- #1
WraithGlade
- 19
- 0
Hi. I am not in any way proficient in thermodynamics, but I was thinking about insulation and heat transfer and a few questions occurred to me.
Since insulation blocks heat transfer, shouldn't a winter coat block heat in a hot climate? If you could only choose between wearing almost nothing and wearing a winter coat, in a hot desert (during the day) which option would heat you up the most? What's the most significant factor determining the person's temperature? Does the heat generated by the body keep building up underneath the insulation?
If one were to perfectly insulate oneself (so no heat could ever enter or escape), would one's temperature continuously rise? Does the body's heat maintain an equilibrium with it's environment, or does it simply generate heat to counter act the normal environmental conditions it's used to? Would you remain at normal body temperature if you're body was perfectly insulated?
Who would likely remain cooler, a knight wearing extremely shiny and reflective heavy steel armor in a desert, or a person wearing all black light-weight cloth (that "breaths well") in a desert? (Assume it's a hot desert, and it's during the day.) Which person would have the most important factors for staying cool on their side, if either?
In general, does an article of clothing that protects you well against one extreme of temperature protect you well against the other too?
I might write more, but it's late, so I'm leaving it at that for now. Any help is appreciated.
Since insulation blocks heat transfer, shouldn't a winter coat block heat in a hot climate? If you could only choose between wearing almost nothing and wearing a winter coat, in a hot desert (during the day) which option would heat you up the most? What's the most significant factor determining the person's temperature? Does the heat generated by the body keep building up underneath the insulation?
If one were to perfectly insulate oneself (so no heat could ever enter or escape), would one's temperature continuously rise? Does the body's heat maintain an equilibrium with it's environment, or does it simply generate heat to counter act the normal environmental conditions it's used to? Would you remain at normal body temperature if you're body was perfectly insulated?
Who would likely remain cooler, a knight wearing extremely shiny and reflective heavy steel armor in a desert, or a person wearing all black light-weight cloth (that "breaths well") in a desert? (Assume it's a hot desert, and it's during the day.) Which person would have the most important factors for staying cool on their side, if either?
In general, does an article of clothing that protects you well against one extreme of temperature protect you well against the other too?
I might write more, but it's late, so I'm leaving it at that for now. Any help is appreciated.