Objective

The aim of this study was to model the effect of body armor coverage on body core temperature elevation and wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) offset.

Background

Heat stress is a critical factor influencing the health and safety of military populations. Work duration limits can be imposed to mitigate the risk of exertional heat illness and are derived based on the environmental conditions (WBGT). Traditionally a 3°C offset to WBGT is recommended when wearing body armor; however, modern body armor systems provide a range of coverage options, which may influence thermal strain imposed on the wearer.

Method

The biophysical properties of four military clothing ensembles of increasing ballistic protection coverage were measured on a heated sweating manikin in accordance with standard international criteria. Body core temperature elevation during light, moderate, and heavy work was modeled in environmental conditions from 16°C to 34°C WBGT using the heat strain decision aid.

Results

Increasing ballistic protection resulted in shorter work durations to reach a critical core temperature limit of 38.5°C. Environmental conditions, armor coverage, and work intensity had a significant influence on WBGT offset.

Conclusion

Contrary to the traditional recommendation, the required WBGT offset was >3°C in temperate conditions (<27°C WBGT), particularly for moderate and heavy work. In contrast, a lower WBGT offset could be applied during light work and moderate work in low levels of coverage.

Application

Correct WBGT offsets are important for enabling adequate risk management strategies for mitigating risks of exertional heat illness.

中文翻译：

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军事中的热应力管理：现代防弹衣系统的湿球球温度偏移

客观的

本研究的目的是模拟防弹衣覆盖对身体核心温度升高和湿球球温度 (WBGT) 偏移的影响。

背景

热应激是影响军人健康和安全的关键因素。可以施加工作持续时间限制以减轻劳力性中暑的风险，并根据环境条件 (WBGT) 得出。传统上建议穿着防弹衣时 WBGT 偏移 3°C；然而，现代防弹衣系统提供了一系列覆盖选项，这可能会影响对穿戴者施加的热应变。

方法

根据标准的国际标准，在加热出汗的人体模型上测量了四种增加防弹保护范围的军用服装的生物物理特性。使用热应变决策辅助工具，在 16°C 至 34°C WBGT 的环境条件下，对轻度、中度和重度工作期间的身体核心温度升高进行建模。

结果

增加防弹保护可缩短工作时间，达到 38.5°C 的临界核心温度限值。环境条件、装甲覆盖率和工作强度对 WBGT 偏移有显着影响。

结论

与传统建议相反，在温带条件下所需的 WBGT 偏移量 >3°C (<27°C WBGT)，特别是对于中等和繁重的工作。相比之下，较低的 WBGT 偏移量可以在低覆盖率的轻度工作和中等工作期间应用。

应用

正确的 WBGT 抵消对于启用适当的风险管理策略以减轻劳力性热病的风险非常重要。