A Fundamental Model of the Human Thermal System for Prediction of Thermal Comfort

Abstract

We have developed a fundamental model of the human thermal system (AVA model) for the prediction of thermal comfort. The distinguishing feature of this model is a more precise description of heat transfer by blood flow (i. e., it includes arteriovenous anastomoses (AVA) of the extremities and a dual vascular network) than conventional models of human thermal systems. The following results were obtained : (1) The experimental verification under three different steady thermal conditions (22°C, 28°C and 34°C) and an unsteady thermal condition (28. 1°C→ 47. 1°C→ 28. 3°C) suggests that the AVA model can simulate body temperature profiles well. (2) The visualized results of the model predictions demonstrate that the calculated tissue temperature and blood temperature distributions are physiologically plausible. © 1995, The Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers. All rights reserved.