Numerical-simulation of Crystal-growth in a Vertical Bridgman Furnace

Abstract The method of global calculation of heat transfer is applied to the numerical simulation of crystal growth in a vertical Bridgman furnace. More specifically, we consider the Mellen electro-dynamic gradient furnace, where a large number of heating elements allow one to generate arbitrary temperature fields within the load. We take full account of the various types of heat transfer radiation within axisymmetric enclosures, gas convection, semi-transparent bodies, heat conduction, solidification heat and natural convection in the melt. By means of the global analysis, it is possible to obtain a full description of the temperature field in terms of a limited number of parameters. We also show the importance of a precise measurement of material parameters.