Microwave reheat simulator software

The Microdefrost Model is a software-based product development tool for simulating and optimising heating and defrosting processes in microwaves.

The software was extended from the Eureka E! 2602 Microdefrost Model project. The software models how food components are defrosted, heated by microwaves and how the heat is transferred.

Several elements affect how food is heated in a microwave oven " from the shape of the packaging to the performance of the oven itself. In particular, multi-component foods such as those that make up ready meals often heat unevenly; this may cause both sensorial and microbiological problems.

"This makes it possible to design the make-up of the food product " geometry, placement of different food components, packaging and so on " much faster and reduces experimental work."

As a result of the project, convenience food manufacturers can introduce new convenience products more quickly for both the frozen and chilled product sectors. It is also a useful tool for microwave manufacturers to optimise their oven designs.