Heated, perspiring manikin headform for the measurement of headgear ventilation characteristics

Details of a heated manikin headform with computer-controlled perspiration are presented. The heat exchange properties of the headform with and without perspiration are compared to those of human beings and other manikins, showing quite good agreement, and are then applied to measure the ventilation characteristics of motorcycle and bicycle helmets. Subtle differences between two helmets are observed in each case, illustrating the sensitivity of the headform.