Computer simulation of heat exchange through 3D fabric layer

Abstract

In this study the mathematical model of coupled problem of fluid flow and heat transfer through 3D polypropylene textile layer at micro-scale is presented. The purpose of the study is to investigate the influence of the fabric structural pattern on the heat resistance between human skin and the outer environment. The heat transfer mechanism includes the heat conduction of the solid fabric structure, as well as the convective heat transfer by means of the air and water vapor flow through the structure. The finite element model was created by using COMSOL Multiphysics software. The simulation results are analyzed to verify heat transfer properties, which make influence on the wearing comfort of the clothes. Simultaneously, the heat conduction, air and water vapor permeability and other important parameters used for the fabric properties characterization at macro-scale can be obtained on the base of the micro-scale analysis results.