engleski

Performance of neoprene wetsuits in different underwater thermal environments

Wetsuits are designed for the protection of divers in different underwater environments (i.e. where the temperature of water is in the range 10-25°C) and to reduce the thermal shock due to the stay in cold water. In this research, the focus is given to the investigation of neoprene wetsuits produced in three thicknesses, i.e. 3, 5 and 7 mm. In the experiment participated divers wearing wetsuits in different underwater thermal environments. The thermography is used to investigate the changes in body temperatures of participating divers due to the different thickness of wetsuits and different thermal environment. Additionally, the thermal resistances of neoprene materials are measured in controlled conditions using the sweating guarded hotplate. The results indicated strong correlation between thickness and heat resistance. Thermography indicated the great impact of the environmental temperature, thickness of wetsuit and physiology of divers on changes of skin temperature during immersion over time.

fabric, neoprene wetsuit, thermal environment, thermography, sweating guarded hotplate

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