The influence of fabric air permeability on the efficacy of ventilation features
International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology
ISSN: 0955-6222
Article publication date: 11 November 2013
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this investigation was to measure the changes in effective thermal insulation caused by three different types of outer garment ventilation features (chest zips, back zips and pit zips) when combined with either a high or low air permeability insulating layer.
Design/methodology/approach
The measurements in this investigation were made with a thermal manikin and with a 26 zone thermal torso. Measurements were made at two air flow speeds with each manikin; the different air flow characteristics for each manikin allowed investigation of how ventilation features interact with different air flow distributions.
Findings
It was established in this study that high permeability insulation increases the efficacy of ventilation features by an average of 7 per cent at the low wind speed and 10 per cent at the high wind speed. No particular ventilation feature was found to be consistently the most effective; the data suggest that garment openings should simply be located in well-ventilated areas.
Originality/value
This investigation analysed the ventilation characteristics of protective clothing ensembles with different ventilation features, allowing designers to create more comfortable clothing for work and leisure activities.
Keywords
Citation
Patrick Morrissey, M. and Michel Rossi, R. (2013), "The influence of fabric air permeability on the efficacy of ventilation features", International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, Vol. 25 No. 6, pp. 440-450. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCST-01-2013-0002
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2013, Emerald Group Publishing Limited