His research focuses on multi-phase flows, heat transfer and design and analysis of thermal. As Director of the Institute for Environmental Research these research interests have been focused on studying the human interface with the built environment and the systems that make that environment sustainable. One of his primary interest is in modeling the heat transfer, mass transfer and fluid flow that occurs in and between the human body and surrounding environment. This includes developing detailed numerical shaped thermal models of the body. He also works on developing techniques for measuring the thermal properties of clothing, sleeping bags and personal cooling systems. This includes active research programs with sweating guarded hotplate, adult articulated sweating thermal manikin and new child sized manikin.
Extending the concept of thermal systems Dr. Eckels also studies building systems and how efficient and sustainable heating and cooling systems can be developed for buildings.
Research Examples
- development and evaluation of clothing for extreme hot and cold environments
- research to establish an insulation data base for clothing systems and sleeping bags
- research to establish exposure limits for workers in hot industrial environments
- development of methods to evaluate the heat stress imposed by protective clothing
- measurement of radiant/convective split of heat gain from office equipment
- experimental evaluations of heat and moisture transmission through building materials
- a 1,600-subject study to establish a data base for indoor thermal comfort requirements
- research to quantify the dry and evaporative heat loss through evaporative heat loss through fabrics used in fire fighter turnout gear
