Fluid flow formation resulting from forced vibration of a growing crystal

A characteristic type of convection in the liquid phase near a growing crystal subject to low frequency vibration has been identified. Results of the present investigation show that these vortex flows represent a new type of steady flow which is induced by vibration. The form, dimensions and intensity of the flow in connection with vibrational parameters and dynamic properties of liquid have been studied. The effects of vibrational convection on the heat and mass transfer in crystal growth by different techniques are analyzed. As an example, the results on the growth by the Czochralski technique of a sodium nitrate crystal subject to vibrations with amplitudes from 0.005 to 0.5 mm and frequencies up to 100 Hz are presented.