Sage Journals: Discover world-class research

Abstract

The operational performance of underwater breathing systems is currently assessed using manned and unmanned testing. Due to the complexity of these systems, it is often difficult to understand fully the observed behaviour. Computer simulation is a well-established technique in the analysis of complicated dynamic systems and is considered an ideal tool for this application. Simulation, when used in conjunction with experimental testing, promises significant advances in both the understanding and the performance evaluation of underwater breathing systems.

This paper describes a simulation study undertaken on a semi-closed-circuit breathing system. Details are included regarding the derivation and validation of the mathematical models of the system components and examples presented showing how simulation can be used as performance assessment and design tools.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Antoon

T. A.

Middleton

J. R.

Nucklos

M. L.

Breathing dynamics of a surface-supplied diving system with demand flow. In Current practices and new technology in ocean engineering, ASME Ocean Engineering Division Publication, Vol. 11, 1986.

Baz

Gilheany

Modelling the dynamics of breathing circuits for underwater divers. J. Fluid Control, 1988, 19 (2), 58–77.

Mathematical model of breathing apparatus, TD 2247, 1985, Normalair Garrett Limited (technical document relating to studies undertaken for the Admiralty Research Establishment, Alverstoke, UK).

Bowns

D. E.

Tomlinson

S. P.

Dugdale

S. K.

Progress towards a general purpose hydraulic simulation language. Sixth International Fluid Power Symposium, April 1981, Cambridge, UK.

Tilley

D. G.

Livesey

Tomlinson

S. P.

Himmens

I. A.

An approach to the modelling of underwater breathing apparatus. In Physiological and human engineering aspects of underwater breathing apparatus, 40th Workshop of the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (Eds Lundgren

C. E. G.

Warkander

D. E.

), Buffalo, New York. April 1989, pp. 125–138.

Collins

R. E.

Flow of fluid through porous materials, 1961 (Pennwell Publishing Company).

Nucklos

M. L.

Purer

Deason

G. A.

Technical manual—design of carbon dioxide scrubbers (NCSC.TECH.MAN. 41101–1-83), Naval Coastal Systems Center, Panama City, Florida, 1983.

Carman

P. C.

Flow of gases through porous media, 1956 (Butterworth).

Yeaple

F. D.

Hydraulic and pneumatic power and control—design, performance, application, 1966 (McGraw-Hill).

10.

Imison

C. J.

Determination of the gas flow of a small mushroom valve. Report NSN 4220–99-431-7756, ARE Alverstoke.

11.

McCloy

Martin

H. R.

Control of fluid power, 2nd Revised Edition, 1980 (Ellis Horwood Series in Engineering Science).

12.

Livesey

Himmens

S. A.

Parvin

Tanner

P. J.

Advances in the evaluation of underwater breathing apparatus. In Physiological and human engineering aspects of underwater breathing apparatus, 40th Workshop of the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (Eds Lundgren

C. E. G.

Warkander

D. E.

), Buffalo, New York, April 1989, pp. 163–173.

Computer Simulation of a Semi-Closed-Circuit Breathing System

Abstract

Get full access to this article

References