Fundamental Study of Weighting Factors for Calculating Mean Skin Temperature

Abstract

It was proposed to calculate a formula for mean skin temperature weighted with both the heat transfer coefficient and skin surface area ratios. Calculating the mean skin temperature based on the heat balance equation between the human body and the environment yielded the formula with the weighting factor including not only the skin surface area ratio but also the heat transfer coefficient ratio. Local heat transfer coefficients in the weighting factor for calculating mean skin temperature were measured using a thermal manikin. New weighting factors were determined at seated and standing postures. The weighting factors were not influenced by either air velocity or the temperature difference between the skin surface and the air. Mean skin temperature calculated using the weighting factor of the present study was compared with that calculated using the weighting factor previously proposed.