Enhanced Thermal Energy Storage in Clothing with

This Phase I program will investigate the potential for paraffinic phase change materials (PCMs) to provide a light, passive, and non-burdensome body undergarment theraal manageaent system for the USMC. Based on Biaterials and technologies developed under eight previous SBIE prograBis for NASA, USAF, SDIO, and NSF as well as work perforoied earlier for the Navy, this prograle should permit individual Marines to operate effectively over a wide range of temperatures for an extended tiae period. The unique non-toxic, paraffinic phase change materials can be designed to absorb or release heat at high rates and selected temperatures. During the Phase I program, we will define and investigate the requireioents for such a microclimate passive body undergarioent that would contain no having or active components. With proper selection of PCMs contained within a series of packets in a well-designed vest or undergarment, sufficient heating or cooling can be provided for satisfactory comfort of individual soldiers and periait unpowered and individual rejuvenation without refrigeration. The Phase I studies will include thermal modeling, laboratory and experimental investigations, and produce a System Concept Document (SCD) describing designs and requirements for a passive oiicroclimate garment during a follow-on Phase II effort.