Thermal perception of ventilation changes in full-face motorcycle helmets: subject and manikin study.
We report the effects of full-face motorcycle helmet ventilation systems on heat, airflow, noise, and comfort perception for ventilation changes on the scalp. Eight subjects (aged 28.0 ± 5.4 years) underwent two experimental trials at ambient temperatures of 23.7 ± 0.4 °C or 27.5 ± 0.3 °C. In each trial, the thermally equilibrated subjects underwent two examination phases, during which four different helmets were assessed at wind speeds of 39.2 ± 1.9 km h(-1) and 59.3 ± 1.4 km h(-1). Vent-induced heat loss in the scalp ranged from -6.1 to 6.1 W, corresponding to vents being closed or opened, respectively. Perception of vent-induced changes was assessed immediately after the change. We find that the vent-induced heat loss, the subject, and the helmet are the most important response factors. In addition, comparison of two helmets with similar vent-induced heat loss suggests that internal airflow patterns may be important in explaining the observed perception differences.
Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Laboratory for Protection and Physiology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, CH-9011 St Gallen, Switzerland.
Cornelis P
CP
Bogerd
René M
RM
Rossi
Paul A
PA
Brühwiler
D000328:Adult; D006260:Head Protective Devices; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008348:Manikins; D009049:Motorcycles; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013696:Temperature; D013816:Thermodynamics; D014691:Ventilation; D055815:Young Adult