Thalmann algorithm

The Thalmann Algorithm (VVAL 18) is a deterministic decompression model originally designed in 1980 to produce a decompression schedule for divers using the US Navy Mk15 rebreather. It was developed by Capt. Edward D. Thalmann, M.D., USN, who did research into decompression theory at the Naval Medical Research Institute, Navy Experimental Diving Unit, the State University of New York at Buffalo and Duke University. The algorithm forms the basis for the current U.S. Navy mixed gas and standard air dive tables.

Description

VVAL 18 is a deterministic model that utilizes the Naval Medical Research Institute Linear Exponential (NMRI LE1 PDA) data set for calculation of decompression schedules. Phase two testing of the US Navy Diving Computer produced an acceptable algorithm with an expected maximum incidence of decompression sickness less than 3.5% assuming that occurrence followed the binomial distribution at the 95% confidence level.

References

• Thalmann, E. D. (1983). "Computer algorithms used in computing the MK15/16 constant 0.7 ATA oxygen partial pressure decompression tables". Navy Exp. Diving Unit Res. Report. 1–83. Retrieved 2008-03-16.
• Thalmann, E. D. (1984). "Phase II testing of decompression algorithms for use in the U.S. Navy underwater decompression computer". Navy Exp. Diving Unit Res. Report. 1–84. Retrieved 2008-03-16.
• Thalmann, E. D. (1985). "Development of a Decompression Algorithm for Constant Oxygen Partial Pressure in Helium Diving". Navy Exp. Diving Unit Res. Report. 1–85. Retrieved 2008-03-16.
• Thalmann, E. D. (1985). "Air-N202 Decompression Computer Algorithm Development". Navy Exp. Diving Unit Res. Report. 8–85. Retrieved 2008-03-16.
• Weathersby, P. K. (1992). "Statistically based decompression tables VII: Selection and treatment of primary air and N2O2 data". Joint Report: Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory and Naval Medical Research Institute. NSMRL 1182 and NMRI 92-85. Retrieved 2008-03-16. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
• Parker, E. C. (1992). "Statistically Based Decompression Tables VIII: Linear Exponential Kinetics". Naval Medical Research Institute Report. 92–73. Retrieved 2008-03-16. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
• Ball, R. (1994). "A Model of Bubble Evolution During Decompression Based on a Monte Carlo Simulation of Inert Gas Diffusion". Naval Medical Research Institute Report. 94–36. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
• Parker, E. C. (1996). "Statistically based decompression tables IX: probabilistic models of the role of oxygen in human decompression sickness". Naval Medical Research Institute Report. 96–05. Retrieved 2008-03-16. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
• Survanshi, S. S. (1996). "Statistically based decompression tables X: Real-time decompression algorithm using a probabilistic model". Naval Medical Research Institute Report. 96–06. Retrieved 2008-03-16. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
• Thalmann, E. D. (1999). "Statistically Based Decompression Tables XI: Manned Validation of the LE Probabilistic Model for Air and Nitrogen-Oxygen Diving". Naval Medical Research Institute Report. 99–01. Retrieved 2008-03-16. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
• Survanshi, S. S. (1997). "Statistically based decompression tables XII: Volume I. Repetitive decompression tables for air and constant 0.7 ata PO2 in N2 using a probabilistic model". Naval Medical Research Institute Report. 97–36. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
• Survanshi, S. S. (1997). "Statistically based decompression tables XII: Volume II. Repetitive dive tables: Air". Naval Medical Research Institute Report. 97–36. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
• Survanshi, S. S. (1997). "Statistically based decompression tables XII: Volume III. Exceptional exposure tables: Air". Naval Medical Research Institute Report. 97–36. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
• Survanshi, S. S. (1997). "Statistically based decompression tables XII: Volume IV. Repetitive dive tables: 0.7 ATA PO2 in N2". Naval Medical Research Institute Report. 97–36. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
• Survanshi, S. S. (1997). "Statistically based decompression tables XII: Volume V. Exceptional exposure tables: 0.7 ATA PO2 in N2". Naval Medical Research Institute Report. 97–36. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
• Thalmann, E. D. (2003). "Suitability of the USN MK15(VVAL18) Decompression Algorithm for Air Diving". Navy Exp. Diving Unit Res. Report. 03–12. Retrieved 2008-03-16.
• Butler, F. K. (2001). "The U.S. Navy decompression computer". Undersea Hyperb Med. 28 (4): 213–28. ISSN 1066-2936. OCLC 26915585. PMID 12153150. Retrieved 2008-03-16. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
• Gault, K. A. (2003). "Potential Benefits of Navy Dive Computer Use in Ships Husbandry Diving: Analysis of Dives Conducted on the USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN-76)". Navy Exp. Diving Unit Res. Report. 06–04. Retrieved 2008-03-16.

External links

• "The U.S. Navy Decompression Computer" - F. Butler