Note: This discussion is about an older version of the COMSOL Multiphysics® software. The information provided may be out of date.
Discussion Closed This discussion was created more than 6 months ago and has been closed. To start a new discussion with a link back to this one, click here.
Microwave oven waveguide configuration
Posted 17.01.2013, 01:05 GMT-5 RF & Microwave Engineering, Heat Transfer & Phase Change Version 4.2a 2 Replies
Please login with a confirmed email address before reporting spam
I am trying to simulate a microwave oven using COMSOL, but I'm still a bit confused about configuring the waveguide. What is the difference between Transverse Electric (TE) and Transverse Magnetic (TM) mode? I know that when using Transverse Electric, the magnetic field is perpendicular to the direction of propagation, and the opposite happens when using the Transverse Magnetic mode. But what is practically happening inside the oven when using TE or TM mode? I mean how does TE or TM mode affecting the heated product?
Thank you so much in advance
Please login with a confirmed email address before reporting spam
TE and TM modes will result in different standing waves pattern in the oven, hence hot spots in the heated product will be in the different locations.
Most microwaves operated in a frequency range that ensure only the lowest TE10 mode can propagate. TM modes have higher cut-off frequency as compared to the dominant TE10 mode. Multiple mode propagation may cause dispersion, distortion and erratic operation. (There is Murphy’s law for waveguides: “If a mode can propagate, it will”)
Regards,
Sergei
Please login with a confirmed email address before reporting spam