Abstract
A mathematical model based on the principles of conductive heat transfer is presented to predict the thermal resistance of cut pile carpet. The cut pile carpet assembly is considered as a network of thermal resistances of the tuft yarns, trapped air, and the primary backing fabric. A straightforward calculation of the thermal resistance was not possible as the data for thermal conductivity of the tuft yarns along their axes was not known. Therefore, the calculation of thermal conductivity in the direction of the yarn axis was based on the construction of surface pile and on the measured thermal resistance of carpet for a set of samples. Theoretical thermal resistances of another set of cut pile carpets were calculated by applying the developed thermal model. The results show that the simple network model is robust and gives reasonable values by using the carpet construction parameters. The model can be used for engineering of cut pile carpets to provide a desired level of thermal insulation.
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