Macroscopic Models of Thin Conductive Layers: Systematic Evaluation for Microwave Heating and Shielding Applications

This paper aims at discussing an accuracy of macroscopic models of thin conductive layers used in electromagnetic modelling for the purpose of microwave heating and shielding applications. Thin conductive layers, characterised by their surface resistance, are typically replaced by a surrogate layer of higher thickness to decrease computer efforts of 3D discrete modelling methods and make the problem resolvable in a reasonable time. Experiments conducted in this work with the aid of analytical calculations and conformal finite difference time domain (FDTD) method, allow addressing sensitivity of the considered model to surrogate layer thickness, angle of incidence, changes of characteristic impedance, etc. Practical modelling guidelines for both heating and shielding applications are formulated.