Layers Of Cloth Research Articles

Numerical modelling of transient heat and moisture transport in protective clothing

The paper presents a complex model of heat and mass transfer in a multi-layer protective clothing exposed to a flash fire and interacting with the human skin. The clothing was made of porous fabric layers separated by air gaps. The fabrics contained bound water in the fibres and moist air in the pores. The moist air was also present in the gaps between fabric layers or internal fabric layer and the skin. Three skin sublayers were considered. The model accounted for coupled heat transfer by conduction, thermal radiation and associated with diffusion of water vapour in the clothing layers and air gaps. Heat exchange due to phase transition of the bound water were also included in the model. Complex thermal and mass transfer conditions at internal or external boundaries between fabric layers and air gaps as well as air gap and skin were assumed. Special attention was paid to modelling of thermal radiation which was coming from the fire, penetrated through protective clothing and absorbed by the skin. For the first time non-grey properties as well as optical phenomena at internal or external boundaries between fabric layers and air gaps as well as air gap and skin were accounted for. A series of numerical simulations were carried out and the risk of heat injures was estimated.

Composite Electrodes Made from Carbon Cloth as Supercapacitor Material and Manganese and Cobalt Oxide as Battery One

Mn oxide and/or Co oxide are deposited on flexible carbon cloth by a cathodic potentiodynamic procedure from their respective sulfates. In KOH electrolyte, the charge stored from reversible redox reactions of the two oxides (battery response) overlaps with the charge stored from the double layer of the carbon cloth (supercapacitor response). These charges or capacities are compared. For the electrodes having one oxide only, either Mn or Co oxide, the highest capacity is obtained for 8 wt% oxide load. To overcome this limitation, both Mn and Co oxide are simultaneously or sequentially electrodeposited on carbon cloth over a broad compositional range. The electrode capacity can reach 71 mA·h·g−1 or 0.9 mA·h· cm−2, which are higher than the values found for the bare carbon cloth. The electrode capacity depends on the relative content of the carbon cloth and the two deposited oxides according to the rule of mixtures. The decrease of the specific surface area of the carbon cloth is discussed in relation to the deposited oxide. The high capacity retention vs current is due to the contribution of the carbon cloth substrate. The electrode cycle life is discussed on the basis of the supercapacitor response and battery one.

Direct analysis in real time-mass spectroscopy for identification of red dye colourants in Paracas Necropolis Textiles

The Paracas Necropolis on the south coast of Peru is renowned for the elaborate funerary bundles recovered from that dry sandy region. These bundles contained the remains of male leaders within the Paracas communities surrounded by multiple layers of plain cloth and garments with embroidered designs. The methods and materials used in dyeing the yarns used to embellish these ancient fabrics are still not well understood, and the research presented herein seeks to add to that body of knowledge. To investigate the sources of dye colourants in samples from Paracas Necropolis textiles, we applied direct analysis in real time–time-of-flight mass spectrometry (DART-MS). This new methodology has both advantages (analyses are rapid and require little or no sample preparation) and disadvantages (e.g. inability to identify intact carminic acid) compared to existing ones used in the analysis of dye colourants. Direct analysis in real time mass spectra were collected on chemical standards, botanical materials and comparative reference samples prepared with Relbunium roots and cochineal insects (Dactylopius sp.), and the results are compared to red fibres obtained from several different textiles within two different funerary bundles from the Museo Nacional de Arqueología Antropología e Historia in Lima, Peru. The results from the DART-MS analysis of these red fibres show that the compounds present are consistent with the presence of dye obtained from Relbunium species, and cochineal insects were not used to colour these fibres.Statement of significance DART-MS is an efficient and effective method to identify red colourant composition in small samples of fibres removed from archaeological textiles. Of significant note is the ability to differentiate isomers present in Relbunium and other anthraquinone dyes. Colourants in Relbunium are readily distinguished. Although a component of carminic acid from cochineal is less reliably positively identified by DART-MS, it is possible to use a simple extraction and ionization method to confirm or exclude the presence of carminic acid. Relbunium and cochineal are known to have been used in Paracas textiles. Not only does DART-MS aid in identification of colourants using small amounts of material and without significant sample preparation, the information can be used to distinguish fibres that were prepared differently thus indicating past knowledge of dyeing technology. The information can also aid in separating periods of artefact manufacture, and guide development of a conservation strategy.

Pre-deployment Heat Acclimatization Guidelines for Disaster Responders

Minimal preparation time is a feature of responding to sudden onset disasters. While equipment and supplies are prepared for deployment at short notice, less is known of the physical preparation of medical responders. With many disaster-prone areas classified as tropical regions, there is potential for responders to endure a combination of high ambient temperatures and relative humidity during deployment. Heat acclimatization, defined as the physiological and perceptual adaptations to frequent elevations of core body temperature (Tc), is a key strategy to improve tolerance of hot conditions by medical responders. Pre-deployment heat acclimatization guidelines were developed based upon the duration of physical training and the subjective rate of perceived exertion (session RPE). An objective of individual training sessions was the perception of body temperature as warm to hot. The guidelines were implemented for Team Bravo (2nd rotation) of the Australian Medical Assistance Team (AusMAT) deployed to Tacloban, Philippines following Typhoon Haiyan in November 2013. The guidelines were distributed electronically five to seven days prior to deployment and were followed by a consultation. A group training session in hot conditions was undertaken prior to departure. The AusMAT responders to utilize the guidelines were based in cool or temperate climates that required extra layers of clothing, training during warmer parts of the days, or warm indoor conditions to achieve session objectives. Responders reported the guidelines were simple to use, applicable to their varied training regimens, and had improved their confidence to work in the heat despite not completing the entire 14 day period. The pre-deployment heat acclimatization guidelines provided AusMAT responders the ability to quantify their physical training and promoted physiological adaptations to maximize health, safety, and performance during deployment. While maintaining year-round heat acclimatization is considered essential for medical responders, these guidelines may facilitate beneficial adaptations once notified of deployment.

Heat strain imposed by personal protective ensembles: quantitative analysis using a thermoregulation model.

The objective of this paper is to study the effects of personal protective equipment (PPE) and specific PPE layers, defined as thermal/evaporative resistances and the mass, on heat strain during physical activity. A stepwise thermal manikin testing and modeling approach was used to analyze a PPE ensemble with four layers: uniform, ballistic protection, chemical protective clothing, and mask and gloves. The PPE was tested on a thermal manikin, starting with the uniform, then adding an additional layer in each step. Wearing PPE increases the metabolic rates [Formula: see text], thus [Formula: see text] were adjusted according to the mass of each of four configurations. A human thermoregulatory model was used to predict endurance time for each configuration at fixed [Formula: see text] and at its mass adjusted [Formula: see text]. Reductions in endurance time due to resistances, and due to mass, were separately determined using predicted results. Fractional contributions of PPE's thermal/evaporative resistances by layer show that the ballistic protection and the chemical protective clothing layers contribute about 20 %, respectively. Wearing the ballistic protection over the uniform reduced endurance time from 146 to 75min, with 31min of the decrement due to the additional resistances of the ballistic protection, and 40min due to increased [Formula: see text] associated with the additional mass. Effects of mass on heat strain are of a similar magnitude relative to effects of increased resistances. Reducing resistances and mass can both significantly alleviate heat strain.

Should blood pressure be measured with the cuff on a bare arm?

To establish whether the results of blood pressure (BP) measurements are affected by wearing clothing underneath the BP cuff during measurement. Normotensive and hypertensive patients (n=133; 65 men) of an outpatient clinic participated in this study. BP was measured according to a rigorous protocol with a validated oscillometric device under three conditions: with one layer of own clothing (OC) underneath the cuff, with one layer of standardized clothing (SC) underneath the cuff, and with the cuff on a bare arm (BA), in a randomized order. Patients were seated on a chair with their right arm on the table and their feet flat on the floor during BP measurement. The mean BP values (±SEM) measured during BA, OC, and SC were, respectively, 132.8±1.3, 132.3±1.4, and 133.2±1.4 mmHg for systolic blood pressure (SBP), 78.3±0.9, 78.3±0.9, and 78.5±0.9 mmHg for diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and 90.3±1.0, 90.0±1.0, and 91.5±1.0 mmHg for mean arterial blood pressure (MAP). The differences in SBP, DBP, and MAP between BA, OC, and SC measurements were not statistically significant, but there was considerable intraindividual variation in SBP deviations of more than 5 mmHg between BA versus OC and SC. There was no significant order effect of the three conditions. The absence of differences between BA, OC, and SC was not determined by age, sex, BMI, and arm circumference. We could not find differences in MAP, SBP, and DBP between the bare and clothed arms, but intraindividual variation of SBP between the three conditions is not negligible. Despite this caveat, these data suggest that in an outpatient clinic, BP can be measured reliably with one layer of clothing underneath the cuff. This is timesaving and more comfortable for patients.

Preparation, microstructure, and thermal properties of phenolic cryogel composite plates

Phenolic hydrogel plates were successfully fabricated by a microemulsion‐templated sol gel polymerization method. Then, the phenolic cryogel plates were obtained from the hydrogel plates freeze‐dried by the lyophilizer. Ultimately, the phenolic cryogel plates (PCPs) and fiber glass cloth layers were compounded to be the phenolic cryogel composite plates (PCCPs). The pore morphology, mechanical, and thermal properties of the composites were investigated. The experimental results showed that the aerogels made by freeze‐drying method and disposed by acetic acid and tert butyl alcohol had the best microstructure. In addition, it was discovered that the tensile strength of the plates had equally increased for approximately eight times after compounding with the glass fiber cloth layers and the mechanical properties of the 20 wt% and 25% solid content PCPs achieved the optimal value compared with PCPs of other contents. Moreover, it was found that the cryogels had excellent thermostability, and their thermal conductivity decreased with the reducing of the solid contents, what's more, the joining of cloth layers had the increased the composites’ thermal conductivity to some degree. Finally, considering the requirement of low density, good mechanical, and thermal performance, the 20 wt% solid content PCCP had the best comprehensive performance compared with others. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:2294–2300, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers

Deterioration of polyaramid and polybenzimidazole woven fabrics after ultraviolet irradiation

ABSTRACTIn this study the degradation of woven fabrics of meta‐aramid and the blend of para‐aramid and polybenzimidazole fibers when exposed to environmental conditions has been investigated under accelerated ageing conditions. Generally, these polymeric materials have been used for the outer layer of protective clothing, particularly for fire‐fighting. The performance of these fabrics plays an important role in preventing burn‐injuries to fire fighters. Frequent exposure of these materials to various environmental conditions (especially sunlight) can degrade the polymeric chain and affect their performance properties. Hence, the degradation of the fabrics has been studied in terms of loss of tensile and tear strength; reduction in abrasion resistance; and extension at break. It was observed that ultraviolet (UV) irradiation negatively impacted on the mechanical properties of both the polymeric materials significantly. This can be attributed to chemical changes in the polymeric chains due to the photo‐oxidation of the polymer. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed surface decomposition of the filaments due to UV irradiation. Exposure of polybenzimidazole resulted in rapid loss of mechanical and chemical properties in comparison with meta‐aramid. However, decomposition and degradation of polybenzidimazole was not statistically significant. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43073.

Impacts of gender, weather, and workplace differences in farm worker's gear.

BackgroundThe farmers cannot help working in outdoor conditions which have high humidity and solar radiation during the harvest period. Wearable items including clothing are the nearest environment of human body, and to understand the current state of them can be a way to set up an active prevention strategy against the health risk from heat stress in summertime agriculture. The aim of this study was to investigate the work wear and accessories which the elderly farmers used during agricultural working.MethodsOne hundred twenty farmers (49 males and 71 females) working in nine separate sites on different days took part in this study. The average age of subjects was 61 years old. We examined the types of working posture, clothing, and items that the farmers used and/or wore. We also interviewed the farmers to know why they used such items while working.ResultsThe results of this study were as follows: (1) Farmers worked in the thermal environment which was over wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) reference value, and the farmers could suffer heat stress due to workload induced from wearing conventional long-sleeved shirts and long trousers which were 0.66 clo in average under this summertime working thermal condition. (2) The farmers tended to change the layer of upper clothing for adapting to weather condition. (3) The types of footwear used seemed to be related with facilities as well as weather, and farmers tended to wear lighter footwear when the weather is hotter or when they work in PVC greenhouse. The majority of elderly farmers wore loafers and rubber shoes which had indistinguishable thin soles. (4) The types of hats showed the difference between facilities as well as gender and only 31.7 % of all participants used long brims. (5) Korean elderly farmers did not use any active cooling item as agricultural auxiliary tools in summer harvesting time.ConclusionsKorean elderly farmers worked in poor surroundings which could threaten their health and safety and seemed not to adjust their workload and clothing during summer harvest season. Thus, it would be necessary to monitor individual responses in order to ensure that the risk of heat stress is prevented.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40101-015-0074-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Artificial Neural Network Estimation of Thermal Insulation Value of Children’s School Wear in Kuwait Classroom

Artificial neural network (ANN) was utilized to predict the thermal insulation values of children’s school wear in Kuwait. The input thermal insulation data of the different children’s school wear used in Kuwait classrooms were obtained from study using thermal manikins. The lowest mean squared error (MSE) value for the validation data was 1.5 × 10−5 using one hidden layer of six neurons and one output layer. The R2 values for the training, validation, and testing data were almost equal to 1. The values from ANN prediction were compared with McCullough’s equation and the standard tables’ methods. Results suggested that the ANN is able to give more accurate prediction of the clothing thermal insulation values than the regression equation and the standard tables methods. The effect of the different input variables on the thermal insulation value was examined using Garson algorithm and sensitivity analysis and it was found that the cloths weight, the body surface area nude (BSA0), and body surface area covered by one layer of clothing (BSAC1) have the highest effect on the thermal insulation value with about 29%, 27%, and 23%, respectively.

마틴 마르지엘라의 디자인 코드 분석 -체크리스트법을 중심으로-

The purpose of this study is to explore the role of deconstruction and creative destruction in Maison Margiela’s fashion design code, which has opened the door to a new wave of innovative design since 1988. Using a combination of theoretical analysis, precedent research, and a review of existing literature, five years of Maison Margiela's works (2010-2014) were evaluated. The analysis shows that Maison Margiela’s Design Code consists of the following key elements: Addition, Extension, Asymmetry, Elimination, Deconstruction, Complanation, and Inversion. Addition refers to act of attaching additional pieces of fabric or clothing on the existing piece. Extension refers to the act of extending the design elements, such as their position or features. Asymmetry means the irregular positioning of left-to right and front-to-back length and features. Deconstruction could be seen in intentionally frayed sleeves, open seams, and tears in the cloth. The element of Elimination was evident in the removal of key pieces of clothing such as a coat, pants, blouse, and a jacket. Complanation refers to the reversion to a two dimensional contemplation of the human form rather than the more obvious 3-dimensional form. Finally, Inversion was used by displaying an inner layer of clothing on the outside or exposing seams or zippers in a way that people are not accustomed to seeing. It also meant that the order of wearing clothes was sometimes inverted, so external layers would be worn within clothing that are traditionally underneath. Maison Margiela’s creations represented a break

Effect of germination time on proximate analysis, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) sprouts

The lentil plant, Lens culinaris L., is a member of the Leguminoceae family and constitutes one of the most important traditional dietary components. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effects of sprouting for 3, 4, 5 and 6 days on proximate, bioactive compounds and antioxidative characteristics of lentil (Lens culinaris) sprouts. Lentil seeds were soaked in distilled water (1:10, w/v) for 12 h at room temperature (~25°C), then kept between thick layers of cotton cloth and allowed to germinate in the dark for 3, 4, 5 and 6 days. The nutritional composition, protein solubility, free amino acids, antinutritional factors, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of raw and germinated samples were determined using standard official procedures. Sprouting process caused significant (P ≤ 0.05) increases in moisture, protein, ash, crude fiber, protein solubility, free amino acids, total, reducing and nonreducing sugars. However, oil content, antinutritional factors (tannins and phytic acid) significantly (P ≤ 0.05) decreased. Results indicated that total essential amino acids of lentil seeds protein formed 38.10% of the total amino acid content. Sulfur-containing amino acids were the first limiting amino acid, while threonine was the second limiting amino acid in raw and germinated lentil seeds. Sprouting process has a positive effect on the essential amino acid contents and protein efficiency ratio (PER) of lentil sprouts. Phenolics content increased from 1341.13 mg/100 g DW in raw lentil seeds to 1411.50, 1463.00, 1630.20 and 1510.10 in those samples germinated for 3, 4, 5 and 6 days, respectively. Sprouted seeds had higher DPPH radical scavenging and reducing power activities. Based on these results, sprouting process is recommended to increase nutritive value, and antioxidant activity of lentil seeds.

EFFECT OF HYBRIDIZATION ON COMPRESSIVE PROPERTIES OF WOVEN CARBON, GLASS AND KEVLAR HYBRID COMPOSITES

The growing use of high-performance materials, which are made of hybrid composite systems, has increased rapidly in engineering applications. Hybridization of woven carbon, glass and Kevlar fibre offers better mechanical properties of composite materials. This is also an effective way to reduce the cost of advanced composites. At the moment information on compressive properties of hybrid composites is very limited. It is well known that the compressive strength of composite materials is lower than the tensile strength. Therefore, compressive strength becomes one of the most important criteria in designing composite structures. Therefore, this research is aimed to evaluate the compressive properties of hybrid composites and compare to the properties of neat systems. Hybrid composite samples were fabricated using a vacuum bagging system. The compressive properties of Kevlar hybrid with carbon and glass composites were studied using an INSTRON 3382 universal machine with a constant crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. The compressive properties were determined based on the stress-strain diagram. It was observed that for hybrid composites, placing carbon woven cloth layers in the exterior and Kevlar woven cloth in the interior showed higher compressive strength than placing glass woven cloth layers in the exterior and Kevlar woven cloth in the interior. The modes of failure of the hybrid composite laminates were observed and evaluated using optical microscope and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Occupational, environmental and individual factors affecting the selection of winter clothing by open-pit miners in Barents region - a questionnaire and field study

Working in open-pit mines in the Barents region requires protection against cold, occasionally extreme temperatures and high wind speed. Employers are required to provide outer cold protective clothing for workers in outdoor tasks. Some companies also offer inner or middle clothing layers for voluntary use. However, workers use their own selection of winter garments underneath the outer clothing. This study aimed to evaluate the selection criteria of winter clothing of open-pit miners and its thermal protection at work.

Interactive visualization of multi-layered clothing

We present a non-iterative approach to visually plausible rendering of multi-layered clothes, aimed mainly at human figures dressed in multiple garments. The problems we address are cloth interference and z-fighting. Our approach is based on numbering layers of clothing and then using recursive ray tracing to keep them in order. Instead of developing a new physically based technique, such as collision detection/response schemes or particle systems, we develop a visualization technique to complement existing physically based methods, greatly reducing the required precision and, thus, the computational cost.

Development of Fire-Resistant Multilayer Materials for Working Clothes of Welders

In the paper several types of multilayer materials are proposed, which consist of fire-resistant woven and nonwoven materials. The developed non-woven material is a fabric made from woolen and m-aramide fibers connected in a combined way and which are components of a new multilayer material for welder's uniform. The proposed new woven materials due to their specific properties are suggested for an application as internal layers of protective clothing. Several types of fire-resistant fabrics with improved service properties are studied.

Skin, thermal and umbilical cord care practices for neonates in southern, rural Zambia: a qualitative study.

BackgroundIn Choma District, southern Zambia, the neonatal mortality rate is approximately 40 per 1000 live births and, although the rate is decreasing, many deliveries take place outside of formal facilities. Understanding local practices during the postnatal period is essential for optimizing newborn care programs.MethodsWe conducted 36 in-depth interviews, five focus groups and eight observational sessions with recently-delivered women, traditional birth attendants, and clinic and hospital staff from three sites, focusing on skin, thermal and cord care practices for newborns in the home.ResultsNewborns were generally kept warm by application of hats and layers of clothing. While thermal protection is provided for preterm and small newborns, the practice of nighttime bathing with cold water was common. The vernix was considered important for the preterm newborn but dangerous for HIV-exposed infants. Mothers applied various substances to the skin and umbilical cord, with special practices for preterm infants. Applied substances included petroleum jelly, commercial baby lotion, cooking oil and breastmilk. The most common substances applied to the umbilical cord were powders made of roots, burnt gourds or ash. To ward off malevolent spirits, similar powders were reportedly placed directly into dermal incisions, especially in ill children.ConclusionsThermal care for newborns is commonly practiced but co-exists with harmful practices. Locally appropriate behavior change interventions should aim to promote chlorhexidine in place of commonly-reported application of harmful substances to the skin and umbilical cord, reduce bathing of newborns at night, and address the immediate bathing of HIV-infected newborns.

Appropriating the Mola: Forms of Borrowing by Textile Artists

Mola panels, made of layers of cloth, are a well-known souvenir and collectible internationally. A pair of rectangular mola panels form the back and front of a mola blouse and are part of the dress of an indigenous American Indian people, the Kuna (Guna), who live in Panama and Colombia. While the mola may be considered a form of wearable art, it has become a source of inspiration for contemporary Western textile artworks. The techniques used by Kuna women to sew mola panels – surface appliqué, reverse appliqué and embroidery – have been imitated, adapted, and transformed by textile artists, often as an evolving practice. The global influence of the mola is demonstrated in case studies of the work of six textile artists: Tsuyako Miyazaki (Japan), Fumiko Nakayama (Japan), John Corbett (Australia), Charlotte Patera (US), Christel Walter (Germany) and Herta Puls (UK). The works reviewed, stitched from the 1970s until recent times, are considered in terms of visual organization, color palette, materials, design motif, scale, sewing techniques, intent (meaning to the maker) and display qualities. The individual strategies of artists in responding to sources of inspiration originating from non-western cultures are considered along a continuum from imitation, through adaptation, to transformation.

Design and Implementation of a High Integrated Noncontact ECG Monitoring Belt

The ECG plays a key role in the rapid diagnosis of heart diseases such as coronary heart disease, ischemic heart disease, myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, etc. Unfortunately, the adhesion of conventional electrodes to the skin sometimes is difficult if not impossible due to the wet skin caused by higher perspiration. Besides, for the application of long term ECG monitoring, the wet adhesive ECG electrodes are easy to cause infection of the wearers’ skin. Moreover, in certain situations it is difficult or simply too time-consuming to undress the patient for an ECG. Therefore, novel ECG monitoring techniques are urgently needed. In this paper, an easy-to-use noncontact ECG (NCECG) monitoring node for wireless body sensor network was designed and tested. The NCECG node introduced in this paper use the doubled shielded active ECG electrodes, compared with many other two electrodes noncontact ECG monitoring node, it also added a right-leg-drive circuit to reduce the common mode noise. The experiment result shows that it could accurately monitor the ECG signals while insulated by one layer of clothes. Furthermore, the NCECG monitoring node we proposed is high compact and easy to use. Besides ECG monitoring function, it also integrates with temperature, respiration and motion state monitoring function, while the size of the circuit board is just 93 40 mm. And the elastic belt architecture makes the ECG monitoring much more convenient and easy to use.

Advanced modelling of the transport phenomena across horizontal clothing microclimates with natural convection.

The ability of clothing to provide protection against external environments is critical for wearer's safety and thermal comfort. It is a function of several factors, such as external environmental conditions, clothing properties and activity level. These factors determine the characteristics of the different microclimates existing inside the clothing which, ultimately, have a key role in the transport processes occurring across clothing. As an effort to understand the effect of transport phenomena in clothing microclimates on the overall heat transport across clothing structures, a numerical approach was used to study the buoyancy-driven heat transfer across horizontal air layers trapped inside air impermeable clothing. The study included both the internal flow occurring inside the microclimate and the external flow occurring outside the clothing layer, in order to analyze the interdependency of these flows in the way heat is transported to/from the body. Two-dimensional simulations were conducted considering different values of microclimate thickness (8, 25 and 52 mm), external air temperature (10, 20 and 30 °C), external air velocity (0.5, 1 and 3 m s(-1)) and emissivity of the clothing inner surface (0.05 and 0.95), which implied Rayleigh numbers in the microclimate spanning 4 orders of magnitude (9 × 10(2)-3 × 10(5)). The convective heat transfer coefficients obtained along the clothing were found to strongly depend on the transport phenomena in the microclimate, in particular when natural convection is the most important transport mechanism. In such scenario, convective coefficients were found to vary in wavy-like manner, depending on the position of the flow vortices in the microclimate. These observations clearly differ from data in the literature for the case of air flow over flat-heated surfaces with constant temperature (which shows monotonic variations of the convective heat transfer coefficients, along the length of the surface). The flow patterns and temperature fields in the microclimates were found to strongly depend on the characteristics of the external boundary layer forming along the clothing and on the distribution of temperature in the clothing. The local heat transfer rates obtained in the microclimate are in marked contrast with those found in the literature for enclosures with constant-temperature active walls. These results stress the importance of coupling the calculation of the internal and the external flows and of the heat transfer convective and radiative components, when analyzing the way heat is transported to/from the body.