Steady State Mathematical Model of Test-Rig for the Validation of Experimental Temperature-Resistance Relationship of Temperature Sensing Fabric

Abstract

Continuous measurement of temperature profiles on the human body surface provides handy information for the diagnosis and as a beneficial guide to take appropriate action. A textile based Resistance Temperature Detector (RTD) has been reported recently, which could be exploited to monitor the temperature of human body over extended period of time. For the purpose of calibrating these textile based sensor, a tailor-made test rig has been developed. The working principle of this sensing fabric is the same as the RTD i.e. change in resistance because of change in temperature. Validation of experimental results by modelling was one of the prime objectives of this study. This paper reports the steady state mathematical model of the test rig components, by the application of fundamental heat transfer principles. It was concluded that the temperature varies linearly across the thickness of textile based temperature sensor in a rig setting while the temperature of the sensing element of textile based temperature sensor could be approximated by knowing its exact position within the fibrous structure. This input would be helpful for the calibration purpose of the sensor samples in an improved manner and to circumvent the individual testing and repetition of experiments on a test rig.