Publication
Title
A review on ergonomics of headgear : thermal effects
Author
Abstract
The thermal effects related to wearing headgear are complex and different studies have investigated single parts of this topic. This review aims at summarizing the different findings to give a complete overview on this topic as well as to suggest new perspectives. Headgear increases head insulation and therefore is mainly problematic under warm conditions, which is the focus of this review. Helmets do not affect physiological parameters other than the local skin temperature and sweat rate. However, the head is among the most sensitive body parts related to thermal comfort, thereby directly affecting the willingness to wear headgear. Several methods have been used to study thermal aspects of headgear, which could be categorized as (i) numerical, (ii) biophysical, (iii) combined numerical and biophysical, and (iv) user trials. The application of these methods established that heat transfer mainly takes place through radiation and convection. Headgear parameters relevant to these heat transfer pathways, are reviewed and suggestions are provided for improving existing headgear concepts and developing new concepts, ultimately leading to more accepted headgear. Relevance to industry This review provides a sound basis for improving existing headgear concepts. Firstly, a concise overview of headgear research related to thermal effects is given, leading to empirically based improvement suggestions and identification of research fields with a high potential. Finally, relevant research methods are described facilitating evaluation in R&D processes. Keywords Headgear; Helmets; Ergonomics; Thermal physiology; Mass transfer; Heat transfer; Comfort; Heat loss; Ventilation; CFD; Manikins; Review; Temperature
Language
English
Source (journal)
International journal of industrial ergonomics. - Amsterdam
Publication
Amsterdam : 2015
ISSN
0169-8141
DOI
10.1016/J.ERGON.2014.10.004
Volume/pages
45 , p. 1-12
ISI
000348883500001
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Project info
Virtual thermal and Virtueel thermisch en biomechanisch hoofdmodel om lokaal (dis)comfort te kwantificeren (vir-head) head model to quantify local (dis)comfort (vir-head).
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 16.12.2014
Last edited 09.10.2023
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