Mathematical modeling and numerical simulation of heat and moisture transfer in a porous textile medium

The moisture accumulation within clothing is a serious problem for sportswear and clothing in cold climate. There are several experimental methods available to measure moisture build up in insulate materials. However, information on parameters such as temperature, relative humidity and vapor pressure can be obtained through simulation using a predictive mathematical model. The focus of this study is the development of a mathematical model to simulate heat and moisture transfer in a sample of fabric, coated to provide insulation, which is in contact with human skin on one side and with the external environment on the other. To numerically simulate the mathematical model, the finite volume method is used and a computational procedure for the solution of the model is designed. The simulation results are analyzed to verify whether they are consistent with the physical reality.