Hair density, wind speed, and heat loss in mammals

Abstract

The heat loss from excised pelts of rabbits, horses, and pigs has been measured at various wind speeds. The temperature gradient through the fur was also measured. The thermal insulation of fur is highly dependent on the hair density (i.e., number of hairs/ cm2), and on the wind passing over its surface. If there are less than 1,000 hairs/cm2, an 8-mph wind penetrates deep into the fur, but at higher hair densities an 18-mph wind penetrates only a little way into the fur. fur insulation; obstruction of wind by hair Submitted on September 10, 1964