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Determining localized garment insulation values from manikin studies: computational method and results.
D A Nelson1, J S Curlee, A R Curran
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, 49931, USA. danelson@mtu.edu
European Journal of Applied Physiology
|September 21, 2005
Summary
This study introduces a method for calculating localized thermal insulation values of clothing, crucial for accurate heat exchange modeling. These values, derived from whole-body measurements and CAD software, enhance thermal analysis of clothed individuals.
Area of Science:
- Thermal physiology
- Apparel science
- Computational modeling
Background:
- Accurate modeling of sensible heat exchange requires understanding localized thermal insulation provided by garments.
- Existing methods often provide whole-body insulation, lacking regional specificity critical for detailed analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a method for determining and validating localized garment insulation values.
- To provide localized insulation data for a catalog of 106 garments for use in thermal models.
Main Methods:
- Localized garment insulation values were determined based on whole-body insulation (clo units).
- Computer-aided design (CAD) and thermal analysis software were utilized for calculation and validation.
- Values were verified using computer-generated models.
Main Results:
- A method for determining localized thermal insulation values was successfully developed and validated.
- Localized insulation values were generated for a catalog of 106 distinct garments.
- The presented values are suitable for high-resolution thermal transfer models.
Conclusions:
- The developed method provides critical localized thermal insulation data for apparel.
- These localized values are essential for advancing high-resolution models of heat exchange in clothed subjects.
- The cataloged values offer a practical resource for computational thermal analysis.
