Finding Improvements in the Measurement and Estimation of Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature
Abstract
The WBGT index is the standard measure of heat stress for the DoD. Several published studies have addressed measuring and estimating the WBGT, but these studies have been plagued by data sets that are too small and/or are biased due to geographical influences and sensor differences. This paper outlines the campaign undertaken by the Range Commanders Council Meteorology Group to fill these deficiencies by taking observations of WBGT-related variables over several months in 2021 at several climatic sites using a standard set of instrumentation. The WBGT measurement platform development, data collection procedures, data quality control results, and suggestions for future WBGT estimation algorithm development are highlighted. The results from this campaign will serve as the foundation for improving estimations of WBGT using standard meteorological variables. Heat stress is a substantial concern to the DoD in operational and testing environments. In April 2022, the DoD Defense Health Agency stated that over 12,000 heat-related illnesses occurred within active component service members in 2017-2021, with the threat continuing to be a significant and persistent threat to both the health of U.S. military members and the effectiveness of military operations. In an effort during the 1950s to reduce heat-related casualties at Marine Corps training bases across the southeastern United States, Yaglou and Minard developed a heat stress index called the WBGT. This index accounts for the effects of temperature, humidity, wind, and intensity of solar radiation on the human body.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 14, 2023
- Accession Number
- AD1207940