Numerical Model of Heat Transfer in the Rabbit Eye Exposed to 60-GHz Millimeter Wave Radiation

A numerical model of the anterior chamber of the rabbit eye is presented. The model takes into account both the fluid dynamics of the aqueous humor and the realistic boundary conditions at the interface of the cornea with the environment. The model is used to determine the temperature distribution and velocity field under 60-GHz millimeter wave radiation. The maximum predicted temperature (45.8°C for an incident power density of 475 mW/cm²) is in good agreement with experimental results. Moreover, the model shows that there is a value for the incident power density (about 100 mW/cm²) for which the direction of aqueous humor flow due to buoyancy is inverted, because of the inversion of the temperature gradient in the anterior chamber of the eye. This phenomenon has already been reported from experimental observations and can be numerically studied, if aqueous humor fluid dynamics are taken into account in the heat-transfer model.