Analysis of Interim Thermal Stress Limits for a Portable Recompression System
Abstract
An analysis was conducted of the thermal heat loads expected and the diver's ability to regulate his internal temperature during use of the Navy's one-man portable recompression system (PRS). Using conventional heat balance and heat exchange relationships, a graph was constructed from which the heat load on the diver could be predicted knowing the ambient air temperature and humidity. Based on the assumption that relative humidity will be near 100% and introducing a safety margin by conducting the analysis as if the total decompression treatment took place at 4 atmospheres absolute, the heat stress expected for various ambient air temperature is as follows: 25 C(77 F) and below - no heat stress expected, diver comfortable; 26-29 C(78-84 F) - diver will sweat profusely and be uncomfortable toward high end of zone, but stress should be entirely compensable; 29 C(85 F) - diver will be very uncomfortable and heart rate and rectal temperature will rise to a new steady state; 30-31 C(86-85 F) - diver unable to compensate for heat stress and rectal temperature and heart rate will rise continuously until collapse at about 6 hours; 31 C(88 F) and above - time to collapse is considerably shortened being 2 hours at 31-32 C(88-90 F) and less than 1 hour at 34 C(94 F).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 07, 1979
- Accession Number
- ADA077035
Entities
People
- K. R. Bondi
Organizations
- Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory