Numerical modeling of time-dependent three-dimensional flows and heat and mass transfer in a cylindrical liquid bridge in the absence of gravity

Numerical modeling of the temperature distribution, the velocity fields, and the dopant (Ge:Si) concentration during germanium crystal growth by the floating zone method under microgravity is carried out. The time-dependent three-dimensional problem is solved using the difference method. The deformations of the free surface of a liquid bridge and of crystallization and melting fronts are neglected. The relaxation of axisymmetric flow regimes to a steady state is observed, whereas the unsteadiness of three-dimensional flows develops with time.