FEM modeling of SAR distribution and temperature increase in human brain from RF exposure

SUMMARY The assessment of radiofrequency exposure level and the exposure setup are critical, because if the exposure levels (related to frequency, power, position, and other variables) are not known, the biological results are not meaningful. In this regard, this study aims to design, implement, and analyze numerical setups for the simulations of radiofrequency exposure related specific absorption rate and temperature increase in the human brain and head. For this purpose, specific models for human head and telephone antenna are chosen, and the FEM is selected for solving PDEs related to electromagnetic wave equations and bioheat equation. After the verification of the methodology chosen by achieving comparable results with the literature, the scope of the study is then turned to the effects of different parameters on the exposure levels. In the end, comprehensive information can be obtained from the simulation results so that risk management policies for electromagnetic radiation can be reevaluated to minimize the possible health hazards. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. This study has aimed to design, implement, and analyze numerical setups for the simulations of RF exposure related SAR and temperature increase in human brain and head. For this purpose, specific models for human head and telephone antenna are chosen; and the Finite Element Method (FEM) has been selected for solving partial differential equations related to electromagnetic wave equations and bioheat equation. After the comparable results are obtained with the literature, the study is turned to the effects of different parameters on the exposure levels.