2007, Piran, Slovenia

Environmental Ergonomics XII
Igor B. Mekjavic, Stelios N. Kounalakis & Nigel A.S. Taylor (Eds.), © BIOMED, Ljubljana 2007
calorimeter. The accuracy criterion was the quantity of heat insertion/extraction and
relationship with core temperature and skin temperature topography. The findings
demonstrated a high correspondence between the thermal status of the body core and
the temperature/heat flux of the finger as registered by the finger calorimeter under
both cooling/warming sites. To assess the stability of the Tfing data transmitted by the
calorimeter in extreme cold conditions, subjects wore the NASA Phase VI glove
while grasping a highly cold rail. Placement of the finger sensor on the proximal vs.
distal phalanx was compared. Tfing data obtained from the proximal phalanx did not
exhibit the swings noted at the periphery of the fingers, indicating that the proximal
area is less influenced by direct contact with a cold surface, and therefore is a more
accurate location for the finger sensor in terms of reflecting body thermal status.
DISCUSSION
Based on zonal principles of heat transfer and the optimization of regimes of garment
cooling/warming, it is possible to reduce the space garment’s weight and volume,
quantity of circulating water and energy consumption, thus increasing reliability and
safety. Comfort support of the extremities relying on heat delivery through optimal
contact of the heating elements with the blood vessels on the hands and feet, or direct
heat bypasses between body zones with high to low heat content is highly feasible.
Through the use of a finger calorimeter functioning as a heat flux/temperature
dynamic controller, it is possible to more accurately evaluate and regulate astronaut
thermal status during EVA and onboard emergencies.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This research was supported by NASA grants NAG5-3555, NAG9-1218, and NAG9-
1521 awarded to Victor S. Koscheyev, principal investigator. The first two authors
are co-inventors of a patent on the shortened LCWG and the finger calorimeter.
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