Guidelines for measuring thermal resistance on thermal Foot Manikin

Abstract

This study aims to optimize the factors affecting thermal resistance (Rct) test on Thermal Foot Manikin (TFM). There are two types of testing on Thermal Manikin (nude and clothed manikin). Initial thermal resistance (Rct0) is measured on both nude and clothed TFM. Clothed TFM is using mercerized cotton socks. Thermal resistance (Rct) is evaluated for four types of woven compression bandages (WCBs). All bandage types were applied at extension ranges 10–80%, using both two- and three-layers bandaging. Moreover all samples were measured on three levels of ambient conditions (T: 20 ± 2 °C, RH: 65 ± 5%), (T: 22 ± 2 °C, RH: 65 ± 5%), (T: 20 ± 2 °C, RH: 50 ± 5%). The main factors affecting thermal resistance test are the temperature difference (ΔT) between ambient conditions and skin, yarns material, fabric structure (woven, knitted), thickness, weight per unit area, number of fabric and air layers. Obtained results of Rct0 and Rct confirmed that clothed TFM is more accurate due to more stabilization and less effect of air convection.