Computer simulation of human temperature control

Abstract

A feedback control system model of human temperature regula tion is developed. Body thermal properties are represented by an electrical circuit analog. The sudomotor, vasomotor, and metabolic parameters in this circuit are made to be nonlinear functions of an error signal derived from hypothalamic and cutaneous thermoreceptors. The system state equations are de rived and a digital simulation of the model using System 360/ CSMP is discussed. An analog simulation of the same problem is also given, along with an evaluation of the advantages and disadvantages of each approach. Comparison of static and dy namic responses of the model with published data from physio logical experiments shows reasonable agreement over a broad spectrum of conditions, including exposure to heat and cold, humidity, ice ingestion, and exercise.