1. Executive Summary Body heat casting refers to the process of capturing, visualizing, or recording the thermal radiation emitted by a human body to create a representational “cast” of heat patterns. Unlike traditional plaster or digital 3D casting, which captures physical geometry, body heat casting captures physiological and metabolic information. This report examines the scientific basis, current technologies (infrared thermography, thermochromic materials, and thermal data fusion), and applications in medicine, athletics, security, and the arts. Key challenges include environmental sensitivity, emissivity variability, and data interpretation standards. 2. Scientific Basis All objects above absolute zero emit infrared radiation. The human body, with a core temperature of ~37°C (98.6°F), emits peak radiation in the 8–14 µm range (far-infrared). Emissivity of human skin is approximately 0.98, making it an excellent natural radiator.
1. Executive Summary Body heat casting refers to the process of capturing, visualizing, or recording the thermal radiation emitted by a human body to create a representational “cast” of heat patterns. Unlike traditional plaster or digital 3D casting, which captures physical geometry, body heat casting captures physiological and metabolic information. This report examines the scientific basis, current technologies (infrared thermography, thermochromic materials, and thermal data fusion), and applications in medicine, athletics, security, and the arts. Key challenges include environmental sensitivity, emissivity variability, and data interpretation standards. 2. Scientific Basis All objects above absolute zero emit infrared radiation. The human body, with a core temperature of ~37°C (98.6°F), emits peak radiation in the 8–14 µm range (far-infrared). Emissivity of human skin is approximately 0.98, making it an excellent natural radiator.