Single-tissue modeling of decompression schedules

This paper deals with the development of a single-tissue model that simulates the uptake and elimination of inert gases by the body of a diver. The model utilizes an effective single tissue with different uptake and elimination time constants to account for the asymmetrical behavior of multiple-tissue human body models. The parameters of this effective tissue are selected according to an optimal strategy that minimizes safe deviation from the decompression requirements recommended by safe practice. The developed strategy is general in nature and can be readily applied to select the optimal parameters for a single-tissue model suitable for any dive regimen on air or mixed gas. As an illustration, the procedure is used to select the optimal tissue that best fits the Standard Air Decompression Tables recommended by the U.S. Navy. The results obtained are in close and safe agreement with the requirements of the U.S. Navy, and consistently fall in the range between the U.S. Navy and the Royal Navy tables.