Thermal Comfort Factors, Concepts and Definitions,

Abstract

While air temperature, ambient vapor pressure, air motion and solar load, if any, are critical factors of climate, clothing is an essential consideration in the microclimate of an individual. However, it has been ignored by most biometeorologists and physiologists, while clothing researchers have concentrated on fit, weave, style, wear-life and costs. The 'clo' unit of insulation is useful for estimating the combined radiant and convective heat exchange for a resting clothed man. It represents a combination of theory and empiricism. If one can define the thermal 'clo' insulation of clothing, and how it is modified by wind, and by wearer motion, and knows the ambient air temperatures in which the clothing will be worn one can, with reasonable accuracy, estimate the actual heat loss that will occur by long wave radiation and convection; short wave (solar) radiation, although more complex, can also be estimated.

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 12, 1975
Accession Number
ADA019589

Entities

People

  • R. F. Goldman

Organizations

  • United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Air Temperature
  • Clothing
  • Convection
  • Heat Loss
  • Insulation
  • Radiation
  • Vapor Pressure

Readers

  • Exercise and Sports Science.
  • Theoretical Analysis.
  • Thermal Physics or Thermal Science.

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics