Physiological Evaluation of Two Diver Active Thermal Systems (ATS): S-TRON and ILC-Dover
Abstract
Diver active thermal systems (ATS) have been developed to thermally protect divers remaining at rest for hours in exceptionally cold water. Two ATS, S-TRON and ILC Dover, consisting of closed circuit tube suits underneath undergarment/dry suit ensembles, were evaluated for thermal protection in eight U.S. Navy divers in 2 deg fresh water. S-TRON had panels of tubes covering the head, hands, and feet with intermittent coverage of the arms, thorax, abdomen, and legs. ILC-Dover did not cover the head or hands, partially covered the feet, but uniformly covered the rest of the body. Divers remained at rest, semi-prone, at 4.6 meters in a submersible cockpit. Divers were monitored for finger and toe temperature and heat flux (H(s)), rectal core temperature and oxygen consumption (VO2). Esophageal temperature could not be measured since it interfered with equalizing the middle ear. Keywords: Diving; Diving systems; Thermal protection; Thermal balance; Hypothermia; Environmental stress; Exercise; Swimming; Physiology; ATS; S-TRON; ILC-Dover; Protective clothing.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA223091
Entities
People
- John A. Sterba
Organizations
- United States Navy Experimental Diving Unit