STUDIES OF THE BUREAU OF YARDS AND DOCKS PROTECTIVE SHELTER. 1. WINTER TRIALS
Abstract
A two-day and a two-week winter trial were conducted in a protective shelter (blast, radio active fallout, and biological and chemical warfare) designed by the Bureau of Yards and Docks. One hundred Navy volunteers served as the shelter subjects. The primary purpose of these trials was to study the engineering features of the shelter. The shelterees, selected from a group of volunteers, were screened both medically and psychologically. Both trials were conducted successfully, with no major difficulties encountered. The ration, basically survival-ration crackers and soup, provided approximately 1800 kilogram calories per man per day. Weight-loss studies indicated that this was a marginal ration. Water was unlimited for drinking purposes but prohibited for personal hygiene; under these conditions, the average total water consumption was 1.8 quarts per man per day. Inlet air temper atures during the trials varied from 12 to 55 F. Although no artificial heating was provided in the shelter, inside temperatures were maintained between 70 and 80 F by adjusting the air-ventilation rate. Hot bunking (50 bunks for 100 men) proved to be an acceptable procedure. Psychological studies indicated that food, lack of water for washing, crowding of the shelter, dirt and behavior of others were the five leading sources of discomfort. By similar measurements, bunks, lights while sleeping, odors and temperature and humidity were considered least bothersome.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 31, 1962
- Accession Number
- AD0405886
Entities
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory