Physiological and Manikin Evaluations of Submarine-Deck Exposure Suits
Abstract
Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility (NCTRF) compared the standard (STD) submarine-deck exposure suit (SDES) with a more watertight, modified (MOD) version. The suits were compared on the thermal manikin, in both a static and a dynamic mode, and on human test subjects in both air and water. For the thermal manikin evaluations, the clo values were similar for both versions of the SDES in calm (0.4 clo) and simulated rough water (0.3 clo), and in air, with (2.4 clo) and without (2.8 clo) a 6.7 m/sec (15 mph) wind. For the water tests, four subjects were immersed in 7.2 C water, with an ambient temperature of 0 C and minimal wind, for 2 hours. During the immersion, they floated quietly on the water in a horizontal position. For the air tests, the same subjects were evaluated for 3 hours in an environment of -6.7 C, with a wind velocity of 4.5 m/sec. For the first and third hours, the subjects sat in a chamber with minimal movement permitted to keep hands and feet warm. The second hour consisted of walking on the treadmill at 1.56 m/sec. For both the water and air tests, no significant differences between the STD and MOD suits were noted for rectal temperature, cooling rate, skin temperature, heart rate, and predicted survival time. Subjectively, it was reported that the modified suit had a slower rate of water seepage into the suit, but this was not projected into slower body cooling rates. We concluded that the more watertight version of the SDES did not provide additional protection in cold water or cold air, probably because, despite the seals, water was still able to flow through the garments, thereby increasing convective and conductive heat loss. Keywords: Exposure suits, Protective clothing.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA198777
Entities
People
- Barbara A. Avellini
- Joseph W. Giblo