A Study of Underwater Diver Tactile Sensitivity.

Abstract

The thesis examines the effects of underwater submersion and prolonged underwater submersion on a diver's tactile sensitivity. The method of constant stimulus is used to determine size discrimination thresholds. The stimuli used are squares of hard acrylic plastic into which holes of varying diameters have been drilled. Four tests were administered to each subject. One test was administered on dry land in the open air and served as the standard. The other three tests were administered underwater at various time intervals. The conclusion drawn from this research is that a diver's tactile sensitivity as measured by his ability to make size discriminations is not affected by underwater submersion or even prolonged underwater submersion of sixty-six minutes. Furthermore, the thresholds of approximately one millimeter, determined in this thesis, are consistent with the findings of past research in this field. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 1972
Accession Number
AD0743709

Entities

People

  • David Lee Mckee

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Diameters
  • Discrimination
  • Intervals
  • Sensitivity
  • Standards
  • Time Intervals

Readers

  • Acoustical Oceanography.
  • Mathematics or Statistics
  • Military/Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technology