Thermal analysis of a multipurpose furnace for material processing in space

Abstract

A multipurpose furnace has been designed to demonstrate the potential of material processing in outer space. This paper describes the furnace and accessory package designed to meet the requirements of directional solidification. The methodology for producing high gradients for crystal growing is explored in terms of the impact of devices used for mechanical implementation of these requirements such as heat pipes and gas injection. The use of auxiliary heaters is discussed as a means of sharpening the axial gradients. Nomenclature A = area a = aperture radius