[Human calorimetry in sealed hermetic enclosures]

The paper gives the results of an experimental assessment of personal biocalorimeter and calorimetric garment. The paper is addressed to biologists, physiologists and physicians investigating heat exchange and thermal regulation of the human body as well as to thephysicists developing calorimetric theories and methods. It presents theoretical concepts underlying direct calorimetry of a suited man and contains a block-diagram of the biocalorimeter that was used to examine energy parameters of the human body, including metabolic rate, heat production, heat release and heat balance. The data obtained were statistically treated and heat effects were characterized by empiric expressions. It was for the first time in medical practice that the personal calorimeter and calorimetric garment made it possible to accumulate information on the thermal state of the human body. This information helps to diagnose the health condition of man, to standardise environmental parameters in aviation, space and such like suits and to automatize their maintenance in experimental and real life situations.