Heat exchanges in wet suits

Area of Science:

• Physiology
• Human thermal regulation
• Materials science

Background:

• Neoprene wetsuits are commonly used for thermal insulation in aquatic environments.
• Water flow beneath wetsuits can compromise their insulating properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify the thermal conductance due to water flow under wetsuits.
• To determine the impact of water flow on thermal stability across different conditions.
• To develop predictive models for safe water temperatures.

Main Methods:

• Measurement of water flow and thermal conductance under wetsuits on the trunk and limbs.
• Assessment during rest and exercise in cold and warm water conditions.
• Inclusion of physiological factors like vasoconstriction and body fat thickness.

Main Results:

• Water flow under wetsuits can halve insulation, with higher conductance on the trunk than limbs.
• Conductance increases significantly with minor movements in warm water.
• Adequate thermal stability is maintained across a wide temperature range, even in cold water.

Conclusions:

• Water flow under wetsuits is a critical factor in thermal insulation.
• Predictive equations can help determine safe operating temperatures for wetsuit users.
• Wetsuit design and usage should account for water flow dynamics for effective thermal protection.