Buoyancy of Wetsuit

Image Source-Google | Image by- | ebay

Measurements of extent change of neoprene foam used for wetsuits underneath hydrostatic compression shows that approximately 30% of the volume, and consequently 30% of surface buoyancy, is misplaced in approximately the primary 10 m, another 30% through about 60 m, and the quantity seems to stabilize at approximately 65% loss via about 100 m. The total buoyancy loss of a wetsuit is proportional to the initial uncompressed volume. An average man or woman has a floor region of approximately 2 m2, so the uncompressed volume of a complete one piece 6 mm thick wetsuit can be inside the order of 1.75 x 0.006 = 0.0105 m3, or more or less 10 litres. The mass will depend upon the precise formula of the foam, but will probable be within the order of 4 kg, for a net buoyancy of about 6 kg at the floor. Depending on the general buoyancy of the diver, this can typically require 6 kg of extra weight to deliver the diver to impartial buoyancy to permit moderately smooth descent The extent lost at 10 m is about 3 litres, or 3 kg of buoyancy, growing to approximately 6 kg buoyancy lost at approximately 60 m. This should almost double for a large individual sporting a farmer-john and jacket for cold water. This loss of buoyancy ought to be balanced by means of inflating the buoyancy compensator to hold impartial buoyancy at depth.