FDTD simulation of microwave sintering of ceramics in multimode cavities

Journal Article · Sun May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1994 · IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers); (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1109/22.293527· OSTI ID:7104251

Iskander, M F; Smith, R L; Andrade, A O.M.; Walsh, L M ^[1]; Kimrey, H Jr ^[2]

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1. Univ. of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT (United States). Dept. of Electrical Engineering
2. Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States)

At present, various aspects of the sintering process such as preparation of sample sizes and shapes, types of insulations, and the desirability of including a process stimulus such as SiC rods are considered forms of art and highly dependent on human expertise. The simulation of realistic sintering experiments in a multimode cavity may provide an improved understanding of critical parameters involved and allow for the development of guidelines towards the optimization of the sintering process. In this paper, the authors utilize the FDTD technique to model various geometrical arrangements and material compatibility aspects in multimode microwave cavities and to simulate realistic sintering experiments. The FDTD procedure starts with the simulation of a field distribution in multimode microwave cavities that resembles a set of measured data using liquid crystal sheets. Also included in the simulation is the waveguide feed as well as a ceramic loading plate placed at the base of the cavity. The FDTD simulation thus provides realistic representation of a typical sintering experiment. Aspects that have been successfully simulated include the effects of various types of insulation, the role of SiC rods on the uniformity of the resulting microwave fields, and the possible shielding effects that may result from excessive use of SiC. These results as well as others showing the electromagnetic fields and power-deposition patterns in multiple ceramic samples are presented.

• OSTI ID: 7104251
• Journal Information: IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers); (United States), Journal Name: IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers); (United States) Vol. 42:5; ISSN IETMAB; ISSN 0018-9480
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
360201* -- Ceramics
Cermets
& Refractories-- Preparation & Fabrication
CALCULATION METHODS
CARBIDES
CARBON COMPOUNDS
CERAMICS
COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION
DATA
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
FABRICATION
FINITE DIFFERENCE METHOD
INFORMATION
ITERATIVE METHODS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
MICROWAVE EQUIPMENT
NUMERICAL DATA
NUMERICAL SOLUTION
SILICON CARBIDES
SILICON COMPOUNDS
SIMULATION
SINTERING
THEORETICAL DATA