Development of packaging and products
for use in microwave ovens
Chapter 19: Space-discrete electromagnetic modelling of microwave susceptors
Abstract: The present chapter aims at discussing macroscopic models used for space-discrete modelling of microwave susceptors. The main attention is focused at investigating the accuracy of the equivalent models in terms of power dissipated in the susceptor, which is of significant importance in microwave heating applications. The investigations supported with analytical calculations and numerical computations are conducted in a systematic manner leading to the determination of a practical limit for the application of macroscopic models. The discussion is summarised with the analysis of a real-life microwave heating simulation scenario to which previously formulated conclusions are applied.
Examples illustrated and referred in the Chapter:
wave_incidence_on_susceptor

Simulation models of a scenario, in which electromagnetic wave is impinging on a susceptor placed in a free space. The 1 µm- thick susceptor of Rs=30 Ω/□ is modelled as a dielectric surrogate layer of thickness 100 µm. The simulation scenarios illustrate the phenomena of EM wave incident perpendicularly and at 30 and 70 degrees, for both TE and TM polarizations. The analysis aims at extracting reflection and transmission coefficients allowing for calculation of relative power absorbed by susceptor. Thickness of the surrogate layer may be modified, allowing for reproducing results in Figs 19.4 and 19.5.
oven_with_susceptor

Simulation projects and results of a simple microwave cavity with bread placed upon microwave susceptor and glass plate. The susceptor is modelled by dielectric surrogate layer. The analysis aims at extracting reflection characteristic of the microwave oven with susceptor. The thickness of the susceptor surrogate can be modified and the validity of the dielectric surrogate layer in application to real-life scenarios can be investigated.