Electromagnetic modelling for microwave heating applications

Microwave power applications are nowadays wide-spread throughout industry, science, and private households. The best known is thermal processing of foods, but one should also note drying of textiles, fibres, paper and board, preheating and curing of plastics and rubber, and controlling chemical reactions. In all these areas, a majority of design work on microwave heating systems and processes has been based on intuitive perceptions and engineering experience. Electromagnetic modelling, which is a potentially powerful alternative, is rarely considered and almost never used. The idea behind this paper is to enhance the use of electromagnetic modelling in microwave power industry and research. Modelling may provide a new level of knowledge on what simplifications can or cannot be made, and be an important tool for analysing causes of unacceptable variability in production.