Human Thermal Comfort and Pressure Modeling in Automotive Seats

This study conducted demonstration calculations for the thermal comfort of the human body to establish an evaluation method for automobile comfort. From a medical perspective, the seated human body experiences pressure on its muscles and blood vessels, making it challenging to create a physical model that considers these effects. In this study, we clarified part of the pressure mechanism on blood vessels and showed that, under steady-state conditions, a simple mathematical formula can comprehensively study the heat load, dimensionless heat flow, and strain due to pressure on blood vessels based on structural mechanics and thermal science knowledge. I describe the methodology of comfort based on calculations confirming the correctness of the formulas and theory. Ultimately, there is room to further develop the principles of virtual work and axial blood flow, as well as room to expand. In conclusion, this method is simpler than fluid-structure coupled analysis for steady-state analysis. We intend to offer it as a tool for practitioners and clinicians.