ENHANCED THERMAL INSULATION IN WATER THROUGH THE USE OF GLASS AND CERAMIC MICROSPHERES
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Authors
Sabesky, Garrett A.
Subjects
thermal
protection
diving
microspheres
composite
experimental
protection
diving
microspheres
composite
experimental
Advisors
Kartalov, Emil P.
Date of Issue
2023-12
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
Maintaining body temperature has always been a concern for divers working in cold water. Failing to preserve warmth is not only a matter of comfort but can also lead to serious injuries and even death, primarily through an increased risk of decompression sickness, hypothermia, and other life-threatening conditions. According to the U.S. Navy dive manual, "Cellular neoprene wetsuits lose a significant portion of their insulating properties as depth increases and the material compresses." Other NPS students have successfully applied the use of glass microsphere beads and ceramic microsphere beads in separate composite wetsuit designs that enhance warmth for divers at various depths. Previous researchers at NPS have discovered that the most effective method for applying the composite glass bead material to the body is through a 3mm wetsuit with 2mm neoprene pockets. However, the previous students did not apply the glass bead composite material to the head, nor did they use ceramic microsphere composite material in combination with glass microsphere composite material to insulate the diver and improve the ergonomics of the suit. In this research, I was able to develop a suit that keeps the diver warmer at depth than a standard off-the-shelf 7mm wetsuit, while also distributing weight evenly throughout the body, allowing the diver to move more ergonomically underwater.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Physics (PH)
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
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Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.