Prediction of radiative protective performance of multilayered clothing

Abstract

Performance of protective clothing assembly exposed to pure radiant heat source has been modeled and time to cause the second degree burn injury is predicted by solving the model equation. These findings have been compared with experimentally determined values. Good agreement has been found with experimental and predicted data. Effect of different fabric parameters and boundary conditions has been estimated by varying these parameters and then solving the equations. Fabric reflectivity and thickness appear to be the most important parameters dictating the heat transfer process. Temperature dependent thermal conductivity and specific heat are the other critical parameters governing the heat flow.