Thermal Manikin Evaluation of Passive and Active Cooling Garments to Improve Comfort of Military Body Armor

摘要

This study evaluated two different garments designed to increase ventilation and evaporative cooling under Interceptor Body Armor: a passive, Interceptor Ventilation Vest (IVV); and an active, battery-powered, Body Ventilation System (BVS). Both were tested for thermal (Rt, sq m x C/W) and evaporative resistance (Re, sq m x kPa/W) on a thermal manikin (TM), according to ASTM standards. TM results showed Rt and Re increased (16% and 26%, respectively) when IBA was worn. However, increases were lower (9% and 14%) with IVV under IBA. These lowered resistances increased TM evaporative cooling potential approximately 15%. With the BVS blower unit ON, TM measurements of Rt and Re were lower (17% and 20%), when compared to OFF values. This increased TM evaporative cooling potential approximately 18%. Military use of these garments could allow for increases in sweat evaporation and overall thermal comfort during operational heat exposure.