Project Title:

Development of a Simulation Tool for CGF-Based Experiments

Computer Aided Process Engineering, Inc.
26 Sevland Road
Newton, MA 02159

93-115.01   1010    __      AMOUNT REQUESTED $69,359

Development of a Simulation Tool for CGF-Based Experiments

Abstract:

A comprehensive simulation tool for crystal growth experiments
based on the NASA Crystal Growth Furnace (CGF) is to be developed.
The simulator will be modular and will consist of numerical models
of the CGF,charge cartridge,and crystal growth process. The
computational modules will be seamlessly integrated into a single
platform equipped with powerful graphics user interfaces. The
simulator will capture the detailed geometry of the furnace and
cartridge, and will rigorously model radiative interactions
involving semi-transparent media. The crystal growth model will
provide for dynamic simulation of the solidification process
tracking evolution of the crystal-melt interface, temperature and
thermal stresses in the crystal, and dopant concentration in the
melt. The simulator is envisaged to be a stand-alone computational
facility accessible over data networks,providing researchers
capability to conduct high-fidelity large-scale simulation of
crystal growth experiments in space without becoming involved with
details of the computational tasks.

Development of a robust modular simulator for space-based
solidification experiments will lead to development and marketing
of similar tools for the commercial producers of II-VI and III-V
crystals. The commercial products are expected significantly reduce
cost of designing crystal growth hardware as well as improving
process diagnostics leading to higher yield.

Crystal growth, semiconductors, modelling, simulator, CGF