Modeling Respiratory Gas Dynamics in the Aviator's Breathing System. Volume 1

Abstract : Biodynamic Research Corporation (BRC) completed an SBIR Phase I project to study the feasibility of developing a model of the Aviator's Breathing System (ABS). The motivation for the project was the desire to develop a model which could simulate the cardiovascular and respiratory responses to altitude and acceleration stress encountered in high performance military aircraft. Software modules were developed and tested for simulation of: (1) the flows and pressures within the breathing gas delivery system; (2) the flows, pressures, and gas distribution within the lung; and (3) the steady-state flows and pressures within the cardiovascular system. Subprograms were also developed to compute altitude barometric pressure relationships as well as passenger cabin pressures in military aircraft. In addition to the software development, BRC reviewed and organized the Government furnished data from a series of manned rapid decompression known as the EONS Experiments. The data from approximately 170 experimental decompressions were screened for their suitability for use in parameter selection and validation of the respiratory modeling software. Aircrew breathing system, Rapid decompression, Lung mechanics, Respiratory physiology, Mathematical model.