Computational Modeling and Simulation of the Microwave Hybrid Heating Process: A State of the Art Review

Computational modeling and simulation helps in reducing the overall design cycle time during any process as well as product development. Microwave welding has transpired as a modernistic technique owing to its momentous advantage of uniform volumetric heating in addition to being financially economical, clean, repeatable, reproducible, time-efficient, and green. Contrary to the myth that metallic materials cannot be processed by microwave energy; the focus of this review paper is to deliberate the computational aspects related to the microwave interaction with metallic materials (both powder as well as bulk form) and to discuss in detail the microscopic mechanism that influences the electromagnetic and thermal properties of the metallic materials. The literature pertaining to microwave hybrid heating and the computational modeling and simulation aspect of microwave processing of metallic materials has been further discussed for highlighting its specific benefits. Opportunity for future developments has also been acknowledged concerning the microwave processing of materials.