The dual-plate simulation system of the Alambeta instrument functions as a precise bio-mimetic model. It evaluates footwear upper materials by placing a sample between two plates that replicate the specific temperature gradient found between the human body and the external environment. This setup allows for the objective measurement of steady-state heat exchange to determine the material's thermal capabilities.
The core value of this system is its ability to translate the physical interaction between skin and fabric into quantifiable data, moving evaluation from subjective feeling to physics-based metrics like conductivity and resistance.
Simulating the Body-Environment Interface
The Skin Proxy (Upper Plate)
The upper plate serves as the physiological constant in the evaluation. It is maintained at a precise temperature of 32°C to simulate the surface temperature of dry human skin.
The Environment Proxy (Lower Plate)
The lower plate establishes the environmental baseline. By maintaining a temperature of 20°C, it simulates standard ambient conditions.
Creating the Thermal Gradient
The interaction between these two plates forces heat to flow from the "skin" through the footwear material to the "environment." This 12°C differential drives the heat exchange process that the instrument measures.
Quantifying Thermal Performance
Measuring Heat Flux
The instrument records the steady-state heat exchange data as energy passes through the sample. This measurement represents how easily heat escapes the body through the specific footwear upper material.
Determining Insulation and Conductivity
Using the heat flux data, the system calculates thermal conductivity and thermal resistance. These metrics objectively define whether the material acts as an insulator (keeping heat in) or a conductor (releasing heat).
Evaluating Surface Contact
The system also assesses thermal absorption. This indicator helps predict the immediate "warm" or "cool" sensation a wearer will feel when the material first touches their skin.
Understanding the Constraints
The Dry Skin Limitation
The primary reference notes that the upper plate mimics "dry human skin." Consequently, this specific test does not account for moisture management or evaporative cooling, which are critical factors during high-intensity physical activity.
Steady-State Conditions
The data reflects steady-state heat exchange. While highly accurate for determining baseline thermal properties, it may not fully represent dynamic thermal changes that occur during rapid fluctuations in movement or environment.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
To utilize Alambeta data effectively for footwear development, consider the specific end-use of the product:
- If your primary focus is cold-weather insulation: Prioritize materials with high thermal resistance, indicating the material effectively prevents heat flow from the 32°C plate to the 20°C plate.
- If your primary focus is summer or athletic cooling: Look for high thermal conductivity, which confirms the material efficiently transfers heat away from the simulated skin surface.
By leveraging this dual-plate data, you can engineer footwear uppers that align scientifically with human physiological needs.
Summary Table:
| Metric Category | Simulated Component | Key Specification/Function |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Proxy | Upper Plate | Maintained at 32°C to simulate dry human skin |
| Environment Proxy | Lower Plate | Maintained at 20°C to simulate ambient conditions |
| Thermal Gradient | 12°C Differential | Drives measurable heat flow through the material sample |
| Key Output Data | Conductivity & Resistance | Quantifies insulation capacity and heat dissipation efficiency |
| Surface Feel | Thermal Absorption | Predicts the initial warm or cool sensation for the wearer |
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References
- Patrycja Kaziur, Zbigniew Mikołajczyk. Structural and Physiological Properties of Footwear Textiles. DOI: 10.2478/ftee-2023-0047
This article is also based on technical information from 3515 Knowledge Base .
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