Decompression has several meanings, some of which are covered by several articles:
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Data decompression, the action of reversing data compression
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Decompression (physics)
In physics, decompression refers to a reduction of pressure
Pressure (symbol: ''p'' or ''P'') is the force applied perpendicular to the surface of an object per unit area over which that force is distributed. Gauge pressure (also spell ...
, the release of pressure and the opposition of
physical compression
In mechanics, compression is the application of balanced inward ("pushing") forces to different points on a material or structure, that is, forces with no net sum or torque directed so as to reduce its size in one or more directions.Ferdinand ...
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Decompression (altitude). the reduction of pressure and the related physiological effects due to increase in altitude or other equivalent reduction of ambient pressure below normal atmospheric pressure
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Uncontrolled decompression
Uncontrolled decompression is an unplanned drop in the pressure of a sealed system, such as an aircraft cabin or hyperbaric chamber, and typically results from human error, material fatigue, engineering failure, or impact, causing a pressure vesse ...
, catastrophic reduction of pressure in accidents involving pressure vessels such as aircraft
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Decompression (diving)
The decompression of a diver is the reduction in ambient pressure experienced during ascent from depth. It is also the process of elimination of dissolved inert gases from the diver's body, which occurs during the ascent, largely during ...
, the reduction in pressure and the process of allowing dissolved inert gases to be eliminated from the tissues during ascent from a dive. Also relating to decompression (diving):
*** Decompression algorithm, or decompression model. One of several algorithms or theoretical models used to compute decompression tables, or the decompression status of a diver in real-time using a dive computer, and for dive planning. These include:
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Buhlmann decompression algorithm
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Reduced gradient bubble model
The reduced gradient bubble model (RGBM) is an algorithm developed by Bruce Wienke for calculating decompression stops needed for a particular dive profile. It is related to the Varying Permeability Model. but is conceptually different in that it ...
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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, MD, USN, who did r ...
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Thermodynamic model of decompression
The thermodynamic model was one of the first decompression models in which decompression is controlled by the volume of gas bubbles coming out of solution. In this model, pain only DCS is modelled by a single tissue which is diffusion-limited fo ...
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Varying Permeability Model
The Varying Permeability Model, Variable Permeability Model or VPM is an algorithm that is used to calculate the decompression stops needed for ambient pressure dive profiles using specified breathing gases. It was developed by D.E. Yount and other ...
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Decompression buoy
A surface marker buoy, SMB, dive float or simply a blob is a buoy used by scuba divers, at the end of a line from the diver, intended to indicate the diver's position to people at the surface while the diver is underwater. Two kinds are used; on ...
, a buoy that marks a diver's position when doing decompression stops
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Decompression chamber
A diving chamber is a vessel for human occupation, which may have an entrance that can be sealed to hold an internal pressure significantly higher than ambient pressure, a pressurised gas system to control the internal pressure, and a supply of ...
, a pressurizable chamber used to prevent and/or treat decompression sickness
*** Decompression computer, also called a
Dive computer
A dive computer, personal decompression computer or decompression meter is a device used by an underwater diver to measure the elapsed time and depth during a dive and use this data to calculate and display an ascent profile which according to th ...
or decompression meter, a device used by a scuba diver to measure the time and depth of a dive and compute a safe ascent profile.
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Decompression practice
The practice of decompression by divers comprises the planning and monitoring of the profile indicated by the algorithms or tables of the chosen decompression model, to allow asymptomatic and harmless release of excess inert gases dissolved in ...
, Techniques and procedures for decompression used by underwater divers
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Decompression tables
There are several categories of decompression equipment used to help divers decompress, which is the process required to allow divers to return to the surface safely after spending time underwater at higher ambient pressures.
Decompression o ...
, Printed tabulated decompression schedules used to plan diving decompression
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Decompression trapeze, a horizontal bar or bars suspended at the depth of intended decompression stops by buoys
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Decompression sickness
Decompression sickness (abbreviated DCS; also called divers' disease, the bends, aerobullosis, and caisson disease) is a medical condition caused by dissolved gases emerging from solution as bubbles inside the body tissues during decompressio ...
, a condition arising from the formation and growth of bubbles of gas within the tissues of the body during and after depressurization
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Decompression sickness as a hazard in scuba diving
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Decompression theory
Decompression theory is the study and modelling of the transfer of the inert gas component of breathing gases from the gas in the lungs to the tissues and back during exposure to variations in ambient pressure. In the case of underwater diving a ...
, The study and modelling of physiological effects of decompression, including the development and testing of decompression algorithms
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History of decompression research and development, History of R&D related to diving and altitude decompression
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Ratio decompression
Ratio decompression (usually referred to in abbreviated form as ratio deco) is a technique for calculating decompression schedules for scuba divers engaged in deep diving without using dive tables, decompression software or a dive computer. It is ...
, A method for estimating a decompression schedule for a given set of breathing gases, based on time at depth.
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Decompression (comics), in comic book storytelling, is the stylistic choice to tell a story mainly by visuals, with few words.
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Decompression (surgery) In medicine, decompression refers to the removal or repositioning of any structure compressing any other structure.
Common examples include decompressive craniectomy (removal of part of the skull to relieve pressure on the brain), and spinal decomp ...
, a procedure used to reduce pressure on a compressed structure, such as
spinal decompression
Spinal decompression is the relief of pressure on the spinal cord or on one or more compressed nerve roots passing through or exiting the spinal column. Decompression of the spinal neural elements is a key component in treating spinal radiculopath ...
** Herniated disc decompression, a form of treatment for
Spinal disc herniation
Spinal disc herniation is an injury to the cushioning and connective tissue between vertebrae, usually caused by excessive strain or trauma to the spine. It may result in back pain, pain or sensation in different parts of the body, and physical ...
, employed by chiropractors
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"Decompression" (''The Outer Limits''), an episode of the American television fiction series ''The Outer Limits''
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