A 3D mathematical model of coupled heat and mass transfer describing oven roasting of meat has been developed
from first principles. The proposed mechanism for the mass transfer of water is modified and based on
a critical literature review of the effect of heat on meat. The model equations are based on a conservation of
mass and energy, coupled through Darcy's equations of porous media — the water flow is mainly pressuredriven.
The developed model together with theoretical and experimental assessments were used to explain
the heat andwater transport and the effect of the change inmicrostructure (permeability,water binding capacity
and elastic modulus) that occur during the meat roasting process. The developed coupled partial differential
equations were solved by using COMSOL Multiphysics®3.5 and state variables are predicted as functions of
both position and time. The proposed mechanism was partially validated by experiments in a convection oven
where temperatures were measured online.