Self-perspiration garment for extravehicular activity improves skin cooling effects without raising humidity |
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Authors: | Kunihiko Tanaka Koji Nakamura Tetsuro Katafuchi |
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Institution: | 1. Gifu University of Medical Science, Department of Radiological Technology, 795-1 Ichihiraga Seki, Gifu 501-1194, Japan;2. Gifu University of Medical Science, Department of Medical Technology, Seki, Gifu 501-3892, Japan |
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Abstract: | IntroductionThe current U.S. extravehicular activity (EVA) suit in space includes liquid cooling and ventilation garment (LCVG) to control thermal condition. Tubes knitted in LCVG for flowing water interrupt evaporation of perspiration, and astronauts feel discomfort. In the present study, we hypothesized that a self-perspiration garment would effectively lower the skin temperature without raising humidity in the garment. Thus, we developed and examined the effects of the garment.MethodsEight healthy subjects were studied with a cyclic ergometer of 30, 60 90 and 120 W loading for 3 min each. Skin temperature and humidity on the back were measured continuously. Subjects wore and tested three types of garments i.e., a spandex wear without any cooling device (Normal), a simulated LCVG (s-LCVG) or the spandex wear knitted a vinyl tube for flowing water, and the spandex wear with a tube, which flows water and self-perspiration with oozing water for evaporative cooling (SPEC).ResultsAll measurements were reached to steady state 2–3 min after the setting. The s-LCVG decreased skin temperature 0.39±0.14 °C during 12 min of cooling. With SPEC, skin temperature did not decrease significantly until 6–9 min after starting the cooling. However, the temperature decreased rapidly and significantly after that, and finally decreased 1.59±0.32 °C. Humidity in the SPEC was significantly lower than that in s-LCVG.DiscussionSPEC was effective for lowering skin temperature without raising humidity in the garment. The concept is expected to use as a better cooling system during EVA. |
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Keywords: | EVA extravehicular activity EMU extravehicular mobility unit LCVG liquid cooling and ventilation garment SPEC self-perspiration for evaporative cooling |
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