Numerical investigation of the influence of thermal protective fabric deformation on heat transfer from thermal radiant heat to human skin

Abstract

Operators in thermal hazardous environments are more susceptible to burns during physical motion due to the potential deformation of thermal protective clothing. To study the influence of fabric deformation on heat transfer, a model of a three-layer thermal protective fabric system with stretching and compression deformation throughout the heat exposure and cooling phases was established and coupled with a skin heat transfer model to predict skin burns. Changes in the thermophysical properties of the fabric with deformation and skin tissue based on body location were considered. To verify the accuracy of the model, a modified radiant protective performance tester capable of simulating fabric deformation was applied. The relative error between the prediction results of the model and the experimental results does not exceed 4.68 %. The results demonstrate that stretching or compression deformation of the fabric increases heat transfer to the skin, and compression deformation generates a greater thermal hazard by accelerating the discharge of stored energy. Fabric deformation accelerates skin burns in all body parts, especially in the arms and legs. The findings of this research can provide a theoretical basis for understanding the frequent occurrence of skin burns associated with body motion and provide guidance for the design of thermal protective clothing to enhance the partial thermal protective performance.

Keywords

• Thermal protective clothing
• Numerical simulation
• Heat transfer
• Fabric deformation
• Skin burn