The baffle may help to distribute the microwaves evenly around the oven, or to keep splattered food out of the magnetron, or both. Microwave ovens also often have fans in front of the magnetron opening into the oven cavity. The purpose of these isn't to cool the magnetron, but to serve as rotating microwave reflectors. These keep the oven from having "hot spots" and "cold spots" due to standing waves, and help the food cook more evenly.
Vickie
-----Original Message-----
From: Forum for Physics Educators on behalf of Bernard Cleyet
Sent: Wed 10/13/2004 11:27 AM
To: PHYS-L@LISTS.NAU.EDU
Subject: Microwave questions:
People!
In microwave mischiefing, I discovered ovens have a baffle in front of
the magnetron output. What's its purpose, and will removing it have a
deleterious effect on the magnetron ?
Is there an easy method to synchronize magnetrons, i.e. without redesign.