An Exploration of Relationships among Thermal Insulation, Area Factor and Air Gap of Male Chinese Ethnic Costumes

The present study investigated total and local thermal insulations of 39 sets of male Chinese ethnic costumes. Total and local clothing area factor, air gap size and air volume were determined by a 3D body scanner. Relationships between thermal insulation and air gap for the whole body, as well as local body parts, were explored. Correlations of both the total and local clothing area factor with the intrinsic insulation were also developed. Results demonstrated that the clothing total thermal insulation first increased with the increasing air gap size/air volume, followed by a decrease when the air gap size/air volume exceeded 37.8 mm/55.8 dm3. Similarly, it was also found that parabolic relationships widely existed between the local thermal insulation and local air gap at each body part. Our research findings provide a comprehensive database for predicting both global and local thermal comfort of male Chinese minority groups.

Characteristics of Specialised Firefighter Clothing Used in Poland – the Thermal Parameters

This paper describes the characteristic thermal parameters of firefighters’ personal protective clothing (FFPPC) used in Poland. The total thermal insulation and evaporative resistance of three different types of FFPPC were measured and used on a thermal manikin. Next, the results were compared. Based on the analyses and calculations of the test results, it was shown that FFPPC provides a barrier to the heat exchange between the user and the surrounding environment. Differences in the local thermal insulation can be triggered not only by the material used but they can also be attributable to clothes fitted on the manikin. The biggest differences can be noted on the segments forming part of the manikin’s trunk. No difference was found in the evaporative resistance between the clothes tested. In order to examine further the impact of the materials used on thermal parameters of protective clothing, it is necessary to carry out an analysis of the impact of individual layers.

Artificial neural networks for prediction of local thermal insulation of clothing protecting against cold

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop artificial neural networks (ANNs) allowing us to simulate the local thermal insulation of clothing protecting against cold on a basis of the characteristics of materials and design solutions used. Design/methodology/approach For this purpose, laboratory tests of thermal insulation of clothing protecting against cold as well as thermal resistance of textile systems used in the clothing were performed. These tests were conducted with a use of thermal manikin and so-called skin model, respectively. On a basis of results gathered, 12 ANNs were developed that correspond to each thermal manikin’s segment besides hands and feet which are not covered by protective clothing. Findings In order to obtain high level of simulations, optimization measures for the developed ANNs were introduced. Finally, conducted validation indicated a very high correlation (above 0.95) between theoretical and experimental results, as well as a low error of the simulations (max 8 percent). Originality/value The literature reports addressing the problem of modeling thermal insulation of clothing focus mainly on the impact of the degree of fit and the velocity of air movement on thermal insulation properties, whereas reports dedicated to modeling the impact of the construction of clothing protecting against cold as well as of diverse material systems used within one design of clothing on its thermal insulation are scarce.