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Cold water immersion simulations using the Wissler Texas Thermal Model: validation and sensitivity analysis
B S Shender1, J W Kaufman, R Ilmarinen
1Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division Warminster, PA 18974-0591, USA.
Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine
|July 1, 1995
Summary
The Texas Thermal Model (TM) accurately predicts cold water immersion (CWI) responses for males but needs refinement for females. Insulation benefits vary by body segment, aiding garment design.
Area of Science:
- Human thermal physiology
- Protective garment engineering
Background:
- Wissler's Texas Thermal Model (TM) simulates thermal stress effects.
- TM was adapted for predicting cold water immersion (CWI) tolerance with low-insulation garments (<0.1 clo).
Purpose of the Study:
- Validate modified TM predictions against experimental CWI data.
- Identify sensitive body segments and model parameters for garment design.
Main Methods:
- Validated TM using data from 39 males and females during CWI assessments.
- Analyzed changes in rectal (Tre) and skin temperatures (Tsk).
- Performed sensitivity analysis on TM parameters under simulated CWI (4.4°C water, head-out immersion).
Main Results:
- TM predictions closely matched experimental Tre and Tsk changes for most subjects.
- Model accuracy was lower for female responses.
- Chest/abdomen, leg, head, and arm sensitivity to insulation varied; chest/abdomen most sensitive.
- Mean skinfold thickness, metabolic rates, and body weight most impacted predictions.
Conclusions:
- Identified relative insulation benefits for body segments to guide garment design.
- Determined the importance of physical parameters for setting accurate initial model conditions.