18 - Modeling of cavities and loads with FDTD and FEM methods

Abstract

This chapter aims at providing an insight into simulations of microwave heating scenarios with both the finite difference time domain and EM algorithms in order to make advanced modeling easier and better understood. Several examples are provided to better illustrate the basic concepts of the modeling methods. Properties important in the analysis of microwave power phenomena are stressed and shown to affect the computational accuracy when handled improperly. The specific topics presented in subsequent sections include background of the modeling methods, with emphasis on mechanisms useful in coupled multiphysics analysis, error bounds due to numerical dispersion inherent to numerical algorithms, modeling of lossy materials crucial in the analysis of the microwave heating effect, modeling of dispersive media, and coupled analysis of microwave heating involving thermal variations of material parameters, heat conduction, and load rotation effects besides the EM phenomena.