Polar Grip: Tactical Dry Glove for Polar Environments
Abstract
US Naval Special Operations Forces increasingly operate in the frigid waters of the artic. Of particular concern is the loss of dexterity and numbness in the hands during dives. JHU/APL s Polar Grip is a tactical dry glove designed to keep hands warm and dry under such conditions. The gloce uses two thin, flexible layers to improve warmth without adding bulk. The inner layer provides insulation using an aerogel-filled elastomer. The aerogel has a thermal condictivity of 0.012 W/m-K, half of still air. It can match the insulation values of the best dry suits at a thickness of only 4mm. A fibrous outer coating eliminates radiative emission through the repeated reflected backscattering of infrared light. It therefore attenuates 357 W/m2 of radiant heat loss, which eventually dominates in well-insulated systems. Ploar Grip also removes sweat from exertion. Taking inspiration fromn fog -collecting beetles in the Namib desert, the inner lining of the insulation uses a pattern of superhydrophilic patches on a superhydrophobic surface to shuttle water towards sponge-like reserviors around the wrists. A fluoropolymer fabric prevents the collected water from making further contact with the skin., but it allows moisture vapor to permeate towrds the lining. Finally, the collected water droplets are shuttled by the divers movement towards a sponge-like reservoir near the rists.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 12, 2016
- Source ID
- N000141512107
Entities
People
- Jason J Benkoski
Organizations
- Johns Hopkins University
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy