Sensor orientation and other factors which increase the blast overpressure reporting errors
Anthony Misistia1,2, Maciej Skotak1,3, Arturo Cardenas1,2
1Blast Induced Neurotrauma Department, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America.
Plos One
|October 8, 2020
Summary
Wearable blast sensors can overestimate exposure dosage due to averaging methods and sensor orientation. Accurate interpretation requires considering sensor position and blast wave geometry for reliable occupational blast exposure (BOP) assessment.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Occupational Safety and Health
- Military Science
Background:
- Wearable sensors are increasingly used to monitor occupational blast exposure (BOP).
- Accurate BOP assessment is critical for protecting military and law enforcement personnel from hearing loss and other blast-related injuries.
- Standardized methods for interpreting data from wearable blast sensors are lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the accuracy of wearable sensors against industry-standard pressure transducers.
- To evaluate the impact of sensor orientation and data averaging methods on BOP readings.
- To provide recommendations for accurate interpretation of wearable sensor data in training environments.
Main Methods:
- Controlled laboratory experiments using a shock tube and field tests with live fire.
- Systematic evaluation of sensor orientation (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°) on headform-mounted helmets (ACH, ECH, Ops-Core).
- Comparison of different averaging methods for peak overpressure and impulse data from B3 Blast Gauge sensors.
Main Results:
- Averaging peak overpressure values overestimates actual operator exposure due to reflected pressure.
- B3 gauges consistently underreport peak reflected overpressure compared to industry standards.
- Impulse measurements were also consistently overestimated, regardless of sensor orientation.
Conclusions:
- Sensor orientation and data averaging significantly affect reported BOP values.
- Without considering geometrical and training-specific information, BOP dosage estimations can be erroneous.
- Extreme caution is advised when interpreting occupational blast exposure results from wearable sensors.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Common Leveling Mistakes and Errors
253
A survey team is tasked with determining the elevation difference between points Point A and Point B, separated by uneven terrain. They use a leveling instrument and a leveling rod.Common MistakesMisreading the Rod: During a backsight reading at Point A, the instrumentman observes the rod partially obscured by tall grass. Instead of reading 1.135 m, they mistakenly record 1.735 m due to the misalignment of the crosshair with the wrong graduation. This error adds 0.600 m to all subsequent...
253
01:25Errors occurring during blood pressure monitoring
1.2K
Blood pressure monitoring is a crucial clinical procedure in diagnosing and managing various cardiovascular conditions. Despite its significance, the accuracy of blood pressure measurements can be compromised by multiple factors, potentially leading to either falsely high or low readings. These inaccuracies are critical as they can significantly impact patient care. So, it is vital to understand these challenges deeply and adopt strategic approaches to minimize errors.
Several factors...
Several factors...
1.2K
01:26Errors in Global Positioning System
231
Global Positioning System (GPS) technology has revolutionized navigation and positioning, but its accuracy is often compromised by various errors. These errors, stemming from environmental, satellite, and receiver-related factors, require careful mitigation to ensure reliable performance across applications.Atmospheric ErrorsGPS signals travel through the Earth’s ionosphere and troposphere, introducing delays which affect accuracy. The ionosphere is strongly influenced by charged particles,...
231
01:18Errors in Taping
219
Errors in taping arise from multiple factors that can significantly impact measurement accuracy in surveying. Misalignment of the tape, often due to human error, is one primary source. A skilled rear tapeman, using a telescope, can help correct alignment by guiding the head tapeman; however, human limitations still lead to small inaccuracies. These errors may include misplacement of pins or inaccurate tape readings due to common visual confusions, such as mistaking a six for a nine. Such...
219
01:19Errors and Mistakes in Surveying
460
Errors and mistakes in surveying refer to inaccuracies in measurements and data recording. The errors are deviations from the actual value caused by human sensory limitations, equipment flaws, or environmental effects. These errors are typically unintentional and can result from the inherent imperfections in the instruments used, atmospheric conditions, or the observer’s inability to perceive exact measurements. On the other hand, mistakes are caused by the surveyor's lack of...
460
01:28Special considerations while measuring blood pressure
1.0K
When assessing blood pressure (BP), healthcare professionals must consider various factors and potential unexpected outcomes to ensure accurate readings and provide proper patient care. Adhering to these guidelines is essential to achieving the most reliable results.
Monitoring Both Arms:
Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.
Monitoring Both Arms:
Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.
1.0K