Electromagnetic simulation and experimental analysis of microwave heaters for asphalt pavements

In order to study the thermoelectric efficiency of microwave heating and reproduction of asphalt pavements and the uniformity of reproduction temperature distribution, a waveguide excitation cavity is designed and applied to the structural design of a microwave heater. The structural sizes of the incentive cavities are determined based on the waveguide transmission line theory. Using IE3D software, electromagnetic simulations are respectively carried out in four different situations, including the distances between the magnetron probes （antennas） and a short-circuit board, different horn electric lengths and aperture sizes, different dielectric properties of the asphalt mixture, and the distances between the asphalt surface and the mouth cavity. The results show that, when the distance between the magnetron probe and the short-circuit board is 32.5 ram, it is the best installation site; reduction of aerial length is the main factor in improving the heating uniformity. When the aggregate is limestone, the best heating effect can be produced. Maximum radiation efficiency can be realized by adjusting the space between the heater radiation port and the asphalt pavement. The experimental results of asphalt mixture heating in four different situations have a substantial agreement with the simulation results, which confirms that the developed microwave heater can achieve better impedance matching, thus improving the quality and efficiency of heating regeneration.

Structural design and experimental research of microwave radiation heater for asphalt pavements

In order to improve the efficiency of heating and the uniformity of temperature distribution in recycling asphalt mixtures, a pyramidal radiation heater is designed. The principles of designing horn surface size and antenna length are established according to the law of energy conservation and microwave antenna radiation theory. Modeling and simulation are carried out using IE3D software. The simulation results demonstrate that, with a fixed horn surface size, the shortened electric antenna length is the main factor leading to the improved heating uniformity. On the other hand, with a fixed antenna length and diminished surface size, the standing wave ratio decreases with the improved radiation efficiency. Furthermore, the efficiency of radiation drops with increased distance between the horn surface and the asphalt pavement. Microwave heating experiments are carried out using this type of heater. The temperature distribution of asphalt samples is obtained by the grid temperature measurement method, and Matlab simulation is performed. The experimental results are in good agreement with the simulation.