Accurate modeling of the microwave treatment of works of art

Abstract

The microwave heating treatment is a useful methodology and the disinfestation of works of art can also benefit from this approach. However, even if the microwave treatment is able to eliminate the pests that could damage the works of arts, it may nevertheless present some unexpected effects such as the presence of highly heated areas (hot spots) or areas with poor radiation due to particular shapes. To overcome this issue, we developed a mathematical model allowing predicting and monitoring tasks about the heating process. The prediction model has been developed into a software solution able to predict the distribution of heating power in objects to be treated, even of complex shapes, in order to define the exposure conditions, the time necessary to the processing, the power to be transmitted in the chamber and any repair or protection to cover the most sensitive areas. It can also predict the behaviour of irradiation in the presence of other entities such as nails or pests. The data to be provided for performing a simulation are: the geometry of the object, the shape of the infesting agent and their dielectric characteristics. As a result, we obtain the distribution of heating power and a software tool able to model and predict activities for cultural heritage treatments.