1993 Volume 24 Issue 2 Pages 271-281
During 100, 320, 370, 400 and 440 m helium-oxygen saturation dive simulations involving 6 male subjects for each dive, subjectively comfortable ambient temperature ranges were obtained at each depth using a questionnaire method, and the effect of low ambient temperatures which were 0.5 to 3.0℃ below the comfortable ranges on body heat balance was evaluated in order to establish pertinent ambient temperature ranges in hyperbaric dry environment. As the results, the covective heat transfer from the skin (Cs) and the respiratory tract (Cr) increased and radiant heat exchange (R) decreased with depth at the comfortable temperature, while no significant changes were seen in metabolic rate (M), body heat storage (S) and evaporative heat exchange (E). There were greater increases in S, Cs and Cr and greater decreased in E measured at the lowered temperature than those measured at the comfortable temperature at each depth. Based on the thermal sensation rating, it was suggested that the ambient temperature inside a hyperbaric residentiary chamber complex should be maintained within ±0.5℃ at 440 m to ±1.5℃ at 100 m from the comiort band.
