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Research instruments,
which measure the heat and moisture transfer properties of fabrics
related
to thermal comfort are located in the
Micro Climate
Analysis Laboratory. The conductivity, thermal insulation, and moisture
vapor transmission rate of fabrics are measured. Predictions of the
thermal comfort and heat stress of materials are made using "sweating
skin" models. To simulate heat loss from sweating skin, heat transfer
through test fabrics is measured using a sweating hot plate housed in
an environmental chamber. The temperature, humidity, and wind speed
are controlled to create climatic conditions. Resulting thermal comfort
and heat stress indices are useful for comparing materials on the basis
of their ability to provide thermal comfort to the wearer. They can
also be used to measure the insulation properties of fabrics.
Another mechanism can be employed to study the heat and moisture transport
properties of fabrics. A unique device developed at North Carolina State
University allows for measurement of transient microclimate temperature
and humidity changes that occur during and after a sweat pulse. The moisture
vapor buffering capacity of fabrics and fabric assemblies can be modeled
and evaluated.
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