating proposal filtering for initial selectivity, proposal weighting based on defined criteria and alignment with the organization's mission and purpose, proposal value and risk determinations, and concludes with portfolio optimization. The optimization's objective function sought to maximize the sum of a portfolio's cost-adjusted benefit calculation, subject to remaining within the NRP's research and development budget. The model effectively resulted in predominantly selecting proposals with medium, high and very high probabilities of success in the risk category and valuations predominantly in the medium, high and very high range. The completion of this thesis has provided a new perspective on R&D selection strategies for public sector investment and highlighted the challenges of placing a value on a public sector R&D proposal.

This study presents a proof-of-concept software application capable of producing risk-based estimates for project costs and schedules, tracking project performance against baseline plans, and providing real-time updates for cost and schedule at completion. Current budget and schedule estimation practices within the Department of Defense (DOD) are often performed by different personnel across several software tools. Market research of existing commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) project planning and tracking software shows that tools commonly used by many industries require additional software packages and user training to perform uncertainty analyses. A modeling and simulation experiment demonstrates how using minimum and maximum duration estimates can result in baseline project plans that greatly underestimate and overestimate the project schedule, respectively. The prototype software application integrates the planning and execution tracking of projects. It accounts for uncertainty within the various activities in a project, thus creating more realistic baseline plans. During project execution, the prototype software application shortens the project status feedback cycle, identifies any activities that go over cost or schedule, and guides management action by determining which activities have the greatest impact on the outcome of the project. It is easier to use when compared to current planning and execution tracking software applications.

Space systems today are highly customized systems for which standardized interfaces rarely exist. A majority of the cost can be attributed to nonrecurring engineering costs, since these systems are redesigned each time a space system is procured. As new space systems are developed, the usage of standardized interface can prove to be highly advantageous. The objective of the thesis is to identify key interfaces that can be standardized, and to determine whether the implementation of standardized interfaces on space systems can provide any added benefits such as cost savings, schedule reductions, and a rapid replenishment capability if a system was lost. A satellite functional analysis was performed using IDEF0 models, which indicated that multiple interfaces within each subsystem can be standardized. The biggest return on investment in terms of interface standardization would come from the Command and Data Handling and Electrical Power subsystem, since each component onboard will require, at a minimum, a single data and power interface. As a result of utilizing a standard interface, cost savings can be realized through efficiencies in design and manufacturing, and allow for a rapid replenishment capability for any systems that are lost due to any type of failure. The research concludes with recommendations for standardization by subsystem and function, based on the IDEF0 analysis.

The goal of this thesis is to improve Department of Defense (DOD) policy and guidance to help program managers and product support managers effectively employ Performance Based Logistics (PBL) as a product support strategy. If properly utilized, a PBL approach can reduce a weapon system’s life cycle cost, increase its availability to the warfighter, and reduce the logistics footprint traditionally required to sustain it. This thesis contains a thorough analysis of the most current and relevant DOD policies and guidance to determine if it adequately supports implementation of PBL. A model is presented to aid readers through the analysis of the selected documentation to identify areas where policy refinement and additional guidance may improve understanding and awareness of PBL. This thesis makes recommendations on closing the identified information gaps with the aim to strengthen PBL policies and procedures. Major findings that trend across the reviewed documents or pose significant problems for implementing PBL are addressed with recommendations. The desired result of this research is to improve existing PBL policy and guidance in order to ultimately provide affordable and effective weapons systems in the defense of our nation.

Nano-satellites have grown in popularity and capability since the 1990s. Over ninety were launched into low earth orbit between November 2013 and January 2014. Various Department of Defense services and agencies, including the Department of the Navy, have funded a number of demonstration missions that are being evaluated for military utility. While nano-satellites cost significantly less than traditional space missions, they also provide less capability. A quantitative method is required to determine the cost-effectiveness of nano-satellite missions to inform naval decision-makers. This thesis develops a framework to compare the cost-effectiveness of nano-satellites. After examining different methods of quantifying small-satellite performance and cost, a generic cost-effectiveness model is developed. The model is demonstrated using two hypothetical scenarios where both nano-satellite and traditional satellite options are considered.

Delivering electrical power to remote military bases can be an expensive and dangerous task. The idea of delivering renewable power to remote military bases through space-based solar power has existed for many years, but has not yet materialized. This research sought to examine existing studies and leverage their findings to determine a systems architecture and subsequent design alternatives that could deliver space-based solar power to a military base in Afghanistan. Three design alternatives were created and were based on the defined systems architecture. The system attributes vary by design alternative, to include transmitter size, rectenna size, power transmitted, mass of components, and number of launches required. The design attributes were weighted accordingly to stakeholder objectives. In turn, the entire design alternative was given a Measure of Effectiveness score. This score was used to determine the most effective design alternative among the designs presented in this research. The result is one of the three designs conclusively meets stakeholder requirements and is more effective than the others, yet further research should be done to improve the design and address other concerns, such as the extremely high cost of the system and the potential environmental and safety issues of the high-power microwave beam.

The most effective distribution system, capable of delivering 42.9 million gallons of biofuel annually to the Department of Defense aviation assets in the state of Hawaii, consists of the combination of pipeline and trucks. A tailored system engineering process using Analytical Hierarchy Process assessed stakeholders requirements into quantifiable metrics, and used CORE to develop a functional architecture to trace these needs. The modeling software ExtendSim was used to simulate various alternatives of a distribution system comprised of pipeline and/or trucks to deliver a required capacity of the pre-mixed biofuel blend. Environmental risks of the system were assessed, and a Master Logic Diagram was used to identify ways to manage risk. Based on this analysis the capabilities and benefits of this combination system outweigh the potential risks associated with its operation. An analysis of alternatives confirmed that in terms of performance and cost, the most efficient distribution system takes part in two stages. First is the transportation of biofuel from the refinery to the Red Hill Storage Facility via the pipeline that is currently in place. From this point, trucks load the biofuel at the pumping station to continue delivery to the customers.

The objective of this study was to determine a methodology for implementing feedback loops into a logical, automated, computer assisted probability assessment tool. A tool exists called the GO program, which allows for systems to be modeled in a block diagram or schematic format and then analyzed in a structured manner to determine the probabilities of outcome events. The challenge was to incorporate a method for analyzing feedback loops. Given the difficulty involved with using computer code to analyze feedback loops, reliability engineers would normally create two separate models. To allow for a single model to be used and achieve consistent and repeatable results, a methodology for creating multiple layers of feedback loops in increasing complexity has been analyzed for use with the GO program. Monte Carlo simulations for each of these representative models have been constructed and analyzed to validate the adequacy of the GO program to effectively create probabilities of event success and failure. With the demonstrated ability of the GO program to correctly model feedback loops, it clears a path for the Department of Defense to investigate the benefits of adopting a standardized approach for the analyses of complex systems., http://archive.org/details/computeridedmeth109453966, US Air Force (USAF) author., Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

In the summer of 2008, the Global Combat Support System Marine Corps (GCSS-MC) breached both cost and schedule in development of their ERP system. In addition, Navy ERP has had problems, GCSS-Army has been delayed, and the Air Force Expeditionary Combat Support System (ECSS) is currently rebaselining their program. Why are all of these DoD ERP system development efforts having difficulty and is there a better way to implement ERP systems in the DoD? This research focuses on DoD ERP implementation efforts ongoing in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. A macro-level review of six DoD ERP implementations provides a historical perspective reflecting the difficulty all have had in developing their respective ERP systems. A micro-level review of the GCSS-MC program identifies systems engineering challenges the program has faced. The conclusion is that all Service Components have similar requirements and all struggle with development of their respective ERP solution. Much money has been and continues to be spent on ERP implementation and each implementation has taken much more time than was originally planned. It is important for the DoD to take a hard look at how the current ERP solutions have been developed and determine alternate ways to develop similar systems in the future. The DoD cannot afford the billions of dollars that have been spent on multiple system developments and needs to figure out a way to consolidate efforts between the Service Components. These consolidated efforts may provide not only an expedited system development effort but also a common system that can be centrally managed and used to breakdown the unique stove pipe processes within each Service and transform logistics chain management as it is known today., http://archive.org/details/implementationch109455223, Outstanding Thesis, US Marine Corps (USMC) author, Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

The logistics required to supply military forces based in remote hostile territory can be onerous. A major component of those supplies is the fuel required to operate generators that provide electrical power. This research sought to determine the feasibility for a space-based system using wireless power transfer technology to relay power to a remote base from a location with a commercial grid. The two wireless power transfer methods examined in this research both use electro-magnetic radiation. One method operates in the part of the spectrum known as radio using high power transmitters and the other operates in the near infrared using lasers. These two methods were integrated into architectures and modeled and analyzed to determine which one was the more feasible. The result is that while both methods are possible the radio wireless power transfer method loses far more power from end to end than does the laser method and also needs to be in a far lower orbit in order to operate at all, requiring more spacecraft for global coverage. The laser based relay does have many challenges however including weather effects and safety concerns.

As part of a Naval Postgraduate School's capstone project in Systems Engineering, a project team from cohort 311-081 performed a Systems Engineering analysis of an Advanced Sea Base Enabler (ASE). For a sea base to be truly beneficial a capability must exist that supports efficiently transporting needed materiel from the sea base to the desired debarkation point. The capability must support peace-time, non-combat operations' and war-time, combat operations' logistics and support needs. The solution must be cost effective and capable of operating under all environmental conditions, including sea states, under which necessary military operations are expected to take place and must support a transport rate sufficient to ensure materiel is delivered within operational time requirements. The proposed ASE is intended to fully enable the potential of the sea base. The bulk of effort by the team was on collection, analysis and validation of operational requirements, functional analysis based on the operational requirements, consideration of possible alternatives compared to the collected requirements, prioritizing the alternatives based on stakeholder priorities and selection and documentation of a preferred alternative. Addtionally, the team conducted cost analysis and risk analysis, as well as a limited simulation study., http://archive.org/details/advancedsebaseen109456943

This study's purpose was to identify opportunities to improve the P-8A test working description (TWD) process in support of the P-8A test program. This study researched other NAVAIR test programs that used a contractor and government integrated test approach. This study determined the proper balance of improvements to support the approval of TWDs to keep pace with the testing. The process was functionally decomposed to look for process redundancies, choke points and out-of-sequence sub-processes. Two changes were identified and implemented that reduced the process from five phases to four phases. Corel's iGrafx software was selected to model the process. The model varied TWD development time and test team resource level to analyze alternative TWD development process concepts. Alternatives examined excursions from a baseline condition that was limited by the existing team resource level (the lower bound) to an upper bound that assumed unconstrained resources. The upper bound conditions represented the earliest time the TWDs could be completed. Additional alternatives were analyzed until an "optimal" resource level was found that would support the test program. It is recommended this type of modeling be applied to other test programs and systems engineering processes to improve their efficiency., http://archive.org/details/improvingndincre109454590, Naval Air Warfare Center, Patuxent River (MD) author (civilian)., Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

Technology advancement is a primary goal for military space development. By staying ahead of the competition, space systems can offer unique battlefield capabilities. A number of space programs are increasingly behind schedule, over budget, and underperforming. This thesis explains the benefits the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) Secondary Payload Adapter (ESPA) ring can offer programs experiencing technical immaturity or desiring responsive space. By understanding and adhering to the ESPA Rideshare Users Guide and the Auxiliary Payload Interface Control Document, programs desiring a ride aboard an ESPA-configured EELV will achieve greater success and have fewer issues in the launch vehicle-to-satellite integration process. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has published many reports offering proven process requirements that will result in increasing the odds of program success. By studying the benefits an ESPA ring offers, many processes recommended by the GAO can be implemented resulting in better cost and schedule performance. The research performed involves launch vehicles and their current state, along with a description of rideshare integration. The analytical results, along with findings of successful and struggling space programs, are then used to show how the ESPA system can advance program readiness from the laboratory to the operational environment., http://archive.org/details/eelvsecondarypay109455491, Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

Outsourcing entered the lexicon during the 1980s and today is a standard practice in the Department of Defense. Contractors are now filling jobs that traditionally have been held by government employees. As yearly budgets change, the decision to outsource or not outsource government jobs has placed a significant burden on project managers. This thesis focuses on the dynamic modeling of a work force labor mix consisting of civilian and contractor workers. It gives the government manager a tool to determine the optimum work force numbers for a given work load demand. It is envisioned that local managers will be able to use this study to make a more balanced and informed decision when hiring civilian and contract workers., http://archive.org/details/adynamicmodelofw109453908, Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division author (civilian)., Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

commercial SATCOM, evaluates current predictions for military use of commercial SATCOM, and describes measures of effectiveness that can be used to evaluate the various SATCOM options. In culmination, this thesis defines what constitutes an appropriate balance of military and commercial SATCOM usage using cost, technical, and policy compliance measures of effectiveness. The measures of effectiveness lead to a recommendation of a more deliberate, less ad hoc use of commercial SATCOM for the vast majority of military SATCOM needs., http://archive.org/details/annalysisofmilit109453991, US Air Force (USAF) author., Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

This paper presents evidence that the United States military and intelligence communities have a history of focusing on hardware while neglecting the need to examine processes. It proceeds to illustrate that current ORS initiatives appear to be doing the same. A case study is presented highlighting the ramifications of neglecting processes when trying to improve operations. ISR tasking is examined, including the potential that politics exerts influences upon the process. The concept of Operationally Responsive Tasking is presented, not as a specific methodology for tasking satellites, but as a generalized model offering insight into the ramifications of certain tasking process design decisions. Specific constructs introduced include Tasking Depth, Tasking Breadth, Petitioner Tasking, and Supplicant Tasking. The model is shown to offer insight into tasking process modifications and their impacts. The potential for the Virtual Mission Operations Center software to implement the ability to modify a tasking process on-demand is discussed. VMOC is shown to be a sound platform for implementing the basic concepts of ORT, including reducing the expertise required to utilize ISR satellites through the use of ontologies. Responsiveness is shown to be a limited resource that is tied to the capacity of collection assets. Specific recommendations for further research into mathematical models to guide tasking process decisions are offered., http://archive.org/details/operationallyres109455489, Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

The Department of Defense and, subsequently, the U.S. Navy have embraced a strategy of exerting influence through information dominance versus amassing a large presence. This philosophy, called Net-centric Warfare, uses sensor and network technology to leverage naval platforms towards realizing effects previously achievable only by a larger force. In adapting this strategy, the U.S. Navy has realized many benefits, but has also increased its reliance on the technologies implementing Net-centric Warfare. One such technology is the U.S. Navy's future Military SATCOM terminal, the Navy Multiband Terminal, which will provide critical off-ship bandwidth required for these leveraging effects. The Navy plans to sustain the NMT system using the same methods as previous systems. When considering Operational Availability, these legacy methods do not adequately address attributes affecting system performance, creating a risk the NMT system will not perform as needed to successfully execute Net-centric Warfare. This risk can be managed by transitioning away from traditional methods to those utilizing online collaborative technologies. These technologies, coined 'Web 2.0," center around member participation to foster communities. Much like the philosophy of Net-centric warfare, these communities leverage the experience of individuals to the benefit of the entire community., http://archive.org/details/collaborativeonl109454523, Assistant Program Manager author (civilian)., Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

This paper presents evidence that the United States military and intelligence communities have a history of focusing on hardware while neglecting the need to examine processes. It proceeds to illustrate that current ORS initiatives appear to be doing the same. A case study is presented highlighting the ramifications of neglecting processes when trying to improve operations. ISR tasking is examined, including the potential that politics exerts influences upon the process. The concept of Operationally Responsive Tasking is presented, not as a specific methodology for tasking satellites, but as a generalized model offering insight into the ramifications of certain tasking process design decisions. Specific constructs introduced include Tasking Depth, Tasking Breadth, Petitioner Tasking, and Supplicant Tasking. The model is shown to offer insight into tasking process modifications and their impacts. The potential for the Virtual Mission Operations Center software to implement the ability to modify a tasking process on-demand is discussed. VMOC is shown to be a sound platform for implementing the basic concepts of ORT, including reducing the expertise required to utilize ISR satellites through the use of ontologies. Responsiveness is shown to be a limited resource that is tied to the capacity of collection assets. Specific recommendations for further research into mathematical models to guide tasking process decisions are offered.

Technology advancement is a primary goal for military space development. By staying ahead of the competition, space systems can offer unique battlefield capabilities. A number of space programs are increasingly behind schedule, over budget, and underperforming. This thesis explains the benefits the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) Secondary Payload Adapter (ESPA) ring can offer programs experiencing technical immaturity or desiring responsive space. By understanding and adhering to the ESPA Rideshare Users Guide and the Auxiliary Payload Interface Control Document, programs desiring a ride aboard an ESPA-configured EELV will achieve greater success and have fewer issues in the launch vehicle-to-satellite integration process. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has published many reports offering proven process requirements that will result in increasing the odds of program success. By studying the benefits an ESPA ring offers, many processes recommended by the GAO can be implemented resulting in better cost and schedule performance. The research performed involves launch vehicles and their current state, along with a description of rideshare integration. The analytical results, along with findings of successful and struggling space programs, are then used to show how the ESPA system can advance program readiness from the laboratory to the operational environment.

In the summer of 2008, the Global Combat Support System Marine Corps (GCSS-MC) breached both cost and schedule in development of their ERP system. In addition, Navy ERP has had problems, GCSS-Army has been delayed, and the Air Force Expeditionary Combat Support System (ECSS) is currently rebaselining their program. Why are all of these DoD ERP system development efforts having difficulty and is there a better way to implement ERP systems in the DoD? This research focuses on DoD ERP implementation efforts ongoing in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. A macro-level review of six DoD ERP implementations provides a historical perspective reflecting the difficulty all have had in developing their respective ERP systems. A micro-level review of the GCSS-MC program identifies systems engineering challenges the program has faced. The conclusion is that all Service Components have similar requirements and all struggle with development of their respective ERP solution. Much money has been and continues to be spent on ERP implementation and each implementation has taken much more time than was originally planned. It is important for the DoD to take a hard look at how the current ERP solutions have been developed and determine alternate ways to develop similar systems in the future. The DoD cannot afford the billions of dollars that have been spent on multiple system developments and needs to figure out a way to consolidate efforts between the Service Components. These consolidated efforts may provide not only an expedited system development effort but also a common system that can be centrally managed and used to breakdown the unique stove pipe processes within each Service and transform logistics chain management as it is known today.

This study's purpose was to identify opportunities to improve the P-8A test working description (TWD) process in support of the P-8A test program. This study researched other NAVAIR test programs that used a contractor and government integrated test approach. This study determined the proper balance of improvements to support the approval of TWDs to keep pace with the testing. The process was functionally decomposed to look for process redundancies, choke points and out-of-sequence sub-processes. Two changes were identified and implemented that reduced the process from five phases to four phases. Corel's iGrafx software was selected to model the process. The model varied TWD development time and test team resource level to analyze alternative TWD development process concepts. Alternatives examined excursions from a baseline condition that was limited by the existing team resource level (the lower bound) to an upper bound that assumed unconstrained resources. The upper bound conditions represented the earliest time the TWDs could be completed. Additional alternatives were analyzed until an "optimal" resource level was found that would support the test program. It is recommended this type of modeling be applied to other test programs and systems engineering processes to improve their efficiency.

As part of a Naval Postgraduate School's capstone project in Systems Engineering, a project team from cohort 311-081 performed a Systems Engineering analysis of an Advanced Sea Base Enabler (ASE). For a sea base to be truly beneficial a capability must exist that supports efficiently transporting needed materiel from the sea base to the desired debarkation point. The capability must support peace-time, non-combat operations' and war-time, combat operations' logistics and support needs. The solution must be cost effective and capable of operating under all environmental conditions, including sea states, under which necessary military operations are expected to take place and must support a transport rate sufficient to ensure materiel is delivered within operational time requirements. The proposed ASE is intended to fully enable the potential of the sea base. The bulk of effort by the team was on collection, analysis and validation of operational requirements, functional analysis based on the operational requirements, consideration of possible alternatives compared to the collected requirements, prioritizing the alternatives based on stakeholder priorities and selection and documentation of a preferred alternative. Addtionally, the team conducted cost analysis and risk analysis, as well as a limited simulation study.

The Department of Defense and, subsequently, the U.S. Navy have embraced a strategy of exerting influence through information dominance versus amassing a large presence. This philosophy, called Net-centric Warfare, uses sensor and network technology to leverage naval platforms towards realizing effects previously achievable only by a larger force. In adapting this strategy, the U.S. Navy has realized many benefits, but has also increased its reliance on the technologies implementing Net-centric Warfare. One such technology is the U.S. Navy's future Military SATCOM terminal, the Navy Multiband Terminal, which will provide critical off-ship bandwidth required for these leveraging effects. The Navy plans to sustain the NMT system using the same methods as previous systems. When considering Operational Availability, these legacy methods do not adequately address attributes affecting system performance, creating a risk the NMT system will not perform as needed to successfully execute Net-centric Warfare. This risk can be managed by transitioning away from traditional methods to those utilizing online collaborative technologies. These technologies, coined 'Web 2.0," center around member participation to foster communities. Much like the philosophy of Net-centric warfare, these communities leverage the experience of individuals to the benefit of the entire community.

Outsourcing entered the lexicon during the 1980s and today is a standard practice in the Department of Defense. Contractors are now filling jobs that traditionally have been held by government employees. As yearly budgets change, the decision to outsource or not outsource government jobs has placed a significant burden on project managers. This thesis focuses on the dynamic modeling of a work force labor mix consisting of civilian and contractor workers. It gives the government manager a tool to determine the optimum work force numbers for a given work load demand. It is envisioned that local managers will be able to use this study to make a more balanced and informed decision when hiring civilian and contract workers.

commercial SATCOM, evaluates current predictions for military use of commercial SATCOM, and describes measures of effectiveness that can be used to evaluate the various SATCOM options. In culmination, this thesis defines what constitutes an appropriate balance of military and commercial SATCOM usage using cost, technical, and policy compliance measures of effectiveness. The measures of effectiveness lead to a recommendation of a more deliberate, less ad hoc use of commercial SATCOM for the vast majority of military SATCOM needs.

The objective of this study was to determine a methodology for implementing feedback loops into a logical, automated, computer assisted probability assessment tool. A tool exists called the GO program, which allows for systems to be modeled in a block diagram or schematic format and then analyzed in a structured manner to determine the probabilities of outcome events. The challenge was to incorporate a method for analyzing feedback loops. Given the difficulty involved with using computer code to analyze feedback loops, reliability engineers would normally create two separate models. To allow for a single model to be used and achieve consistent and repeatable results, a methodology for creating multiple layers of feedback loops in increasing complexity has been analyzed for use with the GO program. Monte Carlo simulations for each of these representative models have been constructed and analyzed to validate the adequacy of the GO program to effectively create probabilities of event success and failure. With the demonstrated ability of the GO program to correctly model feedback loops, it clears a path for the Department of Defense to investigate the benefits of adopting a standardized approach for the analyses of complex systems.

This study investigated the airwake of an AOR Class model ship to provide basic flow pattern and velocity information to aid in solving the elusive problem of blade strikes experienced by H-46 helicopters when they engage or disengage rotors aboard AOR ships. This investigation used the NPS flow visualization tunnel modified to simulate the atmospheric boundary layer. A detailed visualization was completed of the airflow near the flight deck area of a four-foot model in a stationary mode, utilizing helium bubbles, smoke, photographic and video equipment. The results show that the airwake is usually made up of two regions, one that is relatively smooth and one that is extremely turbulent. The dividing line is a shear layer that is created from the air flowing around the port face of the hangar. Another feature found both in the flow visualization, as well as the velocity measurements, was the presence of a significant upward component of flow over the port edge of the flight deck. It was found that this flow had nearly the same speed as the velocity measured at the ship's anemometer position but was inclined at an angle of between 15 and 25 degs. This upward flow, combined with the highly variable recirculations over the flight deck could be a significant contributing factor in the occurrence of blade strikes. In addition, some attempts were made to eliminate some of the more unruly flow patterns by using curved deflectors. These attempts had some success but will require further study.

This study investigated the airwake of an AOR Class model ship to provide basic flow pattern and velocity information to aid in solving the elusive problem of blade strikes experienced by H-46 helicopters when they engage or disengage rotors aboard AOR ships. This investigation used the NPS flow visualization tunnel modified to simulate the atmospheric boundary layer. A detailed visualization was completed of the airflow near the flight deck area of a four-foot model in a stationary mode, utilizing helium bubbles, smoke, photographic and video equipment. The results show that the airwake is usually made up of two regions, one that is relatively smooth and one that is extremely turbulent. The dividing line is a shear layer that is created from the air flowing around the port face of the hangar. Another feature found both in the flow visualization, as well as the velocity measurements, was the presence of a significant upward component of flow over the port edge of the flight deck. It was found that this flow had nearly the same speed as the velocity measured at the ship's anemometer position but was inclined at an angle of between 15 and 25 degs. This upward flow, combined with the highly variable recirculations over the flight deck could be a significant contributing factor in the occurrence of blade strikes. In addition, some attempts were made to eliminate some of the more unruly flow patterns by using curved deflectors. These attempts had some success but will require further study., http://archive.org/details/astudyofirwakeer1094537995, Lieutenant, United States Navy, Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

Nano-satellites have grown in popularity and capability since the 1990s. Over ninety were launched into low earth orbit between November 2013 and January 2014. Various Department of Defense services and agencies, including the Department of the Navy, have funded a number of demonstration missions that are being evaluated for military utility. While nano-satellites cost significantly less than traditional space missions, they also provide less capability. A quantitative method is required to determine the cost-effectiveness of nano-satellite missions to inform naval decision-makers. This thesis develops a framework to compare the cost-effectiveness of nano-satellites. After examining different methods of quantifying small-satellite performance and cost, a generic cost-effectiveness model is developed. The model is demonstrated using two hypothetical scenarios where both nano-satellite and traditional satellite options are considered., http://archive.org/details/determiningcoste1094543959, Outstanding Thesis, Civilian, Department of the Navy, Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

The goal of this thesis is to improve Department of Defense (DOD) policy and guidance to help program managers and product support managers effectively employ Performance Based Logistics (PBL) as a product support strategy. If properly utilized, a PBL approach can reduce a weapon system’s life cycle cost, increase its availability to the warfighter, and reduce the logistics footprint traditionally required to sustain it. This thesis contains a thorough analysis of the most current and relevant DOD policies and guidance to determine if it adequately supports implementation of PBL. A model is presented to aid readers through the analysis of the selected documentation to identify areas where policy refinement and additional guidance may improve understanding and awareness of PBL. This thesis makes recommendations on closing the identified information gaps with the aim to strengthen PBL policies and procedures. Major findings that trend across the reviewed documents or pose significant problems for implementing PBL are addressed with recommendations. The desired result of this research is to improve existing PBL policy and guidance in order to ultimately provide affordable and effective weapons systems in the defense of our nation., http://archive.org/details/annalysisofdepar1094547253, Civilian, United States Air Force, Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

Space systems today are highly customized systems for which standardized interfaces rarely exist. A majority of the cost can be attributed to nonrecurring engineering costs, since these systems are redesigned each time a space system is procured. As new space systems are developed, the usage of standardized interface can prove to be highly advantageous. The objective of the thesis is to identify key interfaces that can be standardized, and to determine whether the implementation of standardized interfaces on space systems can provide any added benefits such as cost savings, schedule reductions, and a rapid replenishment capability if a system was lost. A satellite functional analysis was performed using IDEF0 models, which indicated that multiple interfaces within each subsystem can be standardized. The biggest return on investment in terms of interface standardization would come from the Command and Data Handling and Electrical Power subsystem, since each component onboard will require, at a minimum, a single data and power interface. As a result of utilizing a standard interface, cost savings can be realized through efficiencies in design and manufacturing, and allow for a rapid replenishment capability for any systems that are lost due to any type of failure. The research concludes with recommendations for standardization by subsystem and function, based on the IDEF0 analysis., http://archive.org/details/examinationofben1094547294, Civilian, Space Exploration Technologies, Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

This study presents a proof-of-concept software application capable of producing risk-based estimates for project costs and schedules, tracking project performance against baseline plans, and providing real-time updates for cost and schedule at completion. Current budget and schedule estimation practices within the Department of Defense (DOD) are often performed by different personnel across several software tools. Market research of existing commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) project planning and tracking software shows that tools commonly used by many industries require additional software packages and user training to perform uncertainty analyses. A modeling and simulation experiment demonstrates how using minimum and maximum duration estimates can result in baseline project plans that greatly underestimate and overestimate the project schedule, respectively. The prototype software application integrates the planning and execution tracking of projects. It accounts for uncertainty within the various activities in a project, thus creating more realistic baseline plans. During project execution, the prototype software application shortens the project status feedback cycle, identifies any activities that go over cost or schedule, and guides management action by determining which activities have the greatest impact on the outcome of the project. It is easier to use when compared to current planning and execution tracking software applications., http://archive.org/details/planningtoexecut1094547326, Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

The F/A-18 Hornet is an all-weather fighter/attack tactical aircraft with an intended design life of 6,000 flight hours. Increased utilization in numerous recent military campaigns has caused the F/A-18 to reach the end of its intended life sooner than expected. The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) implemented a Service Life Management Plan (SLMP) to extend the F/A-18's service life up to 10,000 flight hours through a series of recurring inspections. While performing these inspections, maintenance personnel oftentimes cause unintended structural damage that requires unscheduled maintenance and negatively impacts system readiness and mission capability. This thesis analyzes repair data records for the Missile Support Rib Door 144 on the F/A-18 Hornet aircraft collected over the last five years and provides a cost-benefit analysis for several risk reduction options for those repairs. While this analysis focuses on this one area of the F/A-18, the same methodology can be applied to other SLMP inspections. This study concludes that by adding one extra day to the inspection timeline and permitting additional O-Level Quality Assurance checks of the preparation process, nearly 50% of all unscheduled SLMP maintenance and the associated negative impact on aircraft readiness can be prevented., Civilian, Department of the Navy, Approved for public release. distribution is unlimited