Physiological Evaluations of Armoured Vests in Hot-Wet and Hot-Dry Climates

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Abstract
This laboratory has developed mathematical formulae for prediction of an average man's rectal temperature and heart rate as a function of clothing, work level and ambient temperature, humidity and air motion. Physiological studies of eight men walking with 25.6 kg loads in a hot-wet (35°C, 70% R.H.) and a hot-dry (48.9°C, 21° R.H.) climate allowed comparison of the effects of three uniform systems with their predicted effects. The three systems included: a standard or a lightweight armoured vest worn over a tropical fatigue uniform, or the fatigue uniform without armour. One major objective of this study was to validate the coefficients assumed for these armour systems to combine the physiological effect of external air movement with subject generated air movement. These coefficients, termed ‘ pumping coefficients ’, are essential in the equations for predicting these physiological responses. The study demonstrates the feasibility and potential value of such predictive equations for the solution of problems relating to men wearing protective clothing systems in hot environments.