Accession Number:

AD0242325

Title:

An Evaluation of the Equivalent Air Depth Theory

Descriptive Note:

[Technical Report, Research Report]

Corporate Author:

NAVY EXPERIMENTAL DIVING UNIT PANAMA CITY FL

Personal Author(s):

• Logan, J. A.

Report Date:

1960-07-28

Pagination or Media Count:

21

Abstract:

U.S. Navy divers performed working dives on air and on nitrogen-oxygen mixtures other than air with equivalent partial pressures of nitrogen. Results of these dives were then scored In three manners. The first method used was bends-no bends, which depends upon the development of decompression sickness after a dive. The second method was that of Snyder which utilizes a weighted scale of minor and major decompression symptoms. Third was the method of Kiessling and Duffner which depends upon the development of symptoms of decompression sickness at an ambient pressure equivalent to one-half atmosphere which scores in terms of mean endpoint measured in time at altitude. Inspection of the data revealed a difference in the scores, the dives on the nitrogen-oxygen mixtures appearing to produce higher scores than those on air. Statistical analysis, however, failed to demonstrate any significant differences between the scores of the various comparable dives. It was concluded that the mixed gas decompression system now in use is adequate for decompression. This experiment supports the view that oxygen does have some effect on the decompression problem, however, it is slight and statistical significance could not be demonstrated.

Descriptors:

Subject Categories:

• Life Support Systems

Distribution Statement:

[A, Approved For Public Release]