English

DTIC AD0600437: MOISTURE IN SURVIVAL SHELTERS

An investigation was made into the sources of and the means of control of moisture in survival shelters. Moisture was found to originate within survival shelters as a result of the metabolic process of the occupants and by evaporation from exposed wetted surfaces. The principal modes for introduction of moisture were found to be gross leaks in the shelter structure, vapor migration through permeable walls and the humidity contribution of the ventilation air. Methods of moisture control included prevention of ingress by improved water and vapor proofing of the exterior shelter surfaces, removal by means of excess ventilation air, and condensation with or without subsequent rejection of the resultant latent heat. No satisfactory methods or devices were found for condensing or absorbing water vapor when the resultant latent heat was liberated within the space to be conditioned. Both theoretical considerations and practical demonstrations indicated that the effective temperature was invariably raised thereby. Methods evaluated included absorption by treated fibers and by chemical agents as well as drying by mechanically powered dehumidification devices.

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