On Finite Element Analysis of Melting of Metallic Powders Using Microwave Energy at 2.45 GHz

Abstract

Use of microwave energy for processing of materials is gaining vast popularity due to its inherent superior characteristics like reduced processing time, better control on microstructure and enhanced mechanical properties. In this paper, the interaction of the microwave with metallic powder is analyzed using COMSOL Multiphysics software. Further, the effect of particle size on microwave absorption is also been analyzed. Microwave hybrid heating (MHH) technique is used to heat the metallic powder. Initially, metallic powder gets heated conventionally, i.e., through the heat transfer with separator plate and susceptor material. Once the metallic powder reaches the critical temperature, metallic powder starts to absorb the microwave and volumetric heating takes place. Also, the effects of input power on electric field strength and melting time of charge were analyzed. Further, it was found that as the size of the metallic powder particle is reduced, the time required for melting and casting of metallic powder reduces.