Comparison of finite-difference time-domain SAR calculations with measurements in a heterogeneous model of man.

A finite-difference time-domain technique was used to calculate the specific absorption rate (SAR) at various sites in a heterogeneous block model of man. The block model represented a close approximation to a full-scale heterogeneous phantom model. Both models were comprised of a skeleton, brain, lungs, and muscle. Measurements were conducted in the phantom model using an implantable electric-field probe and a computer-controlled data acquisition system. The calculation and measurement of SAR distributions were compared primarily in the head (including the neck) and chest. To obtain the necessary spatial resolution with the computer model, the head and neck were modeled with approximately 105,000 cells, while 86,000 cells were used to configure the chest. Planewave fields, polarized in the E orientation, were utilized to irradiate the models at an exposure frequency of 350 MHz. Reasonable correlation existed between the calculations and measurements.

A finite-difference electromagnetic deposition/thermoregulatory model: comparison between theory and measurements.

The rate of the electromagnetic energy deposition and the resultant thermoregulatory response of a block model of a squirrel monkey exposed to plane-wave fields at 350 MHz were calculated using a finite-difference procedure. Noninvasive temperature measurements in live squirrel monkeys under similar exposure conditions were obtained using Vitek probes. Calculations exhibit reasonable correlation with the measured data, especially for the rise in colonic temperature.

A three-dimensional finite-difference thermoregulatory model of a squirrel monkey.

A three-dimensional thermoregulatory model of a squirrel monkey, whose shape is approximated by 742 rectangular blocks of varying sizes, has been developed. The inhomogeneous model has four layers: a core, a composite layer of muscle and fat, skin, and fur. The model simulates the flow of heat into and out of the body, including internal heat generation (metabolism) by the body, cooling and distribution of heat by blood, thermal conduction throughout the body, evaporative heat loss from sweating, and radiation and convection from the outer surface of the body. It also simulates dynamic thermoregulatory behavior such as peripheral vasomotor responses (skin vasodilation and vasoconstriction) and variable sweating rates. Computed results are compared with available experimental data; the agreement is good, especially for ambient temperatures above 26 degrees C.

Application of a finite-difference technique to the human radiofrequency dosimetry problem.

A powerful finite-difference numerical technique has been applied to the human radiofrequency dosimetry problem. The method possesses inherent advantages over the method-of-moments approach in that its implementation requires much less computer memory. Consequently, it has the capability to calculate specific absorption rates (SARs) at higher frequencies and provides greater spatial resolution. The method is illustrated by the calculation of the time-domain and frequency-domain SAR responses at selected locations in the chest. The model for the human body is comprised of rectangular cells with dimensions of 4X4X6 cm and dielectric properties that simulate average tissue (2/3 muscle). Additionally, the upper torso (chest) is configured by both homogeneous and inhomogeneous models in which this region is subdivided into 20,736 cells with dimensions of 1X1X1 cm. The homogeneous model of the chest consists of cells with average tissue properties, and the calculated results are compared with measurements acquired from a homogeneous phantom model when the exposure frequency is 350 MHz. For the inhomogeneous chest model the lungs and surrounding region (ribs, spine, sternum, fat, and muscle) are modeled with as much spatial resolution as allowed by the 1X1X1 cm cells. Computed results from the inhomogeneous chest model are compared with the homogeneous model.