Project Title:

Solution-Adaptive Transient Crystal Growth Model

94-1	15.01	4000		

Solution-Adaptive Transient Crystal Growth Model

Abstract:

Tec-Masters, Inc., proposes to develop a computer software for 
modeling transient crystal growth in microgravity an in ground-
based laboratories. The objective of the proposed effort is to 
integrate the state-of-the-art techniques in computational fluid 
dynamics, phase change dynamics, and heat transfer for the solution 
of transient problems in crystal growth. Our approach consists of 
modifying an in-house pressure-based, solution-adaptive grid, 
finite element code. Additions will include: implementation of the 
proper interface boundary conditions and interphase transfer 
mechanisms for vertical Bridgman-Stockbarger crystal growth. The 
transient convective diffusive participating liquid-solid boundary 
problem will be solved using a solution-adaptive finite element 
technique that has flow physics built into numerical criteria to 
control the grid points.
In its final form the application of the software will allow the 
users to predict three-dimensional transient crystal solidification 
process with diffusion, convection and radiation. The software will 
have significant commercial utility to plan, design and analyze 
related flight experiments and equipment. Benefits of our 
innovation include: Suitability of moving grid software for 
transient crystal growth, and rapid computation of results in a 
small fraction of the computer resources required with conventional 
fixed-grid software.

Commercial firms that plan to ground-test and fly an experiment 
need a predictive software tool to plan, design, and build their 
apparatus. The software developed from this effort will provide 
that need for design assistance, pre-flight analyses, and post-
flight data evaluation.

Key Words 

Tec-Masters, Incorporated
1500 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 320
Huntsville, Alabama 35806