Thesis Defense by Nicholas Long on April 24th
Space Studies Master’s student, Nicholas Long, will defend his thesis as follows. Please show your support by attending.
When: Thursday, April 24th, 2014 at 3:30 p.m. (Central)
Where: Ryan Hall, Room 111
Title: A Foundational Methodology for Determining System Static Complexity Using Notional Lunar Oxygen Production Processes
About the Topic: This thesis serves to develop a preliminary foundational methodology for evaluating the static complexity of future lunar oxygen production systems when extensive information is not yet available about the various systems under consideration. Evaluating static complexity, as part of a overall system complexity analysis, is an important consideration in ultimately selecting a process to be used in a lunar base. When system complexity is higher, there is generally an overall increase in risk which could impact the safety of astronauts and the economic performance of the mission. To evaluate static complexity in lunar oxygen production, static complexity is simplified and defined into its essential components. First, three essential dimensions of static complexity are investigated, including interconnective complexity, strength of connections, and complexity in variety. Then a set of methods is developed upon which to separately evaluate each dimension. Q-connectivity analysis is proposed as a means to evaluate interconnective complexity and strength of connections. The law of requisite variety originating from cybernetic theory is suggested to interpret complexity in variety. Secondly, a means to aggregate the results of each analysis is proposed to create holistic measurement for static complexity using the Single Multi-Attribute Ranking Technique (SMART). Each method of static complexity analysis and the aggregation technique is demonstrated using notional data for four lunar oxygen production processes.
BIO: Nicholas Long acquired an undergraduate degree in physics with minors in astrophysics and mathematics from the University of Denver. Nicholas is currently finishing his Master’s at UND’s Space Studies program. Nicholas’s research involves exploring the management of future lunar base scenarios. Nicholas would like use the knowledge obtained in his education and apply it to a career in systems engineering or project management at a large aerospace company.
******Those unable to attend in person may view the live webcast******
1) A live webcast which includes PowerPoint slides will be available here. Please note: this option is currently not operational on portable devices/tablets.
2) A simple live webcast is also available here