Design two gloves for the same mountain. Explore how insulation, wind, wetness and movement change the tradeoffs.
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TWO SETUPS. ONE QUESTION.EDUCATIONAL MODEL
Scroll the graph sideways to explore the full curve ↔
Controls update the complete curves instantly. Play moves the inspection line; it does not change the physics.
FOLLOW YOUR CURIOSITY
Try a little experiment.
Predict. Change. Compare.
Choose an experiment, predict the result, then explore.
THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE PLAY
Air is part of the insulation
Lofty materials trap air. Greater thickness raises thermal resistance, but compression and moisture can reduce the benefit. The conductivity choices here are representative teaching assumptions.
There is no single ideal glove
Warmth, water resistance, drying, fit and dexterity all matter. A mitten exposes less area in this model, while a five-finger glove gives more independent finger movement.
Try a material comparison
Wrap identical sealed bottles of warm water with equal thicknesses of different fabrics. Compare dry and damp samples, recording temperatures over time. This tests insulation without exposing hands to cold.
A model, with boundaries.
A thermal resistance/capacitance analogy, not a glove rating or cold-injury prediction. Assumed conductivity, moisture and wind effects; one hand node starts at 32°C with 500 J/K heat capacity. Heat supply is user-set; a simplified thermostat caps equilibrium at 34°C. Finger-freedom score is an illustrative design index, not measured performance. No sweating feedback, circulation response, fit or pressure effects.