An intelligent distributed CAD system for scalable thermal performance simulation in smart clothing engineering

This study develops a distributed Computer-Aided Design (CAD) system for scalable thermal performance simulation in clothing engineering, overcoming key limitations of conventional single-server architectures. The proposed framework incorporates three core innovations: (1) a multiphysics coupling engine that models the human–clothing–environment system as a thermal system, integrating Stolwijk’s 25-node human thermoregulation model with dynamic fabric transfer equations via finite-volume discretization; (2) a distributed architecture that improves processing efficiency under multi-user concurrent scenarios; and (3) a five-stage scenario definition workflow supporting parametric modeling of activity-dependent metabolic rates, multi-layer garment configurations (across up to six segments), and environmental boundary conditions. Six simulation cases were tested–running at 8, 10, and 12 km/h under 20°C and 60 % relative humidity for 30 minutes each–demonstrating that the distributed CAD system significantly reduces simulation and user waiting times compared to a legacy Browser/Server system. It also enables visualization of human skin temperature and fabric properties on the trunk during simulated running. This distributed approach facilitates faster, large-scale simulations for designing sportswear and protective clothing, thereby reducing reliance on costly physical prototypes and accelerating the development of more comfortable and functional apparel.