Abstract
Advances continue in the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for predicting the performance of fabrics, especially those used for chemical and steam/fire protective clothing. In this CFD modeling approach, solution of transport equations determines diffusive and convective transport of heat and gases/vapors; capillary transport of liquids; vapor and liquid sorption phenomena and phase change; and the variable properties of various fabric materials. Models employing the approach have been developed ranging from simplified representations of air flow over a 2-D clothed human arm or test facilities used for material characterization to large 3-D human body regions with multi-layered clothing ensembles. In this continuing research, cases considered include adsorption of chemical vapors by activated carbon fabrics, liquid wicking into fabric samples and evaporation into the surrounding gas, and flow around and through fabrics covering a human form. Applications of the models include analysis of chemical protective garment design for military and emergency response personnel, comparisons of thermally protective materials for steam or fire protection, evaluation of clothing test data, design of clothing fabric testing systems, and engineered fabrics.