Measurement of clothing thermal insulation and moisture vapour resistance using a novel perspiring fabric thermal manikin

Thermal manikins are necessary instruments for measuring the thermal insulation and moisture vapour resistance of clothing systems, which are important parameters relevant to clothing thermal comfort. Although many thermal manikins have been developed since the first example in the 1940s, simulation of human perspiration in thermal manikins remains a challenge. This paper reports on a novel perspiring fabric thermal manikin, which simulates gaseous perspiration by moisture transfer through a 'skin' made of a breathable fabric. The manikin has been used to measure the thermal insulation and moisture vapour resistances of clothing ensembles, and demonstrated high accuracy and reproducibility.