Water vapor resistance measured on sweating thermal manikin and Permetest skin model in the vertical orientation

This paper is a comparison of water vapor resistance (Ret) measured using the Permetest skin model and Tore sweating thermal manikin, i.e. 2D versus 3D methods; and to study the relationship between them. Three materials and five air gap distances were used for the measurement between these two devices, the test conditions in the climatic chambers were set up according to the ISO standard of each measurement method. Results of the correlation coefficient of three materials showed that they all had a strong increasing trend between Permetest and the sweating thermal manikin. From the regression analysis, the P-value of all three materials showed that P< 0.05 and 100% cotton R2=0.83, 50% cotton 50% polyester R2=0.91, 100% polyester R2=0.99. However, Ret resulting values from each device slowed down after 12mm air gap distance.

Characterization of the thermophysiological comfort of duvets in consideration of the bed cave

Sleep is a fundamental need for humans. On average 1/3 of the lifetime is spent in bed. Important for a healthy sleep is the duvet. This should have sufficient heat insulation and should ensure a dry bed climate at the same time. The thermophysiological comfort of classic duvets can be rated via skin model and thermal manikin. The simultaneous detection of dry and moist heat flux of duvets is at the moment not possible. The lecture presents results of the German funded project AiF 19522 N “Bed Cave and Comfort”. Within the project the interaction of thermophysiological comfort during sleeping and the bed cave was investigated. Duvets with different filling materials (down and feathers, polyester, animal hair as well as new developments) were examined according the classical, thermophysiological evaluation method for sleep comfort. Furthermore, a new evaluation method for duvets with the sweating, thermal manikin Sherlock (Newton type, Thermetrics) was developed. During the measurement, a realistic sleep situation can be reconstructed with the sweating, thermal manikin. Additionally, a method for recording and quantifying of the bed cave via 3D scanning was established. By generating cross-sections from 3D scans, it was possible for the first time to visualize and measure the bed cave as layer between a human and the duvet. All measured data were validated by monitored sleep test within a climatic chamber.

Assessment of thermal protective performance of firefighter’s clothing by a sweating manikin in low-level radiation

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess the thermal protective performance of firefighter’s clothing by a sweating manikin in low-level radiation. Design/methodology/approach A new method and a novel objective index based on measurements of the sweating thermal manikin are proposed to measure the thermal protection performance of firefighter’s clothing under low-level radiation exposure of 3.0 kW/m2. Finally, the effect of thermal insulation on thermal protective performance of firefighter’s clothing was analyzed. Findings The results reveal that the new index which used the changing rate of core temperature of the clothed manikin is a vital indicator of the thermal protection performance. Furthermore, the results demonstrated that there is a linear correlation between thermal protection performance of firefighter’s clothing and the thermal insulation. Originality/value A new method and a novel objective index are proposed to quantify the thermal protective performance of firefighter’s clothing in low-level radiation.

Baseline Evaluation With a Sweating Thermal Manikin of Personal Protective Ensembles Recommended for Use in West Africa

ObjectiveExperience with the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) ensembles by health care workers responding to the Ebola outbreak in the hot, humid conditions of West Africa has prompted reports of significant issues with heat stress that has resulted in shortened work periods.MethodsA sweating thermal manikin was used to ascertain the time to achievement of a critical core temperature of 39°C while wearing 4 different PPE ensembles similar to those recommended by the World Health Organization and Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) at 2 different ambient conditions (32°C/92% relative humidity and 26°C/80% relative humidity) compared with a control ensemble.ResultsPPE ensembles that utilized coveralls with moderate to high degrees of impermeability attained the critical core temperature in significantly shorter times than did other ensembles. Encapsulation of the head and neck region resulted in higher model-predicted subjective impressions of heat sensation.ConclusionsTo maximize work capacity and to protect health care workers in the challenging ambient conditions of West Africa, consideration should be given to adjustment of work and rest schedules, improvement of PPE (e.g., using less impermeable and more breathable fabrics that provide the same protection), and the possible use of cooling devices worn simultaneously with PPE. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2015;9:536–542)