Effect of the Inside Placement of Electrically Conductive Beads on Electric Field Uniformity in a Microwave Applicator

Abstract Non-uniform heating is a major issue in microwave applications, mainly due to inherently uneven distribution of electromagnetic energy in the microwave applicator. In this work, our aim is to improve electric field distribution uniformity by utilizing microwave reflection from electrically conductive beads placed in the microwave oven. The effects of position, size, and number of electrically conductive beads on the electric field distribution were numerically investigated, and validated through water-load experiments in the cavity. It is found that uniform electric field distribution was realized to some extent by appropriate placement of electrically conductive beads; meanwhile, average electric field intensity in the microwave oven was increased. Keywords: Electric field intensityElectrically conductive beadsMicrowave heatingUniformity Notes Color versions of one or more of the figures in the article can be found online at www.tandfonline.com/ldrt.