Accession Number:

ADA010404

Title:

Design Criteria for Advanced PFD'S.

Descriptive Note:

Final rept.,

Corporate Author:

OPERATIONS RESEARCH INC SILVER SPRING MD

Personal Author(s):

• Dayton,Robert B.

Report Date:

1974-08-01

Pagination or Media Count:

128.0

Abstract:

The study is devoted to an analysis of Personal Flotation Devices PFD. An analytical model is developed which allows the PFD designer to select desirable PFD characteristics based on a typical accident scenario. In addition PFD design criteria are established based on wearability, physical effectiveness, and reliability parameters. Each of these parameters is analyzed in detail and their affect on PFD design discussed. PFD components and materials are surveyed and space age developments are analyzed for potential PFD application. The survey includes inflation techniques, fabric and plastic materials, valves, puncture proofing, detection and automatic actuators. The design of an advanced PFD is developed using the analytical techniques and materials and components study. A prototype PFD is constructed and tested to verify the analysis.

Descriptors:

• *FLOATS
• *STANDARDS
• *LIFE JACKETS
• DETECTION
• SPECIFICATIONS
• RELIABILITY
• FABRICS
• SAFETY
• ACTUATORS
• VALVES
• BOATS
• SEA RESCUES
• BUOYANCY
• COAST GUARD
• LIFE PRESERVERS
• ACCIDENTS
• LIFE SAVING

Subject Categories:

• Sociology and Law
• Marine Engineering
• Safety Engineering
• Escape, Rescue and Survival

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE