2
1 Introduction
1.2 Research Concept
This research investigates the fundamental problems surrounding the thermal regulation of a human head wearing a helmet for motorcycle riding. The objective is
to define non-invasive processes that can be employed to ensure thermal comfort
to the rider in a tropical or hot climate region. The outcomes of this research will
provide fundamental knowledge to helmet and accessories designers to design and
manufacture safety standard compliant helmets with good passive thermal comfort.
1.2.1 Scope of the Current Research
The scope of this study is to investigate the problem of how to improve motorcyclists’
comfort in tropical and hot climatic conditions. The possible sources of investigation
are:
1. The use of innovative fabrics for the reduction of temperature inside motorcycle
helmets;
2. To utilise these fabrics to design and develop a new textile liner for motorcycle
helmets;
3. To investigate the heat transfer from the interior of the motorcycle helmet;
4. To analyse the possibility of cooling inside the motorcycle helmet without
compromising the safety compliance of the helmet;
5. The quantity of heat that needs to be removed from a motorcycle helmet to
facilitate a comfortable ride for the motorcyclist.
The research builds on the investigations of Ellis [15] and recent research advances
in the development of microfibre textiles. The project will validate the fundamental
understanding of textile cooling techniques and mechanisms for motorcycle helmets.
1.2.2 Research Questions
The research questions to be addressed are:
1. How much heat needs to be transferred from the interior of the motorcycle helmet
so that the rider is comfortable?
2. Is the use of innovative fabrics effective in the reduction of temperature inside
the motorcycle helmet?
3. How can a new textile liner be designed and developed for the current application?
4. Could a prototype be developed from the present investigation to be used for
motorcycle helmets?
5. What are the mechanisms involved in the heat transfer related to the current
study?
1 Introduction
1.2 Research Concept
This research investigates the fundamental problems surrounding the thermal regulation of a human head wearing a helmet for motorcycle riding. The objective is
to define non-invasive processes that can be employed to ensure thermal comfort
to the rider in a tropical or hot climate region. The outcomes of this research will
provide fundamental knowledge to helmet and accessories designers to design and
manufacture safety standard compliant helmets with good passive thermal comfort.
1.2.1 Scope of the Current Research
The scope of this study is to investigate the problem of how to improve motorcyclists’
comfort in tropical and hot climatic conditions. The possible sources of investigation
are:
1. The use of innovative fabrics for the reduction of temperature inside motorcycle
helmets;
2. To utilise these fabrics to design and develop a new textile liner for motorcycle
helmets;
3. To investigate the heat transfer from the interior of the motorcycle helmet;
4. To analyse the possibility of cooling inside the motorcycle helmet without
compromising the safety compliance of the helmet;
5. The quantity of heat that needs to be removed from a motorcycle helmet to
facilitate a comfortable ride for the motorcyclist.
The research builds on the investigations of Ellis [15] and recent research advances
in the development of microfibre textiles. The project will validate the fundamental
understanding of textile cooling techniques and mechanisms for motorcycle helmets.
1.2.2 Research Questions
The research questions to be addressed are:
1. How much heat needs to be transferred from the interior of the motorcycle helmet
so that the rider is comfortable?
2. Is the use of innovative fabrics effective in the reduction of temperature inside
the motorcycle helmet?
3. How can a new textile liner be designed and developed for the current application?
4. Could a prototype be developed from the present investigation to be used for
motorcycle helmets?
5. What are the mechanisms involved in the heat transfer related to the current
study?