Assessment of spatial-average absorbed power density and peak temperature rise in skin model under localized electromagnetic exposure

Abstract

Overview

This study investigates the spatial-average absorbed power density (APD) and temperature rise in human skin models subjected to localized electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure. The research employs advanced numerical dosimetry using multi-layer models that include critical tissue components such as skin, fat, and muscle.

Methods

• Developed a synthetic blood vessel model and integrated it within multi-layer skin constructs.
• Performed electromagnetic computations over a frequency range of 3 to 30 GHz.
• Evaluated steady-state temperature increase using the Pennes bioheat transfer equation.
• Compared simulations both with and without vasculature variations and assessed different endpoint diameters.

Findings

• Effect of vascular modeling on peak spatial-averaged APD was found to be negligible.
• Influence on peak temperature rise due to vasculature was ~8% at 3 GHz, dropping below 3% above 6 GHz.
• Endpoint diameter effect was marginal on both APD and peak temperature rise.
• Observed variations were smaller than those caused by changes in tissue thickness, dielectric, or thermal properties.

Conclusion

Although the impact of vasculature on EMF-induced temperature increase is modest, its inclusion refines the accuracy of localized thermal distribution predictions. This suggests that future anatomical modeling for EMF safety should consider detailed vascular representation for enhanced dosimetry precision.