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Thermodynamic Modeling and Analysis of Human Stress ResponseA novel approach based on the second law of thermodynamics is developed to investigate the psychophysiology and quantify human stress level. Two types of stresses (thermal and mental) are examined. A Unified Stress Response Theory (USRT) is developed under the new proposed field of study called Engineering Psychophysiology. The USRT is used to investigate both thermal and mental stresses from a holistic (human body as a whole) and thermodynamic viewpoint. The original concepts and definitions are established as postulates which form the basis for thermodynamic approach to quantify human stress level. An Objective Thermal Stress Index (OTSI) is developed by applying the second law of thermodynamics to the human thermal system to quantify thermal stress or dis- comfort in the human body. The human thermal model based on finite element method is implemented. It is utilized as a "Computational Environmental Chamber" to conduct series of simulations to examine the human thermal stress responses under different environmental conditions. An innovative hybrid technique is developed to analyze human thermal behavior based on series of human-environment interaction simulations. Continuous monitoring of thermal stress is demonstrated with the help of OTSI. It is well established that the human thermal system obeys the second law of thermodynamics. Further, the OTSI is validated against the experimental data. Regarding mental stress, an Objective Mental Stress Index (OMSI) is developed by applying the Maxwell relations of thermodynamics to the combined thermal and cardiovascular system in the human body. The OMSI is utilized to demonstrate the technique of monitoring mental stress continuously and is validated with the help of series of experimental studies. Although the OMSI indicates the level of mental stress, it provides a strong thermodynamic and mathematical relationship between activities of thermal and cardiovascular systems of the human body.
Document ID
20000021240
Acquisition Source
Langley Research Center
Document Type
Other
Authors
Boregowda, S. C. (Old Dominion Univ. Norfolk, VA United States)
Tiwari, S. N. (Old Dominion Univ. Norfolk, VA United States)
Date Acquired
September 7, 2013
Publication Date
October 21, 1999
Subject Category
Aerospace Medicine
Report/Patent Number
ODURF-163621
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NCC1-254
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG1-363
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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