Modeling Heat Transfer for Heat-resistant Fabrics Considering Pyrolysis Effect under an External Heat Flux

In the paper, a heat-transfer model considering thermal degradation of heat-resistant fabrics when subjected to the radiant heat flux has been proposed. The model incorporates the heat- induced changes in fabric thermo physical properties. The new model has been validated by experimental data from modified Radiant Protective Performance (RPP) tests of heat- resistant fabrics. Comparisons with experimental data show that the predictions of mass loss rates, temperature profiles within the charring material and skin simulant, and time to 2nd skin burn are in reasonably good agreement with the experiments. Results of the numerical model contribute to a better understanding of the heat transfer process within heat- resistant fabrics under high heat flux conditions, and also to establish a systematic method for analyzing heat transfer in other fibrous materials applications.