Use of Mathematical Programming and Response Surface Methodology in Optimizing the Airlift Force Structure in a Far Eastern Theater of Operation

摘要

This thesis refines an earlier demonstrated methodology which combines response surface methodology and experimental design concepts to describe the output of a deterministic model. In an effort to maximize the combat power delivered to a theater commander, several critical factors are varied to determine their impact upon the delivery of men and equipment to the objective area. The effects of time, materials handling equipment capability, airfield ramp space, distance between the Aerial Port of Debarkation and Forward Operating Location, the availability and capabilities of different aircraft, and the impact of aircraft attrition are examined in the model. This model does not use metric ton-miles per day as a measure of effectiveness, but rather it places a time dependent value on the delivery of combat units to the objective area. The deterministic model includes 168 equations and 288 different variables. A response surface was generated using an appropriate experimental design, with the response surface predictions averaging greater than a 96 percent level of accuracy.