Date of Award

3-26-2015

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Engineering Management

Department

Department of Systems Engineering and Management

First Advisor

Vhance V. Valencia, PhD.

Abstract

Additive manufacturing is a relatively new technique that is gaining popularity in many applications. This research examines the possibilities for the integration of additive manufacturing (AM) machines in United States Air Force civil engineer (CE) contingency operations. A Delphi study was conducted that combined the knowledge and experience of experts in both the AM industry and the Air Force CE community to forecast the possible benefits and drawbacks of this novel AM application. The results of this Delphi study indicate that including an AM machine would be beneficial in meeting deployed Air Force CE requirements. Further, AM technology has reached a point that a pilot study would be beneficial to validate the benefits of including an AM machine in CE operations. Proposed goals of, and a design for this study are presented. Further, the results indicate that within the next five years, AM technology will have progressed far enough that a full-scale deployment of AM machines to meet Air Force CE contingency requirements will be beneficial.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-ENV-MS-15-M-161

DTIC Accession Number

ADA616165

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