Thermal conductivity of the wetsuit

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around estimating heat loss from a person wearing a 3mm wetsuit while immersed in water at 10ºC. Participants explore the thermal conductivity of wetsuit materials and the calculations involved in determining heat loss.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Homework-related, Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests assistance in estimating heat loss from a person in water while wearing a wetsuit.
  • Another participant suggests using the formula involving thermal conductivity, area, temperature difference, and thickness to calculate heat loss.
  • A participant seeks information on where to find the thermal conductivity value for wetsuit materials.
  • A later reply provides a range for the thermal conductivity of neoprene, commonly used in diving suits, citing a specific source.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus on the exact thermal conductivity value for wetsuits, and the discussion remains open regarding the specifics of the calculations.

Contextual Notes

The discussion lacks specific assumptions about body area estimations and does not clarify the exact conditions under which the thermal conductivity values apply.

jero971
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hi,


I would appreciate any help i could get on this, thanks.


I've to estimate the heat loss from a person, immersed in water at 10ºC if he is wearing a 3mm wetsuit

did anyone know how to process?


thanks a lot



jerem
 
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look up the thermal conductivity (k) of the suit material (W/mk)
Then power = k * area * temperture difference /thickness

You normally estimate the area of a body as 2m^2
 
thanks

but where can i find the wetsuit conductivity (clothing for watersport)?
 
Last edited:
jero971 said:
thanks

but where can i find the wetsuit conductivity (clothing for watersport)?

Diving suits are usually made of Neoprane, according to the site below the thermal conductivity is: 0.15-0.45 W/m*k.
http://hypertextbook.com/physics/thermal/conduction/
 
Last edited by a moderator:

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