Geographia Polonica (2004) vol. 77, iss. 1
Radiation balance in man in various meteorological and geographical conditions
Geographia Polonica (2004) vol. 77, iss. 1, pp. 63-76 | 
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Abstract
Solar radiation is a very important factor influencing human beings, in that it plays a significant role in the human heat balance. Bioclimatic and thermophysiological research makes use of various ways by which to assess absorbed solar radiation (ASR), as an essential part of the radiation balance in man (Q). Previous research based either on theoretical considerations or on experimental studies has used different analogue models of the human being as either a vertical cylinder or on ellipsoid. The present paper discusses the results of experimental studies on solar radiation absorption with absorbed fractions of solar radiation being measured on a mannequin. Depending on the kind of radiation data, three models were proposed for assessing ASR. The accuracy of the models was verified by direct measurements made on subjects.
Keywords: absorbed solar radiation, radiation balance of humans, skin temperature
[k.blaz@twarda.pan.pl], Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00‑818 Warszawa, Poland