Engineering Papers⌕ Search

Engineering topics

Witt, A. F.

Publications and source records attributed to Witt, A. F..

33 records · Page 2
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1982

Heat transfer analysis of the Bridgman-Stockbarger configuration for crystal growth. Part 1: Analytical treatment of the axial temperature distribution

All first order effects on the axial temperature distribution in a solidifying charge in a Bridgman-Stockbarger configuration for crystal growth are analyzed on the basis of a one dimensional model whose validity can be verified through comparison with published finite difference ana;uses of two dimensional models. The model presented includes an insulated region between axially aligned heat pipes and considers the effects of charge diameter, charge motion, thickness, and thermal conductivity of a confining crucible, thermal conductivity change at the crystal-melt interface, generation of latent heat at the interface, and finite charge length. Results are primarily given in analytical form and can be used without recourse to computer work for both improve furnace design and optimization of growth conditions in a given thermal configuration.

Jasinski, T. J.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Solidification (crystal growth) in the presence of gravitational forces

The surface tension behavior of doped and undoped InSb melts was investigated as well as their temperature and composition dependence. Surface tension in InSb melts was determined using the sessile-drop technique covering the temperature range from 530 C to 880 C. A linear regression of the data obtained shows that the temperature dependence of sigma is 392- (T-530) x (7000) plus or minus 10 dyne/cm. The d sigma/d Tau for intrinsics InSb is less than that previously reported. On the basis of the surface tension data obtained, it is concluded that surface tension induced convective flow velocities in InSb under reduced gravity conditions range from zero to at most 1 cm/sec. Accordingly, no interference with dopant segregation can be expected during growth in space because the momentum boundary layer (at the crystal melt interface) associated with any Marangoni-type convective flows would, at the given growth rate, be significantly larger than the predicted diffusion boundary layer thickness.

Gatos, H. C.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Materials science experiments in space

The criteria for the selection of the experimental areas and individual experiments were that the experiment or area must make a meaningful contribution to the field of material science and that the space environment was either an absolute requirement for the successful execution of the experiment or that the experiment can be more economically or more conveniently performed in space. A number of experimental areas and individual experiments were recommended for further consideration as space experiments. Areas not considered to be fruitful and others needing additional analysis in order to determine their suitability for conduct in space are also listed. Recommendations were made concerning the manner in which these materials science experiments are carried out and the related studies that should be pursued.

Gelles, S. H.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Quantitative determination of zero-gravity effects on electronic materials processing germanium crystal growth with simultaneous interface demarcation. Experiment MA-060

Experiment MA-060 was designed to establish the crystal growth and segregation characteristics of a melt in a directional solidification configuration under near zero-g conditions. The interface demarcation technique was incorporated into the experiment since it constitutes a unique tool for recording the morphology of the growth rate throughout solidification, and for establishing an absolute time reference framework for all stages of the solidification process. An extensive study was performed of the germanium crystals grown during the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project mission. It was found that single crystal growth was achieved and that the interface demarcation functioned successfully. There was no indication that convection driven by thermal or surface tension gradients was present in the melt. The gallium segregation, in the absence of gravity, was found to be fundamentally different in its initial and its subsequent stages from that of the ground-based tests. None of the existing theoretical models for growth and segregation can account for the observed segregation behavior in the absence of gravity.

Gatos, H. C.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Quantitative determination of zero-gravity effects on crystal growth from the melt (experiment MA-060)

The purpose of experiment MA-060 was to investigate quantitatively the effects of near-zero gravity conditions on crystal growth and dopant segregation during directional solidification from the melt. Gallium-doped germanium single crystals were successfully grown from the melt with simultaneous interface demarcation during the Apollo Soyuz Test Project mission. The analysis of the experimental data indicates striking differences of dopant segregation and growth behavior in the presence and absence of gravity. The results obtained are believed to have far-reaching implications on materials processing under zero-gravity conditions and on the theory of crystal growth and segregation in general.

Gatos, H. C.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Interface markings in crystals experiment MA-060

Doped germanium single crystals with interface demarcation were successfully grown during the Apollo Soyuz Test Project mission. Interface demarcation permitted the determination of the microscopic growth behavior from the onset to the termination of solidification. Preliminary segregation analysis shows striking differences in segregation in the presence of gravity. The correlation between microscopic growth rate behavior and the composition of the solid on the microscale is being evaluated.

Gatos, H. C.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Indium antimonide crystal growth experiment M562

It was established that ideal diffusion controlled steady state conditions, never accomplished on earth, were achieved during the growth of Te-doped InSb crystals in Skylab. Surface tension effects led to nonwetting conditions under which free surface solidification took place in confined geometry. It was further found that, under forced contact conditions, surface tension effects led to the formation of surface ridges (not previously observed on earth) which isolated the growth system from its container. In addition, it was possible, for the first time, to identify unambiguously: the origin of segregation discontinuities associated with facet growth, the mode of nucleation and propagation of rotational twin boundaries, and the specific effect of mechanical-shock perturbations on segregation. The results obtained prove the advantageous conditions provided by outer space. Thus, fundamental data on solidification thought to be unattainable because of gravity-induced interference on earth are now within reach.

Gatos, H. C.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Steady state growth and segregation under zero gravity: InSb

It was established that ideal diffusion controlled steady state conditions, never accomplished on earth, were achieved during the growth of Te-doped InSb crystals in Skylab. Surface tension effects were found to establish non-wetting conditions under which free surface solidification took place in confined geometry. It was further found that, under forced contact conditions, surface tension effects led to the formation of surface ridges (not previously observed on earth) which isolated the growth system from its container. In addition, it was possible for the first time to identify unambiguously: the origin of segregation discontinuities associated with facet growth, the mode of nucleation and propagation or rotational twin boundaries, and the specific effect of mechanical-shock perturbations on segregation. The results obtained prove the advantageous conditions provided by outer space. Thus, fundamental data on solidification thought to be unattainable because of gravity induced interference on earth are now within reach.

Witt, A. F.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Segregation behavior in a stationary vertical zone with converging interfaces - Pressure-induced segregation effects

Crystal growth and segregation were investigated in a confined vertical melt zone in which the upper solid-melt interface advanced under destabilizing and the lower interface under stabilizing thermal gradients. A technique reported by Kim et al. (1972) was used in the study. The experimental results are discussed, giving attention to interface morphology and growth rate and questions of dopant segregation. Dopant inhomogeneities formed simultaneously in both advancing interfaces can be explained on the basis of pressure induced segregation effects.

Kim, K. M.↗
NASA NTRS1971

Preparation of homogeneous vitreous materials for electronic and optical devices

Vitreous material builds up as series of solidified layers on inside walls of sealed quartz ampoule containing molten constituents of material, and forms well defined shapes to close dimensional tolerances. Ampoules are made of material which does not react with melt and has lower thermal expansion coefficient than solidified layer.

Gatos, H. C.↗