Heat strain in chemical protective clothing in hot-humid environment:Effects of clothing thermal properties

Heat strain experienced by individuals wearing chemical protective clothing(CPC)is severe and dangerous especially in hot-humid environment.The development of material science and interdisciplinary studies including ergonomics,physiology and heat transfer is urgently required for the reduction of heat strain.The aim of this paper was to study the relationship among clothing thermal properties,physiological responses and environmental conditions.Three kinds of CPC were selected.Eight participants wore CPC and walked(4 km/h,two slopes with 5%and 10%)on a treadmill in an environment with(35±0.5)℃ and RH of(60±5)%.Core temperature,mean skin temperature,heart rate,heat storage and tolerance time were recorded and analyzed.Physiological responses were significantly affected by the clothing thermal properties and activity intensity in hot-humid environment.The obtained results can help further development of heat strain model.New materials with lower evaporative resistance and less weight are necessary to release the heat strain in hot-humid environments.

Application of natural ventilation of residential buildings in hot-humid regions

The current ventilation condition of the hot and humid regions was analyzed through on-site investigation. It is found that residents in this region expect to improve indoor thermal environment through natural ventilation as much as possible. Then,it comes to a conclusion by the field test that natural ventilation has certain practical effect on improving indoor thermal environment. CFD simulation software is employed to verify the test result. Based on PMV modified model,and according to norms,geography and climate combined with the measured and simulated results,the application of the time and effectiveness of natural ventilation in hot and humid region were analyzed,to some extent,providing a basis for reducing the air-conditioner's runtime with natural ventilation.

Impact of indoor thermal comfort on physiological parameters of human body

With the living standards gradually improved,the buildings with safe,comfortable,healthy indoor thermal environment would be the ideal pursuit. But to create the preferable indoor thermal environment,it is necessary to research physiological influence of indoor thermal environment on human body. So a typical region of hot-humid climate in Chongqing,China,was considered as the object to study physiological indexes of human body. And the indoor thermal environment parameters and physiological indexes of human body were the main measurements. 20 volunteer students were organized to take part in the experiments in the laboratory during this summer. And two methods,physical measuring and questionnaire investigation,were used in the experiments. The results show that the increase in indoor air temperature reduces the uncomfortable feeling of air draft. Indoor air temperature has visible effects on MCS (motor nerve conduction speed),SCS (sensory nerve conduction speed),HR (heart rate),the ECG (electrocardiogram)-QT segment and SSEP (short somatosensory evoked potential)-latent period of N9. Therefore,a safe,comfortable and healthful indoor environment can be created by considering these factors.