Developing Test Procedures for Measuring Stored Thermal Energy in Firefighter Protective Clothing.

Abstract

This research studied stored thermal energy in fire fighter's turnout systems. It developed a novel laboratory apparatus and test protocols for measuring the contribution of both transmitted and discharged stored energy on thermal protective performance. It examined the effects of thermal exposure conditions, as well as material variables and applied moisture on thermal energy stored in firefighter turnout materials exposed to heat intensities ranging from 0.06 to 0.50 cal/cm²∙sec. This research provides a useful preliminary basis for further development of laboratory test methods to measure phenomenon associated with the discharge of stored thermal energy from materials used in the construction of firefighter turnouts. It demonstrates the complexity of factors affecting these phenomena in turnout materials.