Simulation studies of the hydrodynamics in high-temperature solutions for crystal growth. VI. Temperature fluctuations at the crystal/liquid interface

The temperature fluctuations at the crystal/liquid interface have been studied using model liquids. The character of the fluctuations varied depending on whether in the liquid there was only free convection or both free and forced convections were simultaneously present. It has been established that in the second case the amplitude of fluctuations is determined mainly by the rate of the resultant convection flow and the liquid viscosity. A maximum amplitude of fluctuations is observed at a resultant flow rate w_fl = O when the free and forced convections proceed in opposite directions, and at w_fl = min when both convection flows have the same direction. Larger amplitudes of temperature fluctuations are registered in low-viscosity liquids. The conditions under which a flat crystal/liquid interface showing no temperature fluctuations should be formed have been determined for crystal diameters of 10, 15 and 20 mm, respectively.