Estimation of radiative heat transfer using a geometric human model

In order to provide a detailed estimate of radiative heat transfer between a human body and its surrounding environment, we have developed a geometric model of a human form and an algorithm. The model closely resembles the ac tual shape of a human body and is composed of small quadrilateral surfaces, Dealing with an object or a space with an arbitrary shape, the developed a lgorithm can judge efficiently whether there is an obstruction between a pa ir of surfaces. As a result, the angle factors between a pair of surfaces t hat only occur during radiative heat transfer can be defined. The distribut ion of the radiative heat transfer rates shows the characteristics of body shape and variations in posture.