Study and Simulation Analysis of Microwave Heating Performance of Magnetite Concrete Based on Random Aggregate Modeling

Radiation-shielding concrete, widely used in protective structures because of its effective shielding properties, employs magnetite aggregates to achieve higher compressive strength than conventional concrete. However, prolonged exposure to high temperatures leads to mechanical degradation. This study investigates the thermal evolution of magnetite concrete under microwave heating across varying temperatures (38-800 °C). A microwave oven was utilized for heating, and COMSOL Multiphysics was employed to establish an electromagnetic-thermal-mechanical coupled model, analyzing surface characteristics, temperature distribution, stress-strain behavior, and residual compressive strength. Results indicate that internal temperatures exceed surface temperatures during microwave heating, with a maximum temperature difference surpassing 150 °C at 800 °C. Compressive stresses predominantly arise in the mortar, while tensile stresses concentrate in aggregates and the interface transition zone, causing stress concentration. Mortar exhibits greater deformation than aggregates as temperatures increase. Simulated and experimental residual compressive strengths show strong agreement, with a maximum deviation of 7.58%. The most rapid mechanical deterioration occurs at 450-600 °C, marked by a residual compressive strength decline of 0.07 MPa/°C and the formation of penetrating cracks.