The Effective Radiating Surface of the Human Body

Abstract

The effects of posture and clothing on the effective radiating surface of the body are discussed. Some results obtained by Bohnenkamp and Pasquay by their electrical capacity method are criticised, and measurements made by the application of Simpson's rule are described. The conclusion is reached that no serious error results from assuming that the effective radiating surface of the clothed subject, when in a normal standing posture, is of about the same area as that given by the Du Bois equation for skin area. In two nude subjects, crouching in the most cramped position possible, the estimated radiating surface was reduced by 19 and 8 per cent, as compared with a standing posture.