Add to ORKGlJ> ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I express my deeply thankful to Dr. James M. Gregory for the opportunity to study under his guidance and his patience. Dr. Gregory's direction and advice have contributed greatly to the success of this research. This thesis would not have been possible without his help. Special appreciation is offered to Dr. William J. Kolarik for his valuable comments on optimization techniques from basic theory to application. Appreciation is also extended to Dr. Clifford B. Fedler and Dr. J. Walter Oler for their excellent advice and also for serving as members of my graduate committee. I would also like to thank Dr. John Borrelli and prof. Marvin J. Dvoracek for giving me an excellent study environment and financial support....