Theoretical Prediction and Measurement of the Fabric Surface Apparent Temperature in a Simulated Man/Fabric/Environment System

摘要

Theoretical analysis is presented to predict the fabric surface apparent temperature in a simulated man/clothing fabric/environment system. The predicted outcomes have been validated by comparison with the experimental results using a sweating hotplate in an environmental chamber. An air gap of approximately 9 mm between the fabric and the hotplate surface was found to be the optimum for controlling the fabric surface temperature. The apparent temperature of the fabric can match its surrounding objects by further adjusting its surface emissivity depending on the ambient temperature. A Disruptive Pattern Combat Uniform (DPCU) fabric was used in the experimental assessment of the theoretical predictions which were in good agreement with the theoretical predictions. A sweating hotplate with dry and wet states was also used to assess the influence of evaporative heat on the fabric surface temperature. No significant dffference was found in the fabric surface apparent temperature between the dry and wet states.