3D FEM Model for Localised SAR Estimate in Human Exposure to Microwaves

Exposure of living bodies to very high frequency non-ionizing electromagnetic field (EMF) (i.e. microwave (MW) domain, (10⁸ - 10¹¹) Hz) is associated to the use of mobile communications, radar detection, dielectric heaters and to several medical procedures. Phantoms filled with artificial materials described by dielectric properties similar to those of anatomical tissues are used in experimental procedures for electronic equipment certification; numerical modeling is also a powerful tool for EMF distribution and dosimetric parameters evaluation, while an optimum between computational costs and relevance of results is desirable. We report here a numerical study of the electromagnetic field induced in several biological 3D FEM models by a conventional microwave applicator. The sensitivity of dosimetric parameters relative to the properties of the model and the compliance with exposure guidelines are evaluated. The influence of dielectric properties dispersion on dosimetric quantities is examined. Useful conclusions were drawn for the design and validation of experimental settings and numerical models. The general characteristics of the MW source and the exposed medium are associated to mobile telephony conditions, but the methods could be also extended to other applications.