Finite element analysis of microwave heating of solid products

In this paper, the electric field distribution obtained from solving Maxwell's equations was coupled to the energy equation to predict the temperature distribution during microwave heating of solids. The effect of sample rotation was incorporated to the model. Simulation runs showed that rotation of the sample results in a more uniform temperature distribution. In small samples, heating was more pronounced at the center, whereas in large samples, heating was also significant near the surface. The results also showed that power absorption is more effective at lower frequencies. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd.