Modelling of the Protective Performance of NBC-Clothing 1 Flow Profile Between Clothing and Skin.

Abstract : A model has been developed, which can calculate the airflow profile around, through and underneath NBC protective clothing. In this model, a body part is represented by a cylinder, which at a defined distance is covered with clothing material. The pressure-profile around the clothing must be known in order to calculate the flow profile underneath the clothing. In this report pressure profiles are taken as found in literature. Calculated results from the model were compared to results from an empirical formula, which is used for vapour tests on NBC protective clothing material. The results showed good agreement under the conditions used to determine the empirical formula. The effect on the calculated results of several parameters was investigated by means of a parameter study. Decrease in the size of the airgap underneath the clothing, or increase of the radius of the cylinder, resulted in a decrease in the air velocity through the clothing material. The largest effects were found for clothing material with a low air resistance.