Buoyancy and Stability Characteristics of the Human Body and Personnel Flotation Devices

摘要

A study was directed toward providing a technical basis on which to judge statistically the effectiveness of buoyancy and stability provided by personnel flotation devices for the general boating population. A detailed theory of PFD buoyancy and stability has been formulated. Statistical methods for evaluating the adequacy of the buoyancy and stability provided by a PFD in terms of fraction of the population adequately served have been developed. Tasks performed include a literature search, a theoretical analysis of the problem, a measurements program on a limited population to determine relevant physical characteristics, a statistical data analysis program to illustrate the adequacy of added buoyancy and stability in terms of fraction of the population served, and the design of a larger-scale test and analysis program to obtain statistically reliable data on the general boating population. (Author)