ALEX is a heated, perspiring manikin headform, with a hatsize of 57-58 (Medium). It is a fully computer-controlled, sensitive instrument for the measurement of heat exchange when wearing headgear in different climatic conditions, and can simulate perspiration. 

As shown in the photograph, ALEX is mounted at the mouth of a wind tunnel, with which speeds of up to 120 km/h can be simulated.  The entire set-up is placed in a climate chamber with which the chosen humidity and temperature is tightly controlled. The ventilation of hats and helmets of all kinds is possible to quantify with ALEX.  Commonly, one would like to obtain a comparison of different models, which can be accomplished quickly and reproducibly. Tests so far have shown that it is an easy matter to differentiate among motorcycle (or bicycle) helmets according to the airflow which they permit. Subject studies with bicycle helmets have shown that human beings are sensitive to the differences detected with the ALEX headform. New helmet designs can therefore be evaluated at the prototype stage to ensure that a desired improvement in ventilation has been achieved.

For more details, please contact

Dr. Paul Brühwiler, +41 (0)71 274 77 67
Paul.Bruehwiler@empa.ch.