Modern Decompression Algorithms: Models, Comparisons, and Statistics B.R
MODERN DECOMPRESSION ALGORITHMS: MODELS, COMPARISONS, AND STATISTICS B.R. Wienke Los Alamos National Laboratory Applied Physics Division Los Alamos, N.M. 87545 INTRODUCTION Overview The subject of decompression theory in general is the study of pressure changes in blood and tissues. And today, we still do not know all the answers, maybe even less, the questions. But for diving applications, we need regimens and protocols to stage diver ascents on any given breathing mixture, and that is the focus of this short paper. Deterministic models are broadly catergorized as dissolved gas (Haldane) or dual phase (dissolved plus free gas), and both are de- scribed and contrasted. Probabilistic models fold risk parameters over statistical data in maxinum likelihood,employing metrics and variables computed directly in deterministic models. The statistics associated with decompression illness (DCI) are also discussed. Pressure And Decompression Modeling The physics, biology, engineering, physiology, medicine, and chemistry of diving center on pressure, and pressure changes. The average individual is subjected to atmospheric pressure swings of 3% at sea level, as much as 20% a mile in elevation, more at higher altitudes, and all usually over time spans of hours to days. Divers and their equipment can experience compressions and decompressions orders of magnitude greater, and within considerably shorter time scales. While the effects of pressure change are readily quantified in physics, chemistry, and engineering applications, the physiology, medicine, and biology of pressure changes in living systems are much more complicated. Increases in pressure with increasing depth impose many of the limitations in diving, applying equally well to the design of equipment.
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