Abstract

Mathematical modelling of microwave heating in a slab is discussed. In simulating microwave heating in an infinite slab with isothermal walls, a steady-state, non-linear reaction-diffusion equation with source terms occurs. We explicitly develop the approximate solution of this equation using the Taylor series method. The approximate analytical solution is compared with simulation results (Matlab programme) for all experimental values of parameters. A satisfactory agreement is noted. The effect of the parameters thermal absorptivity, electric field decay rate and thermal absorptivity index on temperature field is discussed.

Keywords: Mathematical modelling; Nonlinear equation; Infinite slab; Microwave heating model; Numerical simulation; Taylor series method