Submerged Manned Testing of the Prototype Hydrotech Aqua Heat System
Abstract
Eight U.S. Navy divers were submerged in 7.2 C (45 degrees F) water for a maximum of two hours in three different conditions: no heating while wearing a semidry suit, heated in a semidry suit, and heated in a 7mm wet suit. A total of 35 W was delivered to each heating pad. Statistical analysis demonstrated that providing heating to the divers afforded no benefits in reducing the effects of cold water exposure on the skin temperature of the body extremities (fingers and toes) or in enhancing manual dexterity, grip strength, or cognitive performance when the effects of such heating were compared to those of the unheated condition. However, the participants reported that they would rather dive with the heating system than without it.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA456821
Entities
People
- Dale Hyde
- Demetri Economos
- Paul E. O'connor
- Rene Beck
Organizations
- United States Navy Experimental Diving Unit