A new dynamic clothing model. Part 1: Heat and mass transfers

Beyond an insulating function, clothing constitutes a dynamic system managing the hygro-thermal exchanges between body and environment. The model built, presented here, and computed in the form of a user-friendly software, points out the interfacing function. The air confined under garment creates a micro-climate responsible for the felt comfort. The exchanges between the external side of clothing and the outer environment are lower than in a "static" insulating model, but are to be added to the transfers by renewal of the confined air. This model constitutes a tool giving a comprehensive valuation of the real transfers. It is useful for studies concerning thermal comfort and fabrics. (C) 2000 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.