An experimental study of the human interface with one atmosphere diving suit by appendages

Abstract

This experimental study of the human interface with an Atmospheric Diving Suit (ADS) develops a method for quantitatively evaluating how the pilot interacts with the suit's appendages to inform design improvements and to provide a baseline of joint performance for existing technologies. An Atmospheric Diving Suit is a one person anthropomorphic pressure vessel, with manually operated maneuverable appendages, capable of carrying a diver to great depths in the sea while maintaining the internal cabin pressure at one atmosphere (14.7 psi). Commercial ADS are used regularly around the world in offshore industries, and military ADS are used by a large number of navies for submarine rescue capabilities. This study specifically investigates the performance of the arm rotary joints on the OceanWorks International HARDSUITTM rated for use as deep as 1200 feet of seawater, that are owned and operated by Phoenix International. The experiments were performed at Phoenix International facilities using their own experienced pilots and suits. Experiments were conducted with four different pilots, each performing a series of deliberate, repetitive arm motions while submerged in a shallow training pool. Each pilot was outfitted with a pressure sensor pad placed on the wrist at the major contact region with the appendage, and a series of inertial measurement units (IMUs) placed along the arm and suit. The results of the data analysis show the shape, location, magnitude and movement of the contact areas between pilot and appendage as well as peak pressures, dynamic force loading profiles, impulse and work measurements experienced by the pilots across the specific motions performed. An analysis is performed on the force contributions of the hydrodynamic drag acting on the appendage during motion through the application of Slender Body Theory paired with motion data from the IMUs.