DEPTH INDEPENDENT THERMAL INSULATION FOR DIVING SUITS
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Authors
Demers, Aaron P.
Subjects
diver
wetsuit
physics
wetsuit
physics
Advisors
Kartalov, Emil P.
Date of Issue
2020-06
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
Our objective is to construct a depth-independent, full-body wetsuit that insulates the human body effectively regardless of the temperature of the ambient seawater to facilitate safer and more efficient swimming, diving, and underwater operations. To do so, we produced 3D scans of the human body, segmented the scans through the use of software to maximize ergonomics, and then converted the segments into digital mold patterns, which were 3D printed in polycarbonate. The molds were used to cast a composite consisting of hard hollow microspheres embedded in thermally cured carrier silicone elastomer. The composite casts were tested for ergonomic mobility and adjusted as needed. We also devised a method to attach the composite components to a commercial neoprene suit to be used as a waterproof bodyglove carrier, thereby producing the new segmented diver suit. Future work will assemble the full suit and test it under field conditions.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Physics (PH)
Organization
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NPS Report Number
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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.