In this paper, the electric field distribution obtained from solving Maxwel
l's equations was coupled to the energy equation to predict the temperature
distribution during microwave heating of solids. The effect of sample rota
tion was incorporated to the model. Simulation runs showed that rotation of
the sample results in a more uniform temperature distribution. In small sa
mples, heating was more pronounced at the center, whereas in large samples,
heating was also significant near the surface. The results also showed tha
t power absorption is more effective at lower frequencies. (C) 2000 Elsevie
r Science Ltd.