PHYSIOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF THE BRITISH MARK VII SUBMARINE ESCAPE IMMERSION SUIT DURING IMMERSION

Abstract

This study determines the general performance and survival time afforded by the British Mark VII Submarine Escape Immersion Suit (SEIS), in 29 degrees F. water, 10 degrees F. air, and 20 MPH wind speed. It was found that the British suit did not provide the 24-hour estimated survival time at the severe conditions listed above, and the four subjects were taken from the water after an average time of 2.8 hours of exposure. Damage to the hands and feet would probably occur between 5.1 and 9.1 hours. Death would probably occur after 5.6 to 24 hours of exposure. Tests were also conducted in 90 degrees F. water and 85 degrees F., in still air. These tests indicated that no major problem will be encountered under these conditions. The environmental conditions were then changed in a step-wise fashion from 29 degrees F. water, 10 degrees F. air, and 20 MPH wind, until 24-hour estimated survival time was obtained. At 44 degrees F. water, 32 degrees F. air, and 20 MPH wind, 24-hour survival may be predicted for most men, based on results in the limited number of subjects used in this investigation.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 14, 1968
Accession Number
AD0668809

Entities

People

  • David A. Hall
  • Joel J. Nobel
  • Louis J. Santa Maria

Organizations

  • Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Ground and Sea Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Temperature
  • Body Regions
  • Body Temperature
  • Climate Change
  • Cold Water
  • Floods
  • Health Services
  • Heat Loss
  • Human Factors Engineering
  • Medical Personnel
  • Mental Processes
  • Military Operations
  • Naval Personnel
  • Navy
  • Pain
  • Respiration
  • Tissues

Readers

  • Materials Science
  • Regression Analysis.