Thermal analyses of biological tissues exposed to microwaves were studied by using thermal wave model of bio-heat transfer (TWMBT). As a model, skin stratified as three layers with various thermal physical properties were simulated and thermal wave model of bio-heat transfer equations were solved by using finite difference method. Finally, the thermal variations were simulated in the cross section of the model. Comparative studies on the traditional Pennes' equations and thermal wave model of bio-heat transfer were performed and evaluated. Furthermore, temperature variations in the skin exposed to microwave were predicted depending on blood perfusion rate, thermal conductivity, frequency and power density of microwave, and exposure time. Thermal wave model of bio-heat transfer gives lower heat rise predictions than that of Pennes' equation, initially. When it approaches to steady state, it overlaps with the Pennes' equation. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.
