THERMAL-STABILITY OF THE HUMAN-BODY UNDER ENVIRONMENTAL AIR CONDITIONS

The term ''thermal stability of the human body'' is introduced by an a nalogy with the stability of the stationary state of an irreversible t hermodynamics system. The measure of stability of the human body therm al state, evaporative resistance parameter h(e)(-1) hPa. (W.m(-2))(-1) , is applied. The parameter expresses a deviation (in hPa) in the huma n body thermal state caused by the change with 1 W.m-2 of intensity in affecting heat Bows. Estimates of the dynamics of the parameter h(e)( -1) are used to determine the body's thermal stability with relation t o the change in environmental thermal parameters and altitude. The hum an body thermal comfort stability is also discussed. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.