The development of a numerical model for predicting the degree of thermal stress associated with protective clothing

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The objective of this research is to develop a numerical model to predict thermal stress associated with wearing protective clothing in various thermal conditions. The goal is to develop a fundamental scientific understanding of heat and mass transport in multilayer protective clothing system and air layers (microclimate) between the human skin and clothing due to the human body geometry. The theoretical model developed by this research will be validated using a thermal sweating manikin test and human trials. The proposed research will provide a tool that can be used to advance the state of the art of protective clothing and material science by developing a fundamental understanding of the heat and moisture transport mechanisms involved in the wearing of multi-layer protective clothing system and the response of human body. It will help to establish a relationship between thermal stress associate with wearing protective clothing and the effects of wearers' physiology/activity, environmental conditions as well as fabric properties and garment design. The basic knowledge generated will be fundamentally useful for optimizing the performance of protective clothing and critical in identifying key factors related to thermal stress caused by wearing this protective clothing system. This integrated numerical model combined with the one I have established "Modeling the Thermal Protective Performance of Heat Resistant Garments in Flash Fire Exposures" could provide a basis for developing a virtual comfort and protective performance evaluation lab and help to develop more efficient protective clothing system.