Modeling of transport and solidification processes in vertical Bridgman crystal growth systems

In a vertical Bridgman crystal growth system, modeling of the transport processes is needed at three different levels. These three levels, namely, furnace heat transfer, transport and phase change dynamics inside the ampoule containing the melt, and interfacial characteristics at morphological scales, are addressed. Calculations were conducted for heat transfer and natural convection characteristics in encapsulating fluid between the heat source and the ampoule. Convection heat transfer and phase change results have been obtained using an Enthalpy based formulation for phase change. These calculations provide insights into the convection heat transfer characteristics associated with the vertical Bridgman configuration