Estimation of Thermal Performance of Flame Resistant Clothing Fabrics Sheathing a Cylinder with New Skin Model

Abstract

Specialized protective clothing, such as that worn by firefighters, is usually tested only according to standards for the flame resistant fabrics (NFPA 1971). However, these tests often neglect the effects of cylindrical geometry on heat transmission in flame resistant fabrics. This paper deals with methods to develop cylindrical geometry testing apparatus incorporating a novel skin bioheat transfer model to test flame resistant fabrics used in firefighting. Results show that fabrics which shrink during testing can have reduced thermal protective performance compared with the qualities measured with a planar geometry tester. Results of temperature differences between skin simulant sensors of planar and cylindrical testers are also compared. It is concluded that cylindrical geometry has little effect on the heat transfer within uncovered skin simulant.