A six-cylinder model of human thermoregulation for general use on personal computers.

Abstract

The paper describes the basics of a six-cylinder model of human thermoregulation, written in MS-FORTRAN for use on personal computers. The heat balance equations with respect to the radial coordinate, the initial and boundary conditions, and the controller equations are explained. A complete set of parameter values is given. Emphasis is laid on the problems and status of validation. Therefore conditions and methods, on which a standard set of experimental results (dynamics of 29 core, muscle, subcutaneous and skin temperatures) is based, are explained as well as possible deficiencies both of the experimental and the simulation results. It turned out that within the environmental conditions tested (15-45 degrees C), the model, although simplifying the complex geometry of the human body to six cylinders, gives reliable results, both for steady state and dynamics of body temperature topography.