An Improved Heat Transfer Model for Flame Resistant Fabric Used in Thermal Protective Clothing

An improved numerical heat transfer model considering pyrolysis effect is proposed to predict thermal performance of heat-resistant fabric subjected to radiant heat flux. The model incorporates the heat-induced changes in fabric thermophysical properties. The new model has been validated with data from modified Radiant Protective Performance (RPP) tests of flame-resistant cotton fabrics. Comparison with experimental data shows that the predictions of mass loss rates and temperature profiles within the charring material and skin simulant are in reasonably good agreement with the experiments. Results from the numerical model contribute to a better understanding of the heat transfer process within flame-resistant fabrics under high heat flux conditions, and also to establish a systematic method for analyzing heat transfer in other fibrous materials applications.