FDTD Modeling of Realistic Microwave Sintering Experiments

Abstract

ABSTRACTComputer modeling and numerical simulation provide a valuable tool for providing guidelines towards a successful routine experimentation with microwave sintering of ceramics. It is also expected that continued efforts in numerical simulation will lead to establishing procedures for the scale up and commercial utilization of this new technology.In this paper, we utilize the FDTD technique to model sintering ceramics in multimode microwave cavities. The role of using process stimulus such as SiC rods on improving the uniformity of the microwave sintering process are also simulated. To help experimentally validate the obtained results, the FDTD electromagnetic power deposition results were combined with a 3D heat transfer program to calculate temperature distribution in samples and surrounding insulation. Results from the FDTD codes and comparisons with experimental measurements of sintering experiments are presented.To improve the efficiency of the simulation and achieve more accurate results, we developed a variable mesh FDTD code to help focus the numerical results and hence improve the resolution in critical sites inside the sintering oven. Detailed solution procedures are described. We solved some test geometries with the uniform grid and the developed variable mesh codes and compared the obtained results to validate and check the accuracy of the solution procedure. Results from these comparisons are presented.