Numerical modeling of heat and mass transfer in porous medium during combined hot air, infrared and microwaves drying

This study deals with numerical modeling of the hygrothermal behaviour of a rectangular-shaped porous material during combined drying. This material is submitted on its upper side both a hot air flow as well as infrared and microwave radiations. The one-dimensional physical model describing heat and mass transfers allows accessing temperature, moisture content and pressure fields. Energy inputs induced by the electromagnetic radiation are determined by the Lambert-Beer law. Comparison of experimental and simulated results on cellular concrete shows the relevance of this model for studies on combined drying. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.