On 20/05/16 11:23, Tim Streater wrote:
In article , The Natural Philosopher
wrote:

On 19/05/16 19:37, Tim Streater wrote:
In article , Chris Hogg
wrote:

I thought it was complete ******** too; it treats microwaves as if
they're tennis balls, but I'm no microwave expert. If it's not
********, and if microwaves can't leak out of a hole smaller than 12
cm. why all the fuss in the past about microwaves leaking around
ill-fitting doors, and why the need for a fine mesh across the window
in the door? If the article is OK, you barely need to shut the door,
let alone worry about leaks around the edge, and wide-mesh netting
would do in the window allowing a much better view of the contents.
What am I not understanding?

This issue is nothing specifically to do with microwaves. It relates to
*all* sorts of waves and their behaviour. Look up diffraction. I'd do
it meself, but SWMBO has just announced that the scoff is ready.

The issue us not diffraction, but reflection.

Chris was asking why you couldn't just use wide-mesh netting. I'm
saying that considerable energy can diffract through that (apparently),
even if the mesh size is less than the wavelength.

Its the same issue as a half silvered mirror.

It doesn't reflect 100%. Diffraction is not really relevant.



--
€œIt is hard to imagine a more stupid decision or more dangerous way of
making decisions than by putting those decisions in the hands of people
who pay no price for being wrong.€�

Thomas Sowell