Thermo-Man is a life-size mannequin equipped with 122 heat sensors, which is dressed in test garments and then totally engulfed into flames generated by propane gas burners.
This Thermo-Man testing lab puts garments through a fire scenario that simulates a worst case scenario – making it one of the most advanced thermal burn injury evaluation devices in the world.
Covered with 122 heat sensors, DuPont™ Thermo-Man® was developed in conjunction with the US Military to help protect the warfighter from burns. It is the only mobile test mannequin that measures the protective performance of a variety of garments and clothing systems for firefighters, industrial workers, military and police under simulated flash fire conditions that can reach temperatures as high as those of molten lava rock.
During the tests, Thermo-Man will be dressed in protective clothing, totally engulfed in flames generated from propane gas burners and exposed to simulated flash fire conditions in a confined environment where temperatures rise to 600 – 1000C.
Sophisticated data acquisition transforms sensor information into second and third degree burns, using skin injury models developed by US military and academic research. Amount, location and degree of burns are illustrated by graphs and a chance of survival is given, based on research done by the American burn association
With this type of testing, DuPont works closely with spinners, weavers and garment makers, to help them supply safe personal protective clothing.