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Design for Multi-Layer Thermal Protective Clothing Based on Numerical Simulation of Heat Transfer.
1School of Future Technology, Hunan Institute of Engineering, Xiangtan 411104, China.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|June 26, 2026
Summary
Optimizing thermal protective clothing thickness is key for firefighter safety. This study uses heat transfer simulations to find optimal fabric layers, balancing insulation and comfort for high-temperature environments.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Thermal Engineering
- Textile Science
Background:
- High-performance thermal protective clothing is essential for individuals in high-temperature environments, like firefighters.
- Designing this clothing involves integrating various textile properties, including thickness, thermal conductivity, and ergonomics.
- Understanding heat transfer is critical for effective thermal protective clothing design.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the heat transfer process within thermal protective clothing.
- To determine the optimal thickness of fabric layers for enhanced thermal protection.
- To provide design references for high-performance thermal protective clothing.
Main Methods:
- Numerical heat transfer simulations based on manikin test data.
- Development of a heat transfer model incorporating textile and air layers, applying Fourier's law, Newton's law of cooling, and the Stefan-Boltzmann law.
- Utilizing the finite volume element method for model discretization and the least-squares method to determine the convective heat transfer coefficient.
Main Results:
- Identified the critical role of the second and fourth fabric layers' thicknesses in overall performance.
- Developed two optimization algorithms to balance thermal insulation and wearer comfort.
- Simulated heat transfer processes and determined optimal thickness configurations.
Conclusions:
- Recommends multilayer textile composites with aerogel insulation and phase-change material interlayers for advanced thermal protective clothing.
- Optimal thickness configuration is crucial for balancing thermal insulation and comfort.
- Numerical simulations provide valuable insights for designing effective thermal protective gear.
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