AT-84-20-5 -- Protective Clothing: Study in Induced Thermal Strain and in Protection Against Thermal Radiation

In two studies, the physiological effects of different kinds of clothing were investigated. The tests, with five test subjects, were carried out at a temperature of 20°C and a humidity of 50 percent RH using a treadmill (speed 4 km/h, inclination 5 percent). Metabolic rate, heart rate, rectal temperature, skin temperature, skin water vapor pressure, and sweat loss were measured.

Study I shows the effect of the microclimate below clothing on heart rate, which is given by a small increase up to a range of 30-31°C NET and followed by a high increase above this range. In study II, tests were carried out with and without thermal radiation. In the case of thermal radiation, the two heat-protective clothing ensembles show a high protective effect and a profit for the wearer compared to light clothing, whereas the melter suit has a little protective effect but no profit.