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Simultaneous estimation and modeling of nonlinear, non-Gaussian state-space systems
Get PDFThis paper presents a framework for simultaneous estimation and modeling of nonlinear, non-Gaussian state-space systems. In the proposed approach, uncertainty in motion model parameters is incorporated to avoid overconfidence in state prediction and better account for modeling inaccuracies. The additional original contribution of a model correction stage improves nonlinear model parameter estimates in order to enhance the accuracy of state estimation. The presented nonlinear/non-Gaussian Simultaneous Estimation And Modeling (SEAM) approach was compared with contemporary estimation techniques using a Monte-Carlo simulation study. This study showed that the proposed method successfully reduces estimation error relative to existing approaches even when substantial model parameter uncertainty and multi-modal sensor noise are present. The framework has potential use in a wide range of applications where state-space estimation is employed, including robotics, signal processing, and controls
Streamlining Experiment Projections for Resolute Bay Incoherent Scatter Radar (RISR) to Facilitate Research of Space Weather Driven Global Positioning System Scintillations
No full textGlobal navigation satellite system (GNSS) signals are used throughout the world for position, navigation, and timing. As these signals travel to Earth\u27s surface from Medium Earth Orbit they can encounter ionospheric scintillation caused by ionospheric plasma irregularities, especially at high latitudes. This ionospheric scintillation is detrimental to GNSS signal strength, accuracy, and confidence. Incoherent scatter radars like Resolute Bay Incoherent Scatter Radar (RISR) are excellent tools for measuring the ionospheric conditions that surround the path of incoming GNSS signals. This paper outlines a process that utilizes Systems Toolkit (STK) and Matrix Laboratory (MATLAB) to streamline the process of identifying valid future conjunctions between GPS signals and RISR radar beams to advance study of the impact of ionospheric scintillations on GNSS signals at high latitudes
System Design of the Rifleman of the Future
No full textThe rifleman will play a crucial role in future conflicts, so it is imperative that the Army outfits them with the right equipment. However, there is a tendency to provide them with every new technology as it becomes available. This results in a situation where the rifleman is overloaded with technology, only some of which is relevant to the mission. This effect can be resolved by treating the rifleman as a system, comprised of a soldier that is integrated with equipment, focused on performing a mission. This study uses model-based systems engineering to design the rifleman of the future, looking out to 2050. This analysis initially develops a functional model of the current rifleman, identifying the functions and subfunctions that they perform. They must be able to shoot, move, communicate, survive, and sustain. These functions are then allocated against the current equipment set including rifles, body-armor, and radios. The functional model is then updated to reflect the future mission set of the rifleman. The updated functional model is aligned against the current equipment set to identify gaps and needs. New technologies are then allocated against these gaps and needs. The goal of this analysis is to divest from science fiction and focus on what the future rifleman will need to win on the battlefield
Dual Teaching: Simultaneous Remote and In-Person Learning During COVID
Get PDFSocial distancing guidelines put in place to combat COVID-19 resulted in a general education introductory information technology course being taught in a dual teaching environment. Each lesson, some students attended in-person while simultaneously others attended remotely. Students alternated each lesson between in-person and remote attendance. We examined whether there was any difference in performance between in-person and remote attendance using an end-of-lesson quiz. For some students the quiz was announced and for others it was unannounced. Additionally, we measured the subjective experience of students via a survey. We found that students attending class in-person performed better on end of class quizzes; the difference was small but statistically significant. In-person students also reported paying more attention, being more engaged, and understanding the lesson material better than remote students. Announcing the quiz did not statistically affect performance, although it did improve the subjective experience of in-person students. Finally, when it comes to dual teaching, both students and instructors prefer in-person or remote teaching. Nevertheless, dual teaching may be an effective approach; there was little difference in final course grades between in-person teaching and dual teaching
Roadmapping the Human Machine Interface between Autonomous Systems and Special Forces Operators
No full textUnited States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) projects that autonomous systems will play a critical role in future conflicts. As such, it is imperative that the human-machine interface (HMI) be optimized such that the autonomous systems can provide the most benefit to USSOCOM operators. Currently, the HMI simply passes commands from the operator to the autonomous system and sends data from the autonomous system back to the operator. However, the HMI can provide numerous other capabilities. For example, it can convert natural language from the operator and translate it into robotic commands to the autonomous system. Meanwhile, it can fuse and analyze data, providing the operator with actionable intelligence. This study performed an in-depth stakeholder analysis to determine what functions are necessary for the optimal HMI. It then used value modeling coupled with market research and combat modeling to develop a technology roadmap to project the evolution of the HMI
The Future of Coal as a Transportation Fuel
No full textDue to environmental concerns and cost issues, coal is currently being phased out from usage in electricity production. Regardless, there remains a massive stockpile of coal reserves along with a large industrial complex and a robust distribution/processing infrastructure. As such, coal should be considered for usage in other energy areas. Since coal is simply a solid hydrocarbon, it can be converted over for usage as a transportation fuel. The Fischer-Tropsch process that underlies this conversion is well established with some countries like South Africa currently using it at large scales. Unfortunately, this conversion process has a large carbon footprint, even when using carbon capture technology. However, the blending of coal-based fuels with biodiesel has been found to be more carbon neutral than standard diesel or biodiesel alone. Additionally, coal can be used as an alternate to methane for hydrogen production. Given carbon capture technologies and the existing coal infrastructure, these two uses of coal provide opportunities for a sustainable and economical use of coal as a transportation fuel
Applying Lean Six Sigma: Personnel Reliability Program
No full textThe Personnel Reliability Program (PRP) monitors over 400 employees who handle controlled chemical or biological agents for the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological Center (CCDC-CBC). The program requires an annual recertification consisting of a medical evaluation, safety training requirements, both in-person and online, and security clearance updates. The annual recertification process begins when a program administrator notifies a PRP enrolled employee to complete their recertification. The process is complete when administrators document the employee’s completion of all recertification requirements. Initial surveys revealed over 20% of employees were dissatisfied with the annual recertification process and over 30% of employees were dissatisfied with the instructions provided to complete the recertification requirements. A Lean Six Sigma study was performed to improve the recertification process and increase employee satisfaction. A secondary goal for the study was to decrease the average cost, per employee, of completing the annual recertification process
A finite element analysis engineering solution to short riveted connections under dynamic loadings
No full textThe research presented in this manuscript focuses on the development of an LS-DYNA finite element model to predict the dynamic shear strength of short riveted lap-spliced specimens. Using data collected from experimental testing at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), a finite element model was developed to replicate the behavior of A502 Grade short riveted connections under quasi-static loading. Subsequent analyses used published Cowper-Symonds constitutive model coefficients to replicate the behavior of these connections under dynamic loading. Computed results were then compared with available test data from ERDC. Given the challenges involved in creating physical models with riveted connections and the abundance of historical bridges constructed with rivets, the developed finite element analysis engineering solution can serve as a critical tool for researchers interested in predicting the response of short riveted connections to dynamic loading and those interested in developing strategies to mitigate against this loading
Creating a Multifarious Cyber Science Major
Get PDFExisting approaches to computing-based cyber undergraduate majors typically take one of two forms: a broad exploration of both technical and human aspects, or a deep technical exploration of a single discipline relevant to cybersecurity. This paper describes the creation of a third approach—a multifarious major, consistent with Cybersecurity Curricula 2017, the ABET Cybersecurity Program Criteria, and the National Security Agency Center for Academic Excellence—Cyber Operations criteria. Our novel curriculum relies on a 10-course common foundation extended by one of five possible concentrations, each of which is delivered through a disciplinary lens and specialized into a highly relevant computing interest area serving society’s diverse cyber needs. The journey began years ago when we infused cybersecurity education throughout our programs, seeking to keep offerings and extracurricular activities relevant in society’s increasingly complex relationship with cyberspace. This paper details the overarching design principles, decision-making process, benchmarking, and feedback elicitation activities. A surprising key step was merging several curricula proposals into a single hybrid option. The new major attracted a strong initial cohort, meeting our enrollment goals and exceeding our diversity goals. We provide several recommendations for any institution embarking on a process of designing a new cyber-named major