Microwave power absorption in single- and multiple-item foods

Power absorbed in foods heated in a microwave cavity (oven) is studied using numerical and experimental methods for single- and two-compartment arrangements. Maxwell's equations of electromagnetics are solved numerically for foods heated in a domestic microwave oven. Foods having different shapes, sizes and dielectric properties are considered. Trends in power absorption as affected by the sizes and dielectric properties are developed. Interestingly, foods with small loss factor may not absorb less power if their size is sufficiently large, while high loss foods usually absorb more power at small sizes. This is also true for the simultaneous heating of two-component materials, as shown numerically and experimentally.