Project Title:
Moving-Temperature-Gradient, Heat-Pipe Furnace Element for Low-Gravity Crystal Growth
15.01-6551
912233
Moving-Temperature-Gradient, Heat-Pipe Furnace Element for Low-Gravity Crystal Growth
Thermacore, Inc.
780 Eden Road
Lancaster
PA
17601
Nelson J.
Gernert
717-569-6551
MSFC
NAS8-39345
293
15.01-6551
912233
Abstract:
Moving-Temperature-Gradient, Heat-Pipe Furnace Element for Low-Gravity Crystal Growth
This innovation is a single element furnace for implementing directional solification
by the Bridgeman method. The furnace generates a moving thermal gradient by expanding
a non-condensible gas in a heat pipe furnace liner. The non-condensible gas is used
to block the flow of hot heat-pipe working fluid to that region, thus creating the
gradient. This furnace concept is completely static. The crystal and the furnace
remain in fixed positions during the growth process. Since there is no motion involved,
the furnace is compact. It also will help reduce vibrations that have an adverse
effect on the growth process. The objective of Phase I is to demonstrate the feasibility
of a moving gradient heat-pipe furnace (MGHPF) for material processing in space.
Feasibility will be demonstrated through the design, fabrication, and testing of
a furnace element.
The variable temperature gradient heat-pipe furnace element could offer significant
advancement to materials processing on earth or in space. It could be used for Czochralski
and Bridgeman crystal growth methods since control and operation of the furnace would
be greatly simplified and the versatility of the growth system increased.
heat pipe, crystal growth, furnace