USE OF BAFFLES IN CAVITY FLOW FOR THE SUPPRESSION OF THERMAL OSCILLATIONS UNDER MICROGRAVITY

The quality of crystals grown from melt depends on the flow field in t he melt. To simulate melt conditions, a finite element analysis is per formed on flow in a heated cavity under the driving forces of natural convection, thermocapillary effects and rotation. In addition, the gra vity field is modulated to simulate a microgravitational environment. The purpose for conducting this research is to determine whether the u se of baffles can effectively reduce convection and suppress temperatu re oscillations. The results show that the baffle is able to suppress convection and reduce the amplitude of the temperature oscillations wh en placed perpendicular to the modulation direction. Under crystal and crucible rotation, the results with and without baffles are similar. In all cases, baffles did not induce temperature oscillations. From th is study, it can be concluded that the effects of baffles on the flow behaviour depends greatly on the direction of gravity modulation and f requency.