Mathematical Modelling of Microwave Cooking of Thin Potato Disks (WHITTAKERR_U26EMP)
Key Details
- Application deadline
- 31 March 2026. Project is open to Home applicants only.
- Location
- UEA
- Funding type
- Self-funded
- Start date
- 1 June 2026
- Mode of study
- Full-time
- Programme type
- Masters by Research
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Project description
Primary supervisor - Dr Robert Whittaker
Manufacturers of thin potato-based snacks are interested in developing healthier cooking methods than the traditional oil frying. One option they are keen to explore is using microwaves. Experiments with circular potato disks running on a belt through a microwave field show some promise. But despite a relatively uniform intensity of the applied electromagnetic field, the disks do not cook evenly; regions at the sides remain under-cooked relative to the middle.
Some initial mathematical modelling work was undertaken at a Study Group in 2023 [1,2]. This project aims to extend this work to gain a fuller understanding of the phenomenon and hopefully use the insight obtained to suggest possible remedies for the uneven cooking. A range of asymptotic (and potentially numerical) methods will be used to analyse the problem, exploiting the different horizontal and vertical length scales of the disks.
This project would be suitable for a student with a strong applied maths background. Experience of working with partial differential equations and vector calculus is essential, but no prior knowledge of electromagnetism is needed.
Entry requirements
The standard minimum entry requirement is 2:2 in Mathematics, or physics/engineering with a strong mathematical background.
Funding
This project is offered on a self-funding basis. It is open to applicants with funding or those applying to funding sources. Details of tuition fees can be found here.
A bench fee is also payable in addition to the tuition fee to cover specialist equipment or laboratory costs required for the research. Applicants should contact the primary supervisor for further information about the fee associated with the project.
UEA Alumni 10% Scholarships - A scholarship of a 10% fee reduction is available to UEA Alumni looking to return for postgraduate study at UEA, Terms and conditions apply. For a postgraduate master’s loan, visit our Postgraduate Student Loans page for more information.
References
[1] European Study Group with Industry 171, ICMS / University of Edinburgh, 17-21 July 2023. https://www.icms.org.uk/workshops/2023/european-study-group-industry-esgi-171
[2] CJ Budd, PS Piva, MD Shirley, RJ Whittaker (2023), Microwave cooking of thin potato discs, Mathematics in Industry Reports. https://doi.org/10.33774/miir-2023-mxttp