FLOW OF HEAT AND VAPOR THROUGH COMPOSITE PERM-SELECTIVE MEMBRANES UNDER SIMULATED CONDITIONS
Abstract
An experimental study was made of the heat and mass (water vapor) flow rate through several different composite clothing systems. Cooling of a simulated skin surface was obtained through vaporization of water from a wet wick in the clothing system. Tests were conducted at both reduced and at atmospheric pressure. In the reduced pressure tests, cooling rates as high as 182 Btu/(hr. x sq.ft.) were obtained with a simulated skin temperature of 91F. Excellent control of the simulated skin temperature at widely varying heat flow rates was possible. Temperature control was obtained by controlling the wick vaporization pressure. Both forced and natural convection were used in the atmospheric pressure tests. Forced convection was obtained by blowing air from a large fan across the surface of the clothing systems. The air velocity was approximately 7 ft./sec. While the heat flow rate depended somewhat upon the temperature and the humidity of the room air, which were not controlled in these tests, the results indicated that high cooling rates were possible. For a simulated skin temperature of 91F, cooling rates as high as 200 Btu/(hr. x sq. ft.) for forced convection and 121 Btu/(hr. x sq. ft.) for natural convection were obtained, with room air.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1968
- Accession Number
- AD0671681
Entities
People
- Ferdinand Votta Jr.
Organizations
- University of Rhode Island