Multiphysics Simulation And Validation Of Microwave Melting Characteristics Of Aa6061 By Finite Element Analysis

Microwave processing of metallic material is an emerging process compared to conventional ones. In the present work microwave heating of bulk specimen of AA6061 is studied experimentally and numerically to understand heating behaviour of metal sample and tooling materials in an electromagnetic field. A three-dimensional model of the process has been generated using the COMSOL Multiphysics tool. The electric field distribution has been observed with a maximum value of 4.29 x 10(4) (V/m) in the centre of the cavity. The average volumetric heating rate has been reached to above 700 degrees C within 600 s. The resistive losses have been observed with the value of 2.37 x 10(6) (W/m(3)) due to electromagnetic field distribution and tooling material properties. Temperature profiles obtained through experimental trials and simulation studies have been analysed and found in almost similar propensity within 5% of error.