Modeling of the coupled heat and mass transport within the multilayer products with the semi-permeable membranes

Abstract

The clothing materials, coated by semi-permeable membranes for the protection against a loss of body heat and sweat removal were characterized. The theoretical analysis determines the value of thermal resistance and water vapour, which allows designing of clothing materials due to the optimal fulfilment of utility functions and providing a suitable comfort in the condition of using. The thermo-physical parameters were measured by means of the sweating guardedhotplate test to measure the thermal resistance and vapour resistance under steady state conditions, and Alambeta and Thermo Labo II devices. A comparison of average values of thermal resistance, thermal conductivity and the maximal heat flux density were made between the results obtained by three methods. The paper presents the solutions of the theoretical model of the coupled mass and heat conduction. To visualize the obtained results the ADINA program was used. The comparative analysis of changes in underclothing microclimate parameters: the temperature and relative humidity under the rest phase, the effort phase and the rest phase after the test on cycloergometer were made for three jackets. The tested jackets were made up from multilayer materials with semi-permeable membranes.