Coupled simulation of an electromagnetic heating process using the finite difference time domain method

J Microw Power Electromagn Energy. 2007;41(3):50-68. doi: 10.1080/08327823.2006.11688563.

Abstract

Due to the complexity of interactions between microwaves and food products, a reliable and efficient simulation model can be a very useful tool to guide the design of microwave heating systems and processes. This research developed a model to simulate coupled phenomena of electromagnetic heating and conventional heat transfer by combining commercial electromagnetic software with a customer built heat transfer model. Simulation results were presented and compared with experimental results for hot water and microwave heating in a single mode microwave system at 915 MHz. Good agreement was achieved, showing that this model was able to provide insight into industrial electromagnetic heating processes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Electromagnetic Phenomena
  • Food Handling*
  • Heating
  • Microwaves*
  • Models, Theoretical*