Predicted Water Immersion Survival Times for Anti-Exposure Ensembles

摘要

NAVAIR has developed several new concepts for aviator anti-exposure assemblies. Regional insulation levels (immersed clo) of several configurations (a COTS drysuit, the CWU-86/P drysuit, varying types of undergarments including the Multi-Climate Protection system, and a COTS shorty wet suit) were determined using the Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility s thermal manikin. The manikin was immersed in 20 C turbulent water and was positioned in either a USN or USAF floating posture. These data were used to predict core (rectal) and regional skin temperatures in water ranging from 35 deg F to 68 deg F using the Wissler model for three male cases: (1) 140lb. with 8mm mean skin-fold thickness (MST); (2) 170lb. with 10mm MST; (3) 205lb. with 12mm MST. During the first 30 min, high metabolic levels were used to model swimming followed by 330 min of resting metabolism to represent energy conserving behaviors. Model results were used to generate a table of estimated immersed survival times based on the predicted exhaustion of metabolic stores. The results demonstrated the relationship between the ability to survive and water temperatures, time immersed, level of insulation, and body type. These guidelines can be used by aircrew to choose anti-exposure clothing suitable for mission conditions.