Posted by Maddiver on November 13, 2001 at 15:29:51:
In Reply to: diving and flying question for MHK posted by Jerry on November 13, 2001 at 14:32:06:
Jerry-
Take your example as an extrapolation of the decompression gradient that was formulated for your specific dive(s). To put things in perspective take a simulated dive using DecoPlanner. You have 2 gradient factor adjustments (read conservation factors)a low and high or deep vs shallow stops. Many tend to set these at 30% 85% respectively. These gradient factors are responding to M-values for specific tissue groups. Why are the conservation factors set more conservative lower? Several reasons, dealing with the central tenant against the 'bend em deep to treat em shallow' adage. In other words, reducing the potential for bubble seeds at deeper depths (deep stops) you can reduce the overall size and number of bubbles at the shallower stops and yet have a net gain on deco efficiency by necessitating shorter stops shallower. Stop earlier and deeper to eliminate/decrease seed production and thus require less time shallower and overall with fewer overall bubble formations and no large damaging bubbles. If you subscribe to this theory then the seeds would not be there extrapolating to your depressurization example to produce formitable bubbles that would render sympatamatic damage. In other words work the stuff out deeper so that you can get out earlier on the shallow stops or if you have to blow off some or come up with a problem (ie cabin pressure decrease, rapid ascent, deco gas loss, etc it is less likely to cause major damage)