Latent Heat Loss of a Virtual Thermal Manikin for Evaluating the Thermal Performance of Bicycle Helmets

Shriram Mukunthan, Jochen Vleugels, Toon Huysmans, Guido De Bruyne

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceedings/Edited volumeConference contributionScientificpeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Thermal performance of three bicycle helmets for latent heat loss was evaluated through a virtual testing methodology using Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. The virtual thermal manikin was prescribed with a constant sweat rate of 2 g/h and a constant sweat film thickness of 0.3 mm. The simulations were carried out at 6 m/s until convergence was achieved. The results from steady state simulations show heat loss of 158 W from manikin without helmet and approximately 135 W with helmets. However, the thermal performance of helmets with a sweating manikin has been reduced from 89–93% to 84–87%. These results imply that evaporative/latent heat loss plays a significant role in thermal performance of helmets. Therefore, thermal performance tests for helmets should also include testing of helmets for evaporative heat loss.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAdvances in Human Factors in Simulation and Modeling
Subtitle of host publicationProceedings of the AHFE 2018 International Conferences on Human Factors and Simulation and Digital Human Modeling and Applied Optimization
EditorsDaniel N. Cassenti
Place of PublicationCham
PublisherSpringer
Pages66-78
Number of pages13
ISBN (Electronic)978-3-319-94223-0
ISBN (Print)978-3-319-94222-3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2019
EventAHFE 2018 : International Conferences on Human Factors and Simulation and Digital Human Modeling and Applied Optimization - Orlando, United States
Duration: 21 Jul 201825 Jul 2018

Publication series

NameAdvances in Intelligent Systems and Computing
Volume780
ISSN (Print)2194-5357

Conference

ConferenceAHFE 2018
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityOrlando
Period21/07/1825/07/18

Keywords

  • Thermal manikin
  • Evaporative heat transfer
  • Convective heat transfer
  • Cooling efficiency
  • Turbulence models
  • CFD
  • Thermal performance

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