Contact Thermal Resistance and Warmth to Touch
topic
Thermal contact testing measures the transient heat flux when a heated sensor plate contacts a fabric surface at skin temperature, calculating the thermal absorptivity (b-value) that governs the subjective warm or cool sensation experienced upon initial fabric contact with skin.
Role
Predicts the subjective thermal perception of fabrics at point of contact, critical for lining fabrics, medical textile interfaces, and undergarment materials where initial thermal sensation strongly influences consumer comfort assessment.