The Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) method has been used by our group to simulate a wide variety of Radio Frequency (RF) and induction-drying processes and realistic, microwave-sintering experiments. Many results were presented and some guidelines towards the effective use of the microwave and RF heating technologies of ceramic ware were developed.

In this paper we describe an experimental effort which was used to validate the FDTD simulation results. Specifically an experimental RF dryer, Thermax Model No. T3GB operating at 25 MHz, was used to dry ceramic ware of various materials, sizes, and shapes and the temperature distribution pattern was monitored using six fiber-optic temperature probes. The measured heating patterns were then compared with the FDTD simulation results. Many of the guidelines developed using the numerical simulations were confirmed experimentally.

Results from various comparisons between simulation and experimental data will be presented. Additional results from the simulation efforts illustrating possible procedures for improving the efficiency and the uniformity of RF drying will also be described