Physiological Acceptance Criteria for Cold Weather Clothing
Abstract
The purpose of the present investigation was to develop physiological limit criteria for cold weather clothing items which meet the limits for protection against development of a cold injury, and which are also associated with an increased level of subjective comfort and acceptance. The literature on physiological responses to cold was reviewed. The relationships of responses such as body core temperature, skin temperatures and shivering to subjective feelings of thermal comfort and temperature sensation were examined. Under many conditions that Navy cold weather clothing items are worn, it is not practical to expect that the optimal level of thermal comfort can be obtained. Allowing for a moderate level of cold sensation and thermal discomfort, the following physiological criteria for acceptance of cold weather clothing items were developed: (1) a mean weighted skin temperature > or = to 28 deg C (82 deg F) (2) local skin temperature at any site > or = to 18 deg C (64 deg F) (3) a metabolic rate due to shivering < twice the normal resting rate (metabolic rate > or = to approximately 180 kcal/hr). All three criteria must be met. Application of these criteria will enable us to better evaluate and compare cold weather clothing items.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA235670
Entities
People
- Nancy A. Pimental