The Use of Analytical Methods to Maximize the Performance of Divers´ Breathing Apparatus

The use of computer simulation in the design, development, and testing of complex military hardware systems has become increasingly widespread throughout the research and development community. A breathing system simulator for diver life support equipment has been developed which makes possible the modular "construction" of any conceivable breathing gas system from a bank of computer memory-resident components. This paper discusses the application of this analytical tool to optimize the conceptual design of an advanced diver underwater breathing apparatus. Design and environmental parameters are evaluated to determine their effects on the overall system performance. A "best" design is proposed based on this analysis method for a lung-powered breathing apparatus.