3-D Simulation of Heat and Moisture Transfer in Human-Clothing-Environment System

Abstract

A 3-D heat and moisture transfer model for the human-clothing-environment system (HCES) is developed. The Smith-Fu’s finite element model is improved by considering more real 3-D geometry properties of the human body. Meanwhile, the heat and moisture transfer mechanisms, including water vapor diffusion, the moisture evaporation/condensation, moisture sorbtion/ desorption by fibers, and latent heat absorption/release due to phase change, are considered in a new 3-D clothing model. The clothed human body model predictions are compared with published experimental data at a variety of ambient conditions. The model predictions agree well with the experimental data, indicating that the present model has good prediction ability. Also, the model predictions are given by using the 3-D Figures.