Simulation of Thermal Transients during Deep Diving,
Abstract
This paper describes a mathematical model which has been developed to predict the thermal response of deep sea divers working at depths as great as 1000 feet. Under these conditions, divers are subjected to extreme thermal stress because the water temperature is approximately O deg C; the gas used for breathing and in the suit is helium which has a high thermal conductivity. Increased mass flow rate through the respiratory tract promotes heat loss when the breathing gas is not warmed. Since the experimental evaluation of new systems designed to protect divers is a difficult, time consuming process, it is worthwhile to have a reliable mathematical model for predicting diver performance under various conditions. The mathematical model described in this paper subdivides the human into 15 cylindrical elements representing the head, thorax, abdomen, and proximal, medial, and distal segments of each arm and leg. Within each element the transient-state heat conduction equation is solved to obtain temperature profiles. Mass balances are also computed for oxygen, carbon dioxide and lactic acid. The program permits one to specify various kinds of wet and dry suits with either open or closed circuit heating. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA044424
Entities
People
- Eugene H. Wissler
Organizations
- Texas Tech University