Sensible heat transfer in the Gemini and Apollo pressure suits /

Abstract

The results of an experimental program to determine sensible heat transfer effects in the Gemini and Apollo pressure suits are reported. A copper manikin maintained at a constant surface temperature was used and the overall average body surface heat flux and the regional heat flux distribution were measured. The environmental variables studied were ventilating air flowrate, velocity of the air moving over and around the outside surface of the suit, and prevailing pressure. In addition, the following determinations were made: the heat transfer coefficient between the manikin surface and the ventilating air, the overall thermal conductance between the ventilating air and the air moving over the outside surface of the suit, the thermal emissivity of the Gemini suit, and the convection coefficient between the outside surface of the Gemini suit and the air moving over the outside of the suit. These data may be used for heat balances, determination of temperatures, and evaluation of the insulation value of the suit and outside air. The insulation value for the air ambient to the Gemini suit was found to follow a relationship different from the empirical equation for a nude manikin. (Author)."Joint NASA/USAF Study.""December 1966."Includes bibliographic references (pages 76-78).The results of an experimental program to determine sensible heat transfer effects in the Gemini and Apollo pressure suits are reported. A copper manikin maintained at a constant surface temperature was used and the overall average body surface heat flux and the regional heat flux distribution were measured. The environmental variables studied were ventilating air flowrate, velocity of the air moving over and around the outside surface of the suit, and prevailing pressure. In addition, the following determinations were made: the heat transfer coefficient between the manikin surface and the ventilating air, the overall thermal conductance between the ventilating air and the air moving over the outside surface of the suit, the thermal emissivity of the Gemini suit, and the convection coefficient between the outside surface of the Gemini suit and the air moving over the outside of the suit. These data may be used for heat balances, determination of temperatures, and evaluation of the insulation value of the suit and outside air. The insulation value for the air ambient to the Gemini suit was found to follow a relationship different from the empirical equation for a nude manikin. (Author).Research supported by the Aerospace Medical Division, Air Force Systems Command, United States Air Force; report prepared in part by University of Kentucky under contract no.Mode of access: Internet