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Further Research
Already, the research conducted by Working Group 4 has captured the attention of the industry. The results and findings were used as a catalyst for the involvement of members of the Working Group in two other key studies, namely:
- INTHEL.COM: A study aimed at improving the safety of electrical bicycles (e-bikes) through the development of an intelligent helmet system;
- SmartHELMET: A project that brings together academic partners and industry representatives to develop safer, smarter and more comfortable helmets, which will contribute to helmet acceptance and increased bicycle use.
Potential for further study
Based on available literature and Working Group 4’s output, the areas with the greatest potential for further development in improving thermal properties of headgear include:
- Modelling of the head’s sweat rates;
- The effect of hairstyle on forced convection;
- Development of active control systems for improved thermal comfort;
- A laminar system that creates an optically closed surface relative to the radiant source;
- More actively combining thermal knowledge to impact overall knowledge.
In addition, each individual facet of Working Group 4’s investigation resulted in advice and proposals for further study and inquiry, including:
- Modelling framework: Improving and validating applied models;
- Managing thermoregulation: Managing thermoregulation in real time;
- Head simulators: Defining the physiological limitations and validating the coupled system in a wide range of exposures;
- Thermal properties of bicycle helmets: Improving global dry heat loss through better design;
- Design solutions for ventilation: Selecting the best of the innovative new solutions and continued impact testing, as well as model development.
