A THEORETICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION OF THE TEMPERATURE RESPONSE OF PIG SKIN EXPOSED TO THERMAL RADIATION

Abstract

Estimates indicate that first degree burns on the bare skin will be sustained 30 miles from a 10 megaton nuclear blast. Results are reported from a theoretical and experimental investigation of the temperature response of pig skin exposed to thermal radiation. While the study deals with radiant energy heating of skin, it is concluded that results may be applied to other modes of energy input. Methods were developed for the comparison of theoretical predictions with experimental results. An attempt is made to simplify the basic equation of heat conduction. Results are presented together with an evaluation of the constants of skin, whenever possible. It was shown that the absorption pattern of radiation in skin may be determined directly by temperature measurements. 50 references. (C.H.)