TLM modelling of microwave sintering of multiple alumina samples

Microwave sintering experiments usually involve the heating of multiple samples. The number, location, shape and disposition of these samples within a microwave cavity widely affect the field distribution pattern and hence the power absorption by every single sample. To get similar structural and mechanical properties for each solitary microwaved sample, the influence of the outlined parameters has to be determined and optimised using numerical modelling. The transmission line matrix (TLM) technique is used to numerically solve such a microwave heating problem. Relationships between the various parameters involved with microwave sintering of multiple samples within a multimode cavity are found. The influence of sample disposition, spacing and quantity on the electric field distribution and power absorption is determined.