Convective control to microwave exposure of moist substrates. Part I: Model methodology

This paper is the first of set of two dealing with a multidimensional, multiphase and multiphysics model of conjugate and coupled transport phenomena during electromagnetic treatments to moist substrates. Exposure to electromagnetic energy can be controlled and optimized by providing localized convection heat and mass transfer. The model features the stationary Maxwell’s equation, coupled to the transient equations of heat conduction and mass diffusion. Moreover, the stationary Navier–Stokes equations are devised, in conjunction with the energy and mass convective equations, as the dependence on the localized heat and mass convection is accounted for. Energy and vapor transport are applied regardless of the substrate interface, to exploit the advantages of a conjugate formulation. An optimized kinetic formulation is employed to deal with water phase change.